Comic Title: Batman #85
Publisher: DC (National Comics Publications, Inc.)
Address: 480 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Cover Date: August 1954
Approx. On Sale Date: June 2, 1954 Copyright Date May 31, 1954
Source: Library of Congress, Periodicals 1954
Until 1958 DC did not report actual on sale dates to the copyright office
The publication dates listed in LoC records are NOT release dates.

Frequency: Monthly, with the exception of Jan., May, July, and Nov.
Cover Price: $0.10
Page Count: 40
Editor: Jack Schiff

Title: "Batman -- Clown of Crime"
Pages: 10

Feature(s):
Batman (of Earth-1)

Writer: David Vern Reed
Penciller: Sheldon Moldoff
Inker: Charles Paris

Reprinted In:
Batman #182 (1966)
Joker:A Celebration of 75 Years HC (2014)
Batman:The Golden Age Omnibus Vol. 9 HC (2021)

Feature Character(s)

• Batman (last appearance in World's Finest Comics #71; next appearance in Batman #85)

Supporting Character(s)

• Robin (last appearance in World's Finest Comics #71; next appearance in Batman #85)
• Alfred Pennyworth (last appearance in Detective Comics #209; next appearance in Batman #87)
• Commissioner Gordon (last appearance in Detective Comics #209; next appearance in Batman #85)

Villain(s)

• Joker (first Earth-1 appearance; next appearance in Batman #86)
• Joker's men (no further appearances)
• Tiny Harper and his gang (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Dr. Rayburn (no further appearances)

Comments:
This is the first story of the Earth-1 period to feature the Joker. There is virtually no difference between the Joker of Earth-1 and Earth-2, so this will be considered the first appearance of the Earth-1 version. Batman has clearly encountered the Joker on previous occasions before this story. Appearances which take place chronologically prior to this story will be noted when they occur.

Synopsis:
When the Joker is paroled from prison, Batman keeps an eye on him, suspecting that the Clown Prince intends to return to crime. Batman follows his foe into a laboratory. By accident both Batman and the Joker are exposed to epsilon rays which cause them to exchange personalities.

While Robin seeks a cure for Batman's predicament, the Joker contacts the underworld. Since he has Batman's body he offers to expose the secret identity of the Caped Crusader for a million dollars. Batman, stuck in the Joker's own body, works to stop his foe. He befuddles police by catching crooks, then prevents the Joker from giving away his secret. Robin eventually comes through with a cure. Then the two foes are restored to their own bodies.