Batman #55: The Case of the 48 Jokers

Quick answer

Batman #55: The Case of the 48 Jokers stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1949-10-01 cover date create a distinct entry point into Batman. Readers can use it to jump from this issue into Alfred Pennyworth, Batman, Casey the Cop, Nightwing (Dick Grayson) and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

The Case of the 48 Jokers! (Batman, Robin, Joker / written by Bill Finger, pencilled by Dick Sprang, inked by Stan Kaye)What is the Joker Syndicate up to? Note there are only 48 states to take over. Bruce Wayne, Rookie Policeman: (penciled by Bob Kane, inked by Charles Paris, lettered by Ira Schnapp) The Longshoreman Kid commanded a criminal gang and became a noteworthy arrest in the annals of the Gotham City Police Department. The arrest was made by Bruce Wayne, who was serving as a temporary officer, fulfilling the promise he'd made to a dying cop. Wayne had to use a policeman's gear and skills without giving away his superior training as Batman.' from The Essential Batman Encyclopedia. Fluffy (gag strip by Phil Berube) Stay in School : Give Yourself a Chance (public service message by Buzzy / written by Jack Schiff) It's Your Future (text article with illustrations) Casey the Cop (gag strip by Henry Boltinoff) The Bandit of the Bells! (Pencilled by Bob Kane, penciled and inked by Charles Paris, lettered by Ira Schnapp)

Characters listed for this issue

Alfred PennyworthThe man who raised Batman. Ex-SAS, current butler, permanent father figure. The only one who…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

B

BatmanOpen this Gotham Vault character file to see linked appearances, story arcs, and related com…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

C

Casey the CopOpen this Gotham Vault character file to see linked appearances, story arcs, and related com…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Nightwing (Dick Grayson)The first Robin, all grown up. Acrobat, detective, leader. The best of Batman without the da…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Commissioner Gordon (James Gordon)The one good cop in a corrupt city. Keeps the GCPD running and the Bat-Signal lit. Never los…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

The JokerThe Clown Prince of Crime. Gotham's chaos agent. No one knows his real story, and that's the…VIEW APPEARANCES ›