The following story and photos  are from Giant Panda King's book,  
The following story and photos  are from Giant Panda King's book,  

Gotham 1919-1939 by Russall S. Beattie,  available from www.giantpandaking.com.
Gotham 1919-1939 by Russall S. Beattie,  available from www.giantpandaking.com.

Viewer discretion is advised.
Viewer discretion is advised.

Gotham’s law enforcement saw a  new era of justice in the 1920s.  
Gotham’s law enforcement saw a  new era of justice in the 1920s.  

When J Edgar Hoover became the leader  of the Bureau Of Investigation,  
When J Edgar Hoover became the leader  of the Bureau Of Investigation,  

or as it would later be known, the FBI, he began  to wage war on the American criminal underworld.  
or as it would later be known, the FBI, he began  to wage war on the American criminal underworld.  

His career saw the arrests of John Dillinger,  “Baby Face” Nelson, and many others,  
His career saw the arrests of John Dillinger,  “Baby Face” Nelson, and many others,  

but he could never quite pin down the criminals  in Gotham City. His obsession with Gotham and  
but he could never quite pin down the criminals  in Gotham City. His obsession with Gotham and  

the Bat-Man put a lot of pressure on Gotham  City’s police department. The BOI’s casefile  
the Bat-Man put a lot of pressure on Gotham  City’s police department. The BOI’s casefile  

on the Bat-Man always seemed to be empty, mocking  them with its minuscule information. Many in the  
on the Bat-Man always seemed to be empty, mocking  them with its minuscule information. Many in the  

organization believed the vigilante had government  backing of some kind, but nothing was ever proven.  
organization believed the vigilante had government  backing of some kind, but nothing was ever proven.  

Gotham was unique - many of its criminals  achieved celebrity status among Gotham’s  
Gotham was unique - many of its criminals  achieved celebrity status among Gotham’s  

citizens.In addition, William Randolph Hearst’s  news empire ran daily coverage on violent crime  
citizens.In addition, William Randolph Hearst’s  news empire ran daily coverage on violent crime  

in America, shocking and titillating  many listeners. A fair share of Gotham’s  
in America, shocking and titillating  many listeners. A fair share of Gotham’s  

criminals were dubbed “supervillains” and became  household names. The Bat-Man’s battles with his  
criminals were dubbed “supervillains” and became  household names. The Bat-Man’s battles with his  

“Rogues Gallery” made them seem almost like  the highly popular radio plays of the time.  
“Rogues Gallery” made them seem almost like  the highly popular radio plays of the time.  

Gotham also saw an influx of immigration as well  as Americans relocating from the Southern states.  
Gotham also saw an influx of immigration as well  as Americans relocating from the Southern states.  

Gotham culture became a mixture  of many different cultures,  
Gotham culture became a mixture  of many different cultures,  

as was often the case in America. This sudden  influx caused numerous problems for the GCPD,  
as was often the case in America. This sudden  influx caused numerous problems for the GCPD,  

such as understaffing issues and  rampant petty crimes going unpunished.  
such as understaffing issues and  rampant petty crimes going unpunished.  

It also gave rise to many white  nationalist secret societies in Gotham.
It also gave rise to many white  nationalist secret societies in Gotham.

Well before the Bat appeared in Gotham, a young  rookie joined the Gotham City Police Department.  
Well before the Bat appeared in Gotham, a young  rookie joined the Gotham City Police Department.  

The youngest child of Irish immigrants, James  Gordon was the only one of his brothers to  
The youngest child of Irish immigrants, James  Gordon was the only one of his brothers to  

survive the Great War. While he was not the  only veteran to return home from those horrors,  
survive the Great War. While he was not the  only veteran to return home from those horrors,  

he was one of the few who felt he still had  more fight in him upon his return. James  
he was one of the few who felt he still had  more fight in him upon his return. James  

found a desire to serve and protect his city,  and saw the corruption seeded throughout it.  
found a desire to serve and protect his city,  and saw the corruption seeded throughout it.  

He quickly earned a reputation among his  fellow officers as a fair but tough cop.  
He quickly earned a reputation among his  fellow officers as a fair but tough cop.  

Many small-time crooks had bruises to show  for their attempted bribery of Officer Gordon.  
Many small-time crooks had bruises to show  for their attempted bribery of Officer Gordon.  

