Who Is Batman?

By Matthew Klein | July 16 2021 | Graphic Novels

He is vengeance, he is the night, he is…Batman!

Character spotlights are always a great way to help casual readers find their way into a new universe of storytelling. Just because he’s one of the most recognizable character on the planet, doesn’t mean everyone has jumped into the comics for the Caped Crusader. With over eighty years of amazing stories from a vast line-up of all-star creators, there are a lot of tales to choose from. But where do you start reading? Is it with the origin? Maybe you start with the most recognizable? Is the reader looking for a run or a self-contained story? These are all points of consideration when making that initial recommendation.

I’m a big fan though of finding an option for a few different ways to get into the Dark Knight’s enriched tapestry. Plus, with Batman: The Animated Series  available on streaming and a new feature film marching towards to a silver screen near you in early 2022, now’s the perfect time to get primed on whom many consider the coolest superhero of all-time. From his noir roots to his most famous foes and even to the far reaches of time, here are e a few places you can jump into the legend that is…Batman!

9781401207526
In 1986, Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli produced this groundbreaking reinterpretation of the origin of Batman—who he is, and how he came to be. Sometimes careless and naive, this Dark Knight is far from the flawless vigilante he is today. In his first year on the job, Batman feels his way around a Gotham City far darker than the one he left. His solemn vow to extinguish the town’s criminal element is only half the battle; along with Lieutenant James Gordon, the Dark Knight must also fight a police force more corrupt than the scum in the streets.Batman: Year One stands next to Batman: The Dark Knight Returns on the mantle of greatest Batman graphic novels of all time. Timeless in its appeal, Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s masterpiece would stand apart from the crowded comics field even today.This edition includes the complete graphic novel, a new introduction by writer Frank Miller and a new illustrated afterword by artist David Mazzucchelli. Completing this collection are over 40 pages of never-before-seen developmental material such as character and layout sketches, sample script pages, sketches, and more that pro-vide a glimpse into the making of this contemporary classic.This volume collects Batman #404-407.
On sale Jan 10, 2007
Paperback
144 Pages
DC Comics

9781401232597
Legendary Batman story that now includes two pages only ever seen in the absolute edition.
On sale Oct 11, 2011
Paperback
384 Pages
DC Comics

9781401297244
Gotham City's worst criminals--Joker, Riddler, Ra's al Ghul, Clayface and others--have emerged to throw Batman's life into utter chaos. However, these villains are part of a much more elaborate, sinister scheme to destroy the Dark Knight once and for all, one headed by a mastermind much closer to Bruce Wayne than any foe before...
On sale Sep 17, 2019
Paperback
376 Pages
DC Comics

9781779504333
Grant Morrison and Dave McKean's timeless, genre-bending tale BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM is brought back to its classic beauty in this New Edition!
On sale Jun 30, 2020
Paperback
248 Pages
DC Comics

9781401235420
The breakout hit of the DC Comics--New 52 event now available as a trade paperback
On sale Mar 26, 2013
Paperback
176 Pages
DC Comics

9781401232078
An epic Batman mystery from Scott Snyder, creator of AMERICAN VAMPIRE.
On sale Mar 05, 2013
Paperback
304 Pages
DC Comics

9781401211530
A new edition of a classic Batman Elseworlds; a speculative tale set in late nineteenth century London.
On sale Mar 12, 2013
Paperback
112 Pages
DC Comics

9781401267773
In the wake of Rebirth, the Caped Crusader is back in an all-new series that begins a brand new chapter in the life of Gotham's Batman!
On sale Jan 17, 2017
Paperback
192 Pages
DC Comics

9781401263119
Frank Miller's genre-defining graphic novel celebrates its 30th year anniversary with a new edition.
On sale Feb 16, 2016
Paperback
224 Pages
DC Comics

9781779507891
I am vengeance. I am the Night.  Step back into the world of Batman: The Animated Series once more!
On sale Jun 01, 2021
Paperback
208 Pages
DC Comics