The 20th appearance of The Batman took place in the September 1940 issue of Detective Comics issue 43. The cover featured a tied-up Robin in a boat with some gangsters while Batman swoops in to save him.
Detective Comics issue 43 is another straight by the numbers formulaic story, repetitive of several we have seen recently in the Batman in Order series: Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson have gone on a cross-country vacation when they stop for a night at a hotel in an unnamed small town. They quickly discover that the new mayor of the town rules it like a dictator using the police force to enforce his will on the townspeople.
Bruce Wayne changes into the Batman to go to a local well-respected businessman in town to get some answers only to discover that, he too, is being afflicted by the corrupt government.
Batman agrees to help the businessman, and the town overcome the corrupt government and police force.
Batman and Robin then start investigating the shady deals the current mayor is involved with and have several physical run-ins with his police force and henchmen.
Finally, with the help of a youth brigade and Dick Grayson (Robin), they publish a subversive newspaper and call a town meeting where Batman formulates a plan to reestablish a lawful leadership and police force for the town.
Batman and Robin are successful in defeating the corruption riddled town which goes so far as to erect a statue to Batman and Robin. Meanwhile, Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne are shown leaving town to continue on their cross country vacation.
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The Batman Timeline and Chronology:
03-30-1939: 1st Appearance of The Batman & Commissioner Gordon. Detective Comics issue 27.
06-1939: Batman swings from building to building with a rope for the first time. Detective Comics issue 28.
07-1939: The Utility Belt is used for the first time.
09-1939: Fiancée Julie Madison is introduced. First Bat-Copter / Bat-Plane
10-1939: Batman uses a gun to kill The Monk.
11-1939: Batman kills Dr. Kruger by causing his plane to crash after knocking him out with gas. Origin of Batman.
12-1939: Batman is depicted holding a smoking gun. Commissioner Gordon returns.
02-1940: First appearance of Prof. Hugo Strange.
04-1940: First appearance of Robin (Dick Grayson). Robin kills a mobster.
04-1940: First appearance of the Joker and Catwoman (AKA: The Cat).
06-1940: First appearance of Clayface.
Batman Kill Count: 16
Robin Kill Count: 1
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