Everybody knows Batman. Fewer people know where to actually start reading him. The character has eighty-plus years of comics behind him, and that can be intimidating if you just want a good story, not a homework assignment.
Here are four graphic novels that get you there, in the order they were originally published.
Batman: Year One (1987)
Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's origin story follows a rookie cop and a rookie vigilante, both trying to figure out Gotham for the first time.
- No prior continuity required
- The foundation almost every modern take on Batman builds from
- Short and tightly plotted, a great first superhero comic for anyone
Batman: The Killing Joke (1988)
Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's one-shot digs into the Joker's possible origin and his final confrontation with Batman.
- Defines the Joker/Batman dynamic that most movies, shows, and games still reference
- Dense and adult in tone
- A good pick if you want something with weight instead of a breezy read
Batman: The Long Halloween (1996-97)
Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's mob-war mystery is structured around a killer who strikes once a month, always on a holiday.
- Builds directly on Year One's tone and world
- The visual template Christopher Nolan pulled from for his Batman trilogy
- Introduces Two-Face's origin in a way that works even with zero Batman background
Batman: Hush (2002-03)
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's story is a guided tour through the entire Bat-family and rogues gallery, wrapped around a mystery plot.
- The most modern and visually accessible of the four
- A natural landing spot after the earlier titles
- Works as a capstone: everyone you've heard of shows up
Ready to start reading?
Stop by Alter Ego Comics and we'll help you track down any of these four. And if Batman isn't your starting point, ask us. We've got a "Where Do I Start Reading" recommendation for just about everyone.