He also had little tolerance for racism  and bigotry, his parents having been  
He also had little tolerance for racism  and bigotry, his parents having been  

immigrants themselves. Jim may have been one  of only a few good men working for the city,  
immigrants themselves. Jim may have been one  of only a few good men working for the city,  

but one good man would be enough for the Bat-Man.
but one good man would be enough for the Bat-Man.

During those early days of Gordon’s career, the  city was ravaged by gang wars between the Falcone,  
During those early days of Gordon’s career, the  city was ravaged by gang wars between the Falcone,  

Thorne, and Penguin gangs. Carmine Falcone had  started a gang with his brothers, modeled after  
Thorne, and Penguin gangs. Carmine Falcone had  started a gang with his brothers, modeled after  

the Sicilian mob in Chicago and New York. The  Falcone Crime Family held most of the power in the  
the Sicilian mob in Chicago and New York. The  Falcone Crime Family held most of the power in the  

early days of Gotham’s underworld until Carmine’s  death in 1924 during the Gotham Gang Wars.
early days of Gotham’s underworld until Carmine’s  death in 1924 during the Gotham Gang Wars.

The rest of the Falcone family was either  arrested by the GCPD, or fled Gotham altogether.  
The rest of the Falcone family was either  arrested by the GCPD, or fled Gotham altogether.  

Rupert Thorne was the corrupt city treasurer  for Gotham, and had his hands in every facet  
Rupert Thorne was the corrupt city treasurer  for Gotham, and had his hands in every facet  

of the criminal underworld. His political  career was simply a means to an end for him,  
of the criminal underworld. His political  career was simply a means to an end for him,  

and he considered himself untouchable.  Thorne had links to organized crime and  
and he considered himself untouchable.  Thorne had links to organized crime and  

Gotham’s elite families, as well as some of  Gotham’s white nationalist secret societies.  
Gotham’s elite families, as well as some of  Gotham’s white nationalist secret societies.  

One of the Bat-Man’s first targets upon  his appearance in Gotham was to topple  
One of the Bat-Man’s first targets upon  his appearance in Gotham was to topple  

Thorne’s political standing. He accomplished this  through lobbying efforts via Wayne Enterprises,  
Thorne’s political standing. He accomplished this  through lobbying efforts via Wayne Enterprises,  

and destroying his underworld  protection as the Dark Knight.
and destroying his underworld  protection as the Dark Knight.

After this, Thorne became a fully-fledged  gangster, running his own small operation.  
After this, Thorne became a fully-fledged  gangster, running his own small operation.  

He was eventually arrested, realizing he  was in over his head during the Gang Wars.  
He was eventually arrested, realizing he  was in over his head during the Gang Wars.  

The disgraced politician and mobster eventually  turned himself in to the Bat-Man and the GCPD.
The disgraced politician and mobster eventually  turned himself in to the Bat-Man and the GCPD.

The Penguin was a constant pain to the GCPD.  
The Penguin was a constant pain to the GCPD.  

He had an alibi for every accusation and  the money to hire lawyers for every case.  
He had an alibi for every accusation and  the money to hire lawyers for every case.  

Cobblepot was new blood in Gotham’s gang  scene, and the victor in the Gotham Gang Wars.  
Cobblepot was new blood in Gotham’s gang  scene, and the victor in the Gotham Gang Wars.  

His readiness to adapt to the change present in  Gotham was what solidified his standing there.
His readiness to adapt to the change present in  Gotham was what solidified his standing there.

In 1925, after many years of service, Commissioner  O’Hara, the police commissioner at the time,  
In 1925, after many years of service, Commissioner  O’Hara, the police commissioner at the time,  

decided to step down. O’Hara was not a  corrupt man, nor was he ill-intentioned,  
decided to step down. O’Hara was not a  corrupt man, nor was he ill-intentioned,  

but he was not young. He no longer had the  enthusiasm or stamina needed for the job.  
but he was not young. He no longer had the  enthusiasm or stamina needed for the job.  

He saw those qualities that he lacked in  one of his younger captains, James Gordon.  
He saw those qualities that he lacked in  one of his younger captains, James Gordon.  

