Recommended Batman Reading

[MattZitron]

Ok.

Well I thought being a proper collecting comics fan for 15 years, and having worked in a comic store; gives me enough knowledge to write up a list of recommended Batman reading for the uninitiated.

This is all based on my personal opinion. But this is purely a comics thread, I don't think they've made a good enough Bat-Movie yet.

I'll put Amazon-UK links next to each place. Its not the cheapest, but good for pointing you towards the right stuff.

If you're making a bulk order, I can suggest www.milehighcomics.com. Possibly the worlds most famous comic store. I've used them before, and they do deals and postage saving. I think if you order enough you can get free international shipping!!

Anyway on with the List (in no particular order):

1. Batman - Year One - Follows part of Batman's first year in Gotham. Lets just say that Bat's and Gordon didn't get on at first!

2. Batman - Arkham Asylum - A twisted look inside Gotham's notorious instituion. Not the easiest comic to read, but it is amazing. More psycological thriller, than action packed.

3. Batman: Dark Knight Returns - Seemingly Batman retired after Jason Todd's death and years in the future returns, to help curb the downward spiral of Gotham. Featuring the best Superman/Batman Fight ever. This is easily one of the best comics ever made.

4. Batman: A Death in the Family - If not one of the best Batman stories, one of the most powerful/important. Witness the death of the second Robin, and the aftermath.

5. Batman : The Greatest Stories Ever Told - A collection of Batman stories spanning from his first appearance to the early 80s. Great to see how he's changed over the years. Includes the fantastic Son of the Demon; Batman Vs. Ras Al Ghul.

6. Batman: Black and White - A collection of Batman Shorts by some of the best names in comics. There's 2 volumes of this so far. Well worth a look.

7. Batman Red Rain, Bloodstorm, Crimson Mist - Alternate Reality Batman Story. Starts with Batman facing Dracula, and I'm sure you can guess what happens next. Great fun, very bloody, features all your fave Bat villains.

8. Batman: Gotham By Gaslight - Early work by Mike Mignola (Hellboy). Another Alternate Reality tale, with Batman in a Victorian Gotham chasing Jack the Ripper.

9. Batman: The Killing Joke - One of the best Batman/Joker stories ever told. See why Batgirl ended up in a wheelchair. If you want it buy this collection. make sure it has this cover. This is a new collection of Alan Moore DC stories (all fantastic) which they've included Killing Joke. Honestly well worth your money.

10. Batman: Mad Love - The Batman Adventures comic that introduces Harley Quinn. Gorgeous art, and a really good story.

So that's my top ten. I've not included things like Batman: Knightfall one & two, and Batman: Knightsend (Batman's back gets broken, and someone takes over. For a time),

Batman: Cataclysm (when Gotham was hit by an Earthquake),Batman: No Man's Land (the aftermath of the earthquake), or Batman: War Games (a Gang War in Gotham). Mainly because they're not that amazing.

If you want a look at some other FANTASTIC comics from the Bat-Universe (or featuring our pointy eared friend) try:

1. Gotham Central - The day to day of the Gotham City Police Department. One of my fave comics of the last 5 years. There's a few volumes out. Thats the first.

2. Catwoman: Selina's Big Score & The Dark End of the Street - The fantastic Catwoman re-vamp. Darwyn Cooke art Baby!!!

3. JLA: Earth 2 - The JLA travel to a world ruled by their evil counterparts the CSA (Crime Syndikate of America). Has some great Bat Moments. And fantastic art!!

4. Arkham Asylum: Living Hell - A superb book. A con man pleads insanity to get off hard time. Unforunately he's in Gotham, and ends up in Arkham.

5. Kingdom Come - The DC Universe of the not too distant future. See Batman as a grumpy old man. Ends with one heck of a Battle-Royale!

So enjoy. I'll say again, this is all my personal opinion. If you disagree, cool!

Feel free to recommend your own Bat-tales!

Matt

[Deinonychus]

Wow...no Hush? That was a particuarly engaging storyline :ph34r:

[MattZitron]

Wow...no Hush? That was a particuarly engaging storyline :ph34r:

Hush, in my mind, started well; but then meandered somewhat in the middle.

It could have easily been done in 4 issues.

But Jim Lee's art is good.

[Vader]

I loved Hush but matts right it was dragged out, still jim lee's artwork is reason enough for people to pick it up.