The Top Five Batman Comic Books for New and Returning Readers

Discover the best comics that showcase Batman's greatness before his big screen return. With James Gunn's DCU gaining momentum and Matt Reeves' The Batman II in pre-production, the next iteration of The Dark Knight is sure to spark news and rumors.

With 80 years of stories, Batman comic books are plentiful. Many have inspired beloved movies, while others fade into obscurity despite the accessibility provided by services like DC Universe Infinite. However, there are a few iconic Batman stories that have inspired multiple Dark Knight films. For those new to the character or looking to rekindle their fandom, these books are excellent starting points.

DC’s best Batman comics for new and returning readers

Whether you started reading in the Silver Age or have never touched a comic in your life, these are the best Batman comics to start with.

DC ComicsThe theatricality of Batman is on full display in the moody and haunting Batman: Year One.

Batman: Year One

Frank Miller redefined Daredevil with Born Again, and he also gave us the ultimate modern Batman with 1987's Year One. The story, written by Miller and illustrated by David Mazzucchelli, delves into the earliest days of Batman while toning down the fantastical elements of the character.

Year One has had a significant influence on the portrayal of Batman. It influenced Batman '89 and Batman: The Animated Series, but its most significant impact was on Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins.

You can purchase Batman: Year One on Amazon. Despite being almost 40 years old, it still maintains a timeless quality, with its noir elements and straightforward storytelling. Miller and Mazzucchelli have created a relatable and vulnerable Batman, making it an ideal introduction for new readers.

DC ComicsMuch of King’s acclaimed Batman run focuses on the duality of Batman’s mission and Bruce Wayne’s hope.

Batman: Rebirth

For a modern approach to Batman, look no further than the Batman: Rebirth era. To get the full experience, start with the Batman: Rebirth #1 one-shot and then read the 2016 Batman ongoing series, issues 1-85.

This might seem like a lot, but it's all part of one continuous story. Written by Tom King, the current writer for Wonder Woman, the narrative delves deeply into Batman and his ongoing battle against crime. You'll also encounter an intense, prolonged conflict with Bane and Bruce's struggle with his father from the Flashpoint timeline, making for truly unforgettable moments.

Check out Batman: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition on Amazon for a deep dive into modern Batman, despite the imperfections that some fans have criticized. The long-anticipated romance between Batman and Catwoman was a letdown for many, but the overall story and pacing make it worth exploring.

DC ComicsBrave and the Bold’s update on Batman and Joker’s first meeting basks in a terrifying atmosphere.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Winning Card

Tom King makes his second appearance on this list, teaming up once again with frequent collaborator Mitch Gerads. While King redefined Batman in Rebirth, the dynamic duo of King & Gerads have made their mark on one of the oldest and most iconic Batman stories.

Brave and the Bold is an anthology series that showcases The Authority, Wild Dog, and more, but the central focus for many fans is The Winning Card. This serialized story takes readers back to Batman's early days and his first encounter with The Joker, offering a retelling and expansion of the classic tale from Batman #1.

The mood and tone here are undeniable. The partnership between The King and Gerards has already produced modern classics with The Vision, Strange Adventures, and Human Target. The Winning Card feels like a natural evolution of those stories, and it's unfortunate that its serialized nature might be overlooked by many readers. Brave and The Bold is an excellent anthology series on its own, but The Winning Card is reason enough to give this series a read.

Purchase Batman: The Brave and the Bold from Amazon.

DC ComicsThe Dark Knight Returns did away with the camp image of Batman, reviving him as a terrifying figure of vengeance.

The Dark Knight Returns

It may seem strange to recommend The Dark Knight Returns to new readers, given its complex legacy and controversial spin-offs and sequels. However, it's impossible to deny the significance of this comic, not just for Batman, but for the entire medium of comics. The story played a crucial role in reviving Batman's image from being a pop culture punchline following the '60s camp, and transformed him into a gothic symbol of the night.

Get the Batman: The Dark Knight Returns 30th Anniversary Edition from Amazon if you enjoy the darker Batman from the Burton films or are interested in the inspiration behind Batman and Superman's epic brawl in Snyder's work.

DC ComicsThe early relationship between Batman, Gordon and Dent forms a lot of Long Halloween’s tension.

The Long Halloween

Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s portrayal of