10 Must-Read Batman Comics for New Fans

If Nolan’s Dark Knight or any other Batman film has caught your interest, it’s likely you’re eager to delve deeper into the realm of the Dark Knight. One great method for achieving this is by diving into Batman comic books.

However, given that there’s an overwhelming number of Batman comic books available, finding the ideal starting point for following the Dark Knight’s escapades can be quite challenging.

So, here we bring you the definitive guide to the best Batman comics to start with!

1. Batman: Year One (1987)

Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: David Mazzucchelli

The acclaimed tale by Miller chronicles Batman’s initial year as the guardian of Gotham City. This narrative presents a realistic depiction of his struggle against Gotham’s criminal network, well before the emergence of his rogues gallery. However, it also marks his first meeting with James Gordon and the gradual formation of their alliance and camaraderie that would unfold in the future.

Significance: Miller’s “Year One” stands out as one of the most influential and top-notch Batman comic books. It offers an authentic account of the early stages of his career, and moreover, establishes the ambiance and backdrop for his future escapades.

Being the very first case Batman successfully solved throughout his extensive crime-fighting career, it’s not hard to see why this particular comic book is exceptional from the start. It’s been wonderfully transformed into an outstanding animated movie and has left a lasting impact on Christopher Nolan’s film trilogy.

This narrative is deeply rooted in Batman’s detective skills since it’s an authentic story that predates the emergence of his Rogues Gallery. Given its historical significance and the extensive use of Batman’s investigation, it’s no wonder you’ll find it on our recommended list.

2. Batman: The Long Halloween (1997)

Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Tim Sale

The story unfolds in the initial stages of Batman’s career as Gotham’s vigilante protector. A shadowy figure known as the Holiday Killer is on a gruesome spree, claiming one victim per holiday, each death intricately tied to the festivity. As Batman, he must collaborate with James Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent in their pursuit of the Holiday Killer. Simultaneously, he navigates the complex power struggles between Gotham’s crime lords, particularly Carmine Falcone, and other underworld figures.

Importance: The Long Halloween stands out as not only one of the finest Batman stories ever told, but also a crucial chapter in shaping his character. Widely acclaimed, this graphic novel has garnered a substantial fanbase and served as an inspiration for Christopher Nolan and Matt Reeves in their distinctive directorial interpretations of Batman.

Regarding the style and category of this narrative, “The Long Halloween” leans more towards a gripping true-crime tale, featuring minimal supernatural or superhero aspects. If reimagined as a real-life event, it might resemble an unusual crime drama, similar to those depicted in David Lynch’s movies, with its intriguing and eccentric characters.

As a dedicated cinephile, I must admit that this case didn’t follow the conventional Sherlock Holmes formula, but let me tell you, it pushed Batman’s detective prowess to its absolute limits – and that’s saying something! This particular mystery was one of Batman’s earliest challenges he had to face.

This narrative seamlessly blends characters from the era before the Rogues Gallery (like the Gotham mobs, consisting of both Falcone and Maroni) with his classic adversaries, crafting a captivating and enjoyable tale that serves as an enticing introduction to the universe of Batman.

3. The Man Who Laughs (2005)

Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Doug Mahnke

The Laughing Menace Unleashed

In the initial phase of Batman’s vigilante days, “The Man Who Laughs” unfolds the tale of the Joker’s inaugural crime in Gotham City. This narrative concurrently validates the backstory of the Joker as portrayed in “The Killing Joke”. In this account, the Joker initiates a murderous rampage to provoke Batman, who is compelled to thwart this emerging supervillain before he contaminates Gotham City’s water resources.

Significance: Upon its release, The Man Who Laughs received overwhelmingly favorable responses, even being compared to Moore’s renowned work, The Killing Joke. In relation to Moore, this narrative reinforced the origin of the Joker as portrayed by him in his influential graphic novel.

From a narrative perspective, it appears that “The Man Who Laughs” follows on directly from both “Year One” and “Batman and the Mad Monk“. The concluding scene in those works serves as the starting point for this graphic novel.