His last decision as acting commissioner was to  promote Captain Gordon to Commissioner of GCPD.  
His last decision as acting commissioner was to  promote Captain Gordon to Commissioner of GCPD.  

This sparked the beginning  of a new era in the GCPD.  
This sparked the beginning  of a new era in the GCPD.  

Gordon was the Bat-Man’s inside man,  and the two reached an agreement.  
Gordon was the Bat-Man’s inside man,  and the two reached an agreement.  

The Bat would clean the streets of Gotham, and  the GCPD would make sure they stayed that way.  
The Bat would clean the streets of Gotham, and  the GCPD would make sure they stayed that way.  

Not long after this agreement was reached,  however, Jim almost quit because of the  
Not long after this agreement was reached,  however, Jim almost quit because of the  

paralysis inflicted on his daughter by the  Joker. Barbara convinced her father to stay in  
paralysis inflicted on his daughter by the  Joker. Barbara convinced her father to stay in  

active duty for the sake of the city, as he was  so close to bringing actual change to the city.  
active duty for the sake of the city, as he was  so close to bringing actual change to the city.  

Soon after, the infamous “Bat-Signal” was  erected on the roof of the GCPD headquarters.  
Soon after, the infamous “Bat-Signal” was  erected on the roof of the GCPD headquarters.  

It was a way for the police to contact the  Bat-Man, and a reminder to the criminal  
It was a way for the police to contact the  Bat-Man, and a reminder to the criminal  

element that the Bat was watching. Jim Gordon  also had decent support within his police force  
element that the Bat was watching. Jim Gordon  also had decent support within his police force  

in Detectives Harvey Bullock and Renee Montoya.  Harvey was loud, mean, and lazy. He also was  
in Detectives Harvey Bullock and Renee Montoya.  Harvey was loud, mean, and lazy. He also was  

known to visit the occasional speakeasy or  plant evidence to aid the GCPD in arrests.  
known to visit the occasional speakeasy or  plant evidence to aid the GCPD in arrests.  

Bullock was often at odds with the Commissioner  due to his support of the Bat and other costumed  
Bullock was often at odds with the Commissioner  due to his support of the Bat and other costumed  

vigilantes, but he respected Gordon  more than anyone else on the force.  
vigilantes, but he respected Gordon  more than anyone else on the force.  

He was also dependable and got  the job done, no matter what.  
He was also dependable and got  the job done, no matter what.  

Renee Montoya was very different from Bullock. She  was the first woman detective in the history of  
Renee Montoya was very different from Bullock. She  was the first woman detective in the history of  

the GCPD, so the pressure was already on, but on  top of that, her Hispanic heritage brought another  
the GCPD, so the pressure was already on, but on  top of that, her Hispanic heritage brought another  

level of discrimination from her colleagues.  We now know that Detective Montoya was also a  
level of discrimination from her colleagues.  We now know that Detective Montoya was also a  

lesbian, which she would have kept secret to  avoid further scrutiny. She would have felt  
lesbian, which she would have kept secret to  avoid further scrutiny. She would have felt  

pressured from every side to give up her badge,  but her courage and resilience kept her there.  
pressured from every side to give up her badge,  but her courage and resilience kept her there.  

When Montoya was partnered with Bullock by  Commissioner Gordon, Harvey was furious. Jim had  
When Montoya was partnered with Bullock by  Commissioner Gordon, Harvey was furious. Jim had  

little patience for Harvey’s casual racism, which  is why he paired the two, unfairly to Montoya.  
little patience for Harvey’s casual racism, which  is why he paired the two, unfairly to Montoya.  

Detective Bullock’s mentality changed drastically  during his time with her. For the little patience  
Detective Bullock’s mentality changed drastically  during his time with her. For the little patience  

Harvey had for Renee, she had even less for him.  Every bit of pushback he gave her was met by equal  
Harvey had for Renee, she had even less for him.  Every bit of pushback he gave her was met by equal  

force from her. She challenged him on his corrupt  and racist tendencies whenever she got the chance.  
force from her. She challenged him on his corrupt  and racist tendencies whenever she got the chance.  

The two of them eventually gained respect  for each other, and Harvey changed.  
The two of them eventually gained respect  for each other, and Harvey changed.  

