Batman is back, he’s bigger and better than ever. The new series of films featuring the caped crusader himself has seen countless new fans flock to his adventures in print, but given that the world of comics is such a daunting prospect for a newcomer, it’s easy to get stuck on what. read first. There are many decades of Batman reading to enjoy, but what are the big, wet stories? What has had a lasting impact on the character and his myths off the big screen? Here’s a look at ten must-see titles from the Batman pantheon
THE KILLING JOKE
Widely regarded as the greatest Batman story ever created, The Killing Joke was written by comic book legend Alan Moore and featured art by Brian Bolland. Offering a possible origin for the character of the Joker, it is widely regarded as one of the best graphic novels ever published, and was also the basis for part of The Dark Knight’s story.
KNIGHTFALL VOLUMES 1-3
This notorious three-volume story tells the story of Batman’s protégé Azrael assuming command of Batman when Bruce Wayne’s back is broken by the assassin Bane. Azrael, as the new Batman, goes too far and ends up crazed, leaving Bruce to rally and face him in a Batman clash. A classic.
MUTE VOLUMES 1 AND 2
A very strong mystery story involving the enigmatic killer Hush, this two-book story was one of the biggest hits in recent years for DC comics. Hush intends to sabotage Batman’s reputation. A gripping story, told with style.
A DEATH IN THE FAMILY
A classic Batman from the 80s and one of the milestones in modern comic history. The Joker manages to kill Robin, who dies in Batman’s arms, and thus the chase is out for revenge. But will Batman really take the life of the Joker?
ARKHAM ASYLUM
A haunting piece of graphic literature, Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth was extremely written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by the renowned Dave McKean. Telling the stories of the incumbent asylum inmates as they take over the site and stage a siege, he has been a strong seller since his release in 1989.
THE LONG HALLOWEEN
By Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, The Long Halloween introduces the character of Falcone seen in the Batman Begins movie, and follows his story to the conclusion of the comics. It also covers the transition of Batman’s enemies from mobsters and gangsters to actual supervillains in detail.
VICTORIA DARK
From comic book luminaries Jeph Loeb and Time Sale comes this 14-issue tale (Reunited in a much-loved graphic novel), it’s the sequel to The Long Halloween. Featuring Two-face, this is a noir-ish murder mystery that follows Batman on the trail of a serial killer who is attacking police officers in Gotham.
WAR GAMES
This is an epic story told in three volumes, which crossed the entire family of DC comic book titles related to Batman. A story of Batman trying to end a fierce gang war, it is one of the most compelling Batman stories of recent years.
BRUCE WAYNE: KILLER?
When Bruce discovers the body of his girlfriend, Vesper Fairchild, in Wayne Manor, the police arrive and accuse him of her murder. The other Batman characters are unable to solve the mystery and therefore Bruce is released from prison and promises to live as Batman until the case is solved.
BRUCE WAYNE: FUGITIVE
The story that began with Bruce Wayne: Killer concludes with a frenzied tale of Batman and his colleagues piecing together the facts and uncovering a conspiracy to forever discredit him as a murderer, with a shocking culprit behind it all …
These are among the most seminal works of Batman’s adventures in the comics, and are a must-have for any fan of the character or medium’s shelf. Captured in these pages is the essence of one of the most recognizable icons in all of popular culture. With more feature films on the way in this new series, there seems to be nothing stopping the Dark Knight in his battle against crime. This is a good thing, as we always need a hero, even one with so many problems.