I couldn’t resist including this tale in our collection since it not only kicks off Batman’s career with a bang but also lays the groundwork for his mythology by defining and setting the fundamental aspects of his storyline. Essentially, it makes for an excellent starting point when diving into the world of Batman comics, which is why I wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow enthusiasts embarking on this journey.

4. Dark Victory (2000)

Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Tim Sale

In the narrative that unfolds several months following the occurrences in “The Long Halloween”, we find ourselves delving into “Dark Victory”. This story serves as a direct continuation of its predecessor, focusing on Batman and Robin as they pursue a new menace stalking Gotham – The Hangman. Reminiscent of Holiday’s methods, The Hangman employs a word game rather than holidays in his sinister actions. Simultaneously, Batman must grapple with Two-Face’s scheme to retaliate against Gotham for transforming him into a monster.

Importance: While it may not be regarded as highly as “The Long Halloween,” “Dark Victory” has nonetheless earned praise and is often recommended to fans of Batman, making it a worthwhile read.

This comic serves as the finale for the primary plotline in the Loeb-Sale series (it should be noted that “Catwoman: When in Rome” is an additional tale unrelated to the main arc, taking place beyond Gotham). It offers a more profound look into Batman’s early years. Remaining grounded in reality, it effectively employs Batman’s exceptional detective abilities.

As a cinephile immersed in the Batman universe, I can confidently say that “Dark Victory” is an excellent choice for those diving into this dark and gritty world. The film maintains a striking similarity in tone with its predecessor and continues to be set during Batman’s early crime-fighting years, making it the perfect introduction or continuation of your Batman journey.

5. The Killing Joke (1988)

Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Brian Bolland

In the realm of cinematic adventures, I find myself thrust into the shoes of an anonymous stand-up comedian, who, after experiencing a single cataclysmic day, finds his world spiraling out of control. Tragically, my expectant wife met an untimely end in a fateful accident, and then, to add fuel to the fire, I’m drawn into a dangerous scheme involving a group of unsavory characters who seek to infiltrate our town’s chemical factory.

Following a run-in with Batman, he leaped into a vat of chemical substances as a means of evading him. Miraculously, he lived, but with his skin turning permanently white, his hair becoming green, and his mental state completely fractured. This is how the Joker came to be.

Three years on, Batman returns to Arkham Asylum with the intention of resolving his longstanding conflict with the Joker. However, upon arrival, he discovers that the Joker had managed to elude capture. Simultaneously, the Joker paid a visit to Commissioner Gordon’s residence, where he shot Gordon’s daughter in the spine and abducted Gordon, aiming to drive him mad, mirroring Batman’s own mental state. Now, it’s up to Batman to track down the Joker, rescue Gordon, and safeguard his own sanity.

Significance: Alan Moore’s work is hard to overstate, and “The Killing Joke” stands out as one of his finest graphic novels. In this gripping, psychologically complex, and unsettling narrative, Moore delved deeply into the modern era of comic books by crafting a grim backstory for DC Comics’ most iconic villain, the Joker.

The tale is equally chilling and brilliant, with its portrayal of the fragile boundary separating sanity from total madness being particularly striking. Notably, the Joker aimed to make Batman endure that “one terrible day” which supposedly transformed him into the ruthless psychopath we know, and he certainly exerted every effort to test the limits of the Dark Knight.

The enigmatic conclusion of “The Killing Joke” has sparked endless discussions and interpretations, making it one of the most renowned comic book endings ever written. Without question, this graphic novel is essential reading and collecting for any devoted Batman enthusiast.

In terms of being a solid starting point, “The Killing Joke” delves deeply into the origins portrayed in “The Man Who Laughs,” but with a far more ominous tone. The main plot (the twist) doesn’t take place too early in Batman’s career, but the entire graphic novel’s narrative and its ties to Batman’s early days make it worthy of this list, as it serves as an excellent comic book for exploring the darker aspects of Batman’s tales.