They had each other’s backs, and the  two of them were an unstoppable team.  
They had each other’s backs, and the  two of them were an unstoppable team.  

As the relationship between the GCPD and the  Bat-Man grew, so did something else in the  
As the relationship between the GCPD and the  Bat-Man grew, so did something else in the  

shadows. Roman Sionis was born to one of the  newer wealthy families in the Gotham scene.  
shadows. Roman Sionis was born to one of the  newer wealthy families in the Gotham scene.  

The Sionis family gained their fortune from  cosmetics and their chain of drugstores.  
The Sionis family gained their fortune from  cosmetics and their chain of drugstores.  

Roman’s father, Charles, was  the figurehead for the company.  
Roman’s father, Charles, was  the figurehead for the company.  

Roman grew up in the same social circles as Bruce  Wayne, but Roman always resented Bruce and the  
Roman grew up in the same social circles as Bruce  Wayne, but Roman always resented Bruce and the  

seemingly perfect family dynamics of the Waynes.  Roman’s parents discouraged emotion and love,  
seemingly perfect family dynamics of the Waynes.  Roman’s parents discouraged emotion and love,  

choosing their fortune and social status over  them. Charles Sionis had a grudge with the Waynes  
choosing their fortune and social status over  them. Charles Sionis had a grudge with the Waynes  

as well; they had refused to join the FFS, an  organization formed by Charles with ugly roots.  
as well; they had refused to join the FFS, an  organization formed by Charles with ugly roots.  

In Gotham’s early years, some of Gotham’s elite  families banded together forming the False Face  
In Gotham’s early years, some of Gotham’s elite  families banded together forming the False Face  

Society, a White Nationalist organization  with connection to the KKK. They were not  
Society, a White Nationalist organization  with connection to the KKK. They were not  

the only one of these groups, but they  were one of the most prominent ones.  
the only one of these groups, but they  were one of the most prominent ones.  

The members of the FFS wore masks not only to  conceal their identities, but also to represent  
The members of the FFS wore masks not only to  conceal their identities, but also to represent  

their true selves. Their philosophy was that  the masks they wore were symbolic of the masks  
their true selves. Their philosophy was that  the masks they wore were symbolic of the masks  

common citizens wear in society, hiding their  true selves beneath false smiles and niceties.  
common citizens wear in society, hiding their  true selves beneath false smiles and niceties.  

By the time Charles had joined, however, their  numbers and finances were dwindling. The FFS  
By the time Charles had joined, however, their  numbers and finances were dwindling. The FFS  

eventually became less and less active over the  years. After Charles Sionis’ passing, Roman took  
eventually became less and less active over the  years. After Charles Sionis’ passing, Roman took  

on the family business, but soon found himself  in over his head. He knew little of prudence,  
on the family business, but soon found himself  in over his head. He knew little of prudence,  

and squandered the family fortune, simultaneously  running Sionis Cosmetics into the ground.  
and squandered the family fortune, simultaneously  running Sionis Cosmetics into the ground.  

With little left to his name, he turned to the  group that had welcomed his father with open arms.  
With little left to his name, he turned to the  group that had welcomed his father with open arms.  

The False Face Society welcomed him too, and his  youth and ambition eventually brought him to the  
The False Face Society welcomed him too, and his  youth and ambition eventually brought him to the  

top of the chain of leadership. By 1925, white  nationalist organizations were growing around  
top of the chain of leadership. By 1925, white  nationalist organizations were growing around  

the country. Roman saw groups like the KKK gain  6,000,000 new members with their second wave,  
the country. Roman saw groups like the KKK gain  6,000,000 new members with their second wave,  

as well as splinter groups form, such as the  Black Legion. He saw an opportunity to wield  
as well as splinter groups form, such as the  Black Legion. He saw an opportunity to wield  

real power for once, by manipulating the fear,  paranoia, and bigotry of his followers in the FFS.  
real power for once, by manipulating the fear,  paranoia, and bigotry of his followers in the FFS.  

He claimed that the Jewish and black population  in Gotham would overtake the white citizens  
He claimed that the Jewish and black population  in Gotham would overtake the white citizens  

and try to take control of the  country. Donning a new mask,  
and try to take control of the  country. Donning a new mask,  

one that resembled a skull, he took the name Black  Mask, feared leader of the False Face Society.  
one that resembled a skull, he took the name Black  Mask, feared leader of the False Face Society.  

