12 Must-Read Batman Comic Books for Every Fan
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Batman is one of the most popular comic book characters ever. Batman comic books are sometimes favored more than Superman comic books. Some of Batman’s biggest fans are casual readers more familiar with Batman films, shows, video games, and cartoons. So, whether you are a hardcore comic book fan or a casual reader, here are 12 Batman comic books you should read now.
1. Batman: Year One (1987)
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Batman: Year One is a secondary origin story for the character and is one of the best Batman comic books ever produced. In this story, Bruce Wayne is young, extremely naive, and reckless, and has only been operating as Batman for a year. 2022’s The Batman was partially inspired by this story.
2. Batman: Venom (1991)
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In the Batman comic books, Bane uses a synthetic drug called “Venom” to gain enhanced strength, physicality, and reflexes. However, Bane was not the first to use venom. In Batman: Venom, Batman fails to save the life of a kidnapped child. He becomes addicted to Venom to become a better vigilante, becomes a junkie, and loses his way, and suffers to kick the habit.
3. Batman: Gotham By Gaslight (1989)
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Batman: Gotham By Gaslight was among the first comic books in DC to jumpstart the “Elseworlds” branding. Set in the 19th century, Gotham resembles Victorian-era England. Batman has just started his vigilante activities as Jack the Ripper begins terrorizing the city. This comic later inspired an animated film of the same name.
4. Batman: Knightfall (1993)
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This is one of the best Batman comic book series. It made Bane a fan favorite among readers. It is also the story that inspired 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises. In Batman: Knightfall, Bane manifests a citywide crime wave that overwhelms and exhausts Batman. Bane attacks Batman and breaks his back. Gotham struggles without the real Batman as Bruce Wayne recuperates.
5. Batman: The Long Halloween (1996)
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In the late 1990s, DC began publishing Batman comic books that featured more grisly crime stories that required Batman to be a detective as much as a vigilante. In The Long Halloween, a serial killer named Holiday kills one person a month relative to a major holiday. Batman must consult with a criminal in Arkham Asylum to find out the true identity of Holiday.
6. Gotham Central (2003)
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If you’re a casual fan, then you may think that Batman comic books only feature Batman, but you would be wrong. Along with Alfred the Butler, Robin, and an extensive rogues gallery, the biggest supporting cast in Batman comics is the cops. In 2003, DC published Gotham Central for 40 issues. The series featured the POV of a special crimes unit of Gotham cops as they battled crimes, lived their personal lives, and dealt with the aftermath of Batman’s vigilante activities.
7. Batman: Last Knight on Earth (2019)
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Batman: Last Knight on Earth is a limited comic book series published under the Black Label imprint by DC Comics for mature readers. Bruce Wayne wakes up locked in Arkham Asylum in a dystopian world where he was never Batman. Wayne travels in this dark unfamiliar world with the living, decapitated head of the Joker trying to figure out what happened. These are not traditional Batman comic books, so be prepared for darkness.
8. Batman and Son (2006)
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In Batman and Son, a comic book series published as a paperback, Batman learns that he has a preteen son with Talia Al Ghul. Damian Wayne is also the grandson of ecoterrorist Ras Al Ghul; he’s also the leader of the League of Assassins, Talia,’s father, and one of Batman’s deadliest foes. Damian is still brainwashed by the League of Assassins’ programming as Batman tries to bond with his son.
9. Batman: Court of Owls (2011)
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In 2011’s main Batman comic books, DC introduced the secretive Court of Owls organization in Batman: Court of Owls. The Court of Owls is a secret society of the wealthiest and most influential Gotham citizens and has existed since the city’s founding. Batman has to fight a secret society that has owned and controlled Gotham City long before he was even born.
10. Batman: Son of the Demon (1987)
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Batman teams up with his arch-enemy Ras Al Ghul to stop a common enemy in Batman: Son of the Demon. Batman also has a dalliance with Ras’ daughter, Talia. After learning Talia is pregnant Batman is told that she miscarried. Talia had the child in secret, a boy she named Damian. Damian would return years later to DC Comics to become the most popular Robin character.
11. Batman: Hush (2002)
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Batman: Hush is considered to be one of the most influential Batman comic books ever. Batman is troubled by a new villain named Hush who has links to Bruce Wayne’s childhood. Batman teams up with Catwoman to find out his personal connection to Hush.
12. Batman: Arkham Asylum (1989)
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Even if you are unfamiliar with Batman comic books you’ve probably heard the term “Arkham Asylum.” It’s April Fools’ Day in Batman: Arkham Asylum, the Joker and every insane criminal in the asylum have rioted, taken over the facility, and threaten to kill the staff unless Batman comes in for a chat. Batman must contend with the inmates while unraveling the origins of Arkham.
12 Must-Read Batman Comic Books for Every Fan
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Batman was created in 1939, so there are over 85 years of comic book stories and canon that fans of all kinds can enjoy. If you’re a casual comic book, check out the comic books on this list or consult with a comic book fan. DC Comics is always reimagining Batman for new eras, so some of the best Batman comic books are yet to come.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