6. “A Death in the Family” (1988)

Writer: Jim Starlin
Artist: Jim Aparo

In this narrative, I find myself, not the Robin, but a sidekick to the legendary figure known as Batman. However, our partnership is abruptly ended when Batman decides to relieve me of my duties. Feeling angry and betrayed, I storm off, determined to uncover the truth about my past.

Meanwhile, the villainous Joker manages to break free from Arkham Asylum once more. With a sinister plan brewing, he acquires a dangerous nuclear weapon, intending to sell it in the volatile region of the Middle East.

In the Middle East, Batman reconnected with Jason, and they joined forces until it was discovered that Jason’s mother, Sheila Haywood, had been kidnapped by the Joker. He had coerced her into giving up Jason to the Joker, who then cruelly tormented Jason using a crowbar before detonating a warehouse, tragically killing both Sheila and Jason. This leaves Batman grappling with not only the villainous Joker but also his own sense of guilt for failing to rescue Jason.

Significance: Although “A Death in the Family” isn’t the happiest tale featuring Batman, it is undoubtedly one of the most significant ones. This story stands out due to two reasons: firstly, it marks a crucial moment in Batman’s history – the death of Jason Todd, who was the second Robin. Secondly, the storyline itself is well-known for its unique creation process.

In an unprecedented move, legendary DC editor Dennis O’Neil entrusted the decision over Jason’s life and death to the comics’ readers. DC Comics set up a dedicated phone line where fans could cast their votes on whether to save Jason or let him perish.

In American comics lore, an unprecedented moment occurred when readers themselves decided to end the life of Jason Todd through a slim margin of votes – only 72 votes separated 5,343 votes for his death from 5,271 votes against it. This decision reverberated significantly in subsequent narratives, particularly as it delved into Batman’s inner mind, and it remains one of the most noteworthy comic book deaths of all time.

Fortunately, Jason Todd was brought back to life during the Red Hood storyline, eventually reconciling with Batman and taking up his own superhero role. Reading the Batman comics without “A Death in the Family” – a crucial narrative centering around the Dark Knight – would be quite challenging indeed.

This tale offers a fascinating perspective on the Batman legend, weaving a narrative that has significantly influenced the path of the Dark Knight throughout his professional life.

7. “Under the Hood” (2006)

Writer: Judd Winnick
Artists: Doug Mahnke, Eric Battle, Shane Davis

Storyline: Decades following the assassination of Jason Todd, the second Robin, by Joker, a shrouded individual known as Red Hood (a nod to Joker’s original criminal persona) appears in Gotham City. Batman seems linked to this enigmatic newcomer, yet remains skeptical that the Red Hood is truly the person he claims to be.

The Red Hood seeks retribution, with the Joker and Batman as his primary targets – though he intends to deal with them in distinct manners.

Significance: “Under the Hood” may not be a direct follow-up, but it links back to the well-known “A Death in the Family” narrative previously discussed in this piece.

As a film enthusiast, I must say that “Under the Hood” brilliantly revisited Jason Todd’s fate in a way that was both satisfying and thought-provoking. It seamlessly integrated him back into the main storyline, offering a fresh perspective while delving deep into Batman’s fractured mind. This gripping tale doesn’t just scrutinize Batman’s bonds with his loved ones; it also dissects his moral compass, unraveling the intricate web of emotions and decisions that stemmed from this pivotal moment in both their lives.

If you combine the favorable opinions, you’ll find a truly outstanding “Batman” tale worth diving into. Initially, what makes it an excellent starting point? “Under the Hood,” though set later in Batman’s career, is a crucial part of Batman’s lore and offers a fantastic launchpad for understanding many fundamental aspects that are essential to fully grasp Batman’s universe.

8. “Zero Year” (2014)

Writers: Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV
Artists: Greg Capullo, Rafael Albuquerque

Plot: In “Zero Year,” we follow the beginnings of the New 52’s Batman as he comes back to Gotham City after a prolonged absence and begins his life as a masked protector. His initial adversary is none other than Edward Nygma, who will soon transform into one of Batman’s most formidable enemies – The Riddler.