Black Mask’s followers began numerous  strikes against Jewish and black citizens.  
Black Mask’s followers began numerous  strikes against Jewish and black citizens.  

Wayne Enterprises was also attacked. Black Mask  specifically targeted Wayne Enterprises because  
Wayne Enterprises was also attacked. Black Mask  specifically targeted Wayne Enterprises because  

of the fact that Lucius Fox, a black man, secretly  ran the company. It was a secret because of the  
of the fact that Lucius Fox, a black man, secretly  ran the company. It was a secret because of the  

racial tension in America at the time, although  it eventually became public after these events.  
racial tension in America at the time, although  it eventually became public after these events.  

The Wayne family would’ve been considered  progressive by the standards of their day for  
The Wayne family would’ve been considered  progressive by the standards of their day for  

hiring Lucius, although his importance was still  kept hidden from the public eye. Bruce Wayne left  
hiring Lucius, although his importance was still  kept hidden from the public eye. Bruce Wayne left  

the day-to-day leadership of the company to Lucius  because of his sharp mind and business skills.  
the day-to-day leadership of the company to Lucius  because of his sharp mind and business skills.  

Black Mask’s campaign against Mr.  Fox ended up being his downfall,  
Black Mask’s campaign against Mr.  Fox ended up being his downfall,  

as it allowed the GCPD and the Bat-Man to lay  a trap for the deplorable criminal leader.  
as it allowed the GCPD and the Bat-Man to lay  a trap for the deplorable criminal leader.  

Over time, and after losing numerous members  due to arrests, shootouts, and other various  
Over time, and after losing numerous members  due to arrests, shootouts, and other various  

circumstances, the False Face Society’s  resources again began to dwindle. Black Mask,  
circumstances, the False Face Society’s  resources again began to dwindle. Black Mask,  

becoming desperate, planned and attempted to  execute a bald-faced raid on Wayne Enterprises  
becoming desperate, planned and attempted to  execute a bald-faced raid on Wayne Enterprises  

to attack Lucius Fox. All that awaited him and  his followers was the Bat-Man and the GCPD.  
to attack Lucius Fox. All that awaited him and  his followers was the Bat-Man and the GCPD.  

After a scuffle, most of the remainder of the FFS  had been arrested. Black Mask managed to make it  
After a scuffle, most of the remainder of the FFS  had been arrested. Black Mask managed to make it  

inside the building where he pulled a gun on the  Bat-Man,which put them at a stalemate. In spite of  
inside the building where he pulled a gun on the  Bat-Man,which put them at a stalemate. In spite of  

this, Black Mask failed to notice Lucius sneaking  up behind him, wielding a typewriter. Mr. Fox  
this, Black Mask failed to notice Lucius sneaking  up behind him, wielding a typewriter. Mr. Fox  

crept just close enough to hit Black Mask over the  back of the head, incapacitating him. Even though  
crept just close enough to hit Black Mask over the  back of the head, incapacitating him. Even though  

the immediate threat was gone, Black Mask’s last  words before being locked away in Blackgate were  
the immediate threat was gone, Black Mask’s last  words before being locked away in Blackgate were  

quite ominous. “You think this is over? You think  we were bad? You have no idea. You have no idea…”
quite ominous. “You think this is over? You think  we were bad? You have no idea. You have no idea…”

This arrest kicked off Commissioner Gordon’s  career, cementing him in the public view as  
This arrest kicked off Commissioner Gordon’s  career, cementing him in the public view as  

a trustworthy force for good. It was also the  spark that ignited the police’s full support  
a trustworthy force for good. It was also the  spark that ignited the police’s full support  

for the Bat-Man’s crusade, for better or for  worse. It seemed that Gotham’s crime rate was  
for the Bat-Man’s crusade, for better or for  worse. It seemed that Gotham’s crime rate was  

going to see a substantial decrease, but as it  turned out, this was just the beginning. Darker  
going to see a substantial decrease, but as it  turned out, this was just the beginning. Darker  

days were yet to come, and Gotham had only seen  a few of the terrors that the world had to offer.
days were yet to come, and Gotham had only seen  a few of the terrors that the world had to offer.