Crooks are people of habit! If a trick works once, they keep on repeating it, even after they're caught and serve time. 
- — Batman
Batman #31 is an issue of the series Batman (Volume 1) with a cover date of October, 1945.
Synopsis for "Punch and Judy"
Batman and Robin learn of the illegal activities of a carnival run by an odd couple who can't stop fighting each other: Punch and Judy. Batman and Robin get rid of most of the couple's accomplices and the couple decide to invite the Dynamic Duo to be part of their show. During the stunt, Batman is pulled on a plane and Robin is knocked unconscious while a man called Pete steals from Punch and Judy. Batman manages to glide downwards and capture the thief and afterwards the police arrest Punch and Judy for attempted robbery.
Appearing in "Punch and Judy"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Punch (First appearance)
- Judy (First appearance)
- Pete (Single appearance)
Locations:
Synopsis for "Alfred, Armchair Detective"
After he reads a story about a detective that could solve crimes from his chair, Alfred tries to emulate the man, but he is soon captured by some criminals. Despite his dire situation, Alfred finds a way to capture the crooks unintentionally.
Appearing in "Alfred, Armchair Detective"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Stubby Stubbs (Single appearance)
- Willie (Single appearance)
Locations:
Synopsis for "Vanishing Village"
Batman and Robin learn of a village in Florida that has simply vanished. Following the trail of a well known criminal of Gotham City, Batman arrives at Florida and poses as Knuckles Donegan to be allowed to enter the vanished village, which is run by several criminals and has been hidden on purpose by them, to operate undetected. Once inside, Batman contacts Robin, who in turns notifies to the local authorities about the trick and a short time later, the police arrives and arrests the entire gang. Batman and Robin are almost victims of a deadly trap involving carnibore plants, but they managed to escape and on their way back to Gotham, they capture the real Knuckles Donegan.
Appearing in "Vanishing Village"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Knuckles Donegan (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Slick (Single appearance)
- Weasel (Single appearance)
Locations:
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "Trade Marks of Crime"
A series of robberies take place in Gotham City and Batman investigates the cases. The modus operandi used by the criminals seem to match those of some well-known thugs, who are taken to the GCPD Headquarters for interrogation. After Batman and Robin have captured all possible suspects, the crimes continue and Commissioner Gordon deduces that someone else is involved. He suspects of the cleaning lady that works in the storage room of the GCPD. After a quick interrogation, Batman and Robin learn that the old lady is actually the mastermind behind it all as she has been using the police files to emulate the "trade marks" of criminals. In the end, Commissioner Gordon arrests the old lady and the real criminals are also placed under police custody.
Appearing in "Trade Marks of Crime"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Gotham City Police Department
- Commissioner Gordon
- Officer Ryan (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Mamie Dalling (Single appearance)
- Joe Swandi (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- John Staddon (Single appearance)
- Big Tim Stevens (Single appearance)
- Nipper Swarvo (Single appearance)
Locations:
Vehicles:
- Batboat (Not yet named)
Notes
- The entire issue is reprinted in Batman: The Dark Knight Archives Vol 7.
- "Alfred, Armchair Detective" is reprinted in:
- "Trade Marks of Crime" is reprinted in Limited Collectors' Edition #C-44.
Trivia
- In "Punch and Judy", Batman glides for the first time using some cape attachments webbed in his arms and legs.
See Also