Significance: The revised backstory of Batman, as depicted in the New 52 series, differed substantially from the ones portrayed in the comics like Year One and associated works.

Writer Scott Snyder sought a fresh approach, introducing a greenhorn Batman facing a budding Riddler. While Snyder retained certain aspects from Miller’s narrative, this portrayal of Batman’s genesis was entirely new. Just as with all of Snyder’s Batman tales, it promised to be an extraordinary and thrilling journey.

If you’re planning to dive into more recent Batman comics, “Zero Year” serves as an excellent starting point because it delves into the Dark Knight’s origins and establishes the mood for all subsequent New 52 tales featuring the Caped Crusader. Essentially, this is the comic you should begin with when exploring newer stories.

9. “Night of the Owls” (2012)

Writers: Scott Snyder
Artists: Greg Capullo

Storyline: The Court of Owls saga, a significant occurrence spanning various comic book series, primarily centers around Batman’s struggle against an ancient secret society that has been intertwined with Gotham City since its inception. This narrative explores the depths of Gotham’s history and mythology as Batman confronts one of his deadliest adversaries yet.

Importance: Reading “Zero Year” sets the stage for “Night of the Owls,” an essential follow-up. This captivating tale marked the debut of a fresh batch of supervillains in Batman’s rogues gallery, earning rave reviews for its innovative style and contribution to the expansion of Batman’s universe lore.

The storyline of Court of Owls has swiftly gained classic status and is now a necessary read for any Batman enthusiast. Moreover, it serves as a crucial starting point, detailing the early phases of Batman’s career during the New 52 era.

10. The Dark Knight Returns (1986)

Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Klaus Janson

As a devoted fan of cinematic tales, let me share with you an intriguing plot that I’ve come across: In the grimy underbelly of a dystopian Gotham City in 1986, my beloved Dark Knight had hung up his cape and cowl, leaving the city unprotected. The sinister shadows of crime once again loomed large, casting their dark spell over the metropolis.

After receiving word of a nefarious plot from my trusted ally, Commissioner James Gordon, I could no longer stand idly by. With a heavy heart and steely resolve, I donned the cape and cowl once more to confront “The Mutants” who were wreaking havoc in Gotham. The city needed its guardian; it was time to restore order and bring peace back to the streets of my beloved city.

However, upon his comeback, it brings about the reawakening of Batman’s arch-enemy, the Joker, who had been in a state of catatonia for years. Battling two adversaries, Batman finds an ally in Carrie Kelley, a girl who takes up the mantle as the new Robin. Despite these challenges, Batman ultimately prevails but his actions catch the attention of a corrupt government, leading to Superman being sent to negotiate with him.

Significance: Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns” is more than just a significant Batman comic; it is widely considered one of the most crucial DC Comics titles in history, along with Alan Moore’s “Watchmen,” and arguably the most significant American comic book ever produced.

This revolutionary tale signified a groundbreaking shift in the chronicles of comic books, opening up an entirely fresh chapter in their storied past. The flamboyant eras of Gold, Silver, and Bronze were left behind, and this comic ushered in a contemporary era for comics.

As a cinephile immersed in the world of cinema, I’ve come to appreciate how these American comic book stories evolved into something more profound than mere weekly entertainment. They transformed into works of art with a depth that is undeniable – elevating the genre from being just a commercial product to a respected artistic one.

Regarding this list, we’ve chosen to place it here even though it features an alternate Earth backdrop, primarily because it ranks among the most significant Batman tales ever penned. It offers a valuable perspective on a more somber, serious Batman and serves as an excellent starting point for delving into the main narrative of stories within its continuity that tackle grim subject matters.

Fundamentally, any collection of top or significant Batman comics would be incomplete without Miller’s magnum opus. Additionally, Miller has produced several follow-ups and spin-offs, so for a comprehensive understanding, don’t forget to review these titles: “The Dark Knight Strikes Again”, “The Dark Knight III: The Master Race”, “The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade”, and “The Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child”.

2025-05-30 09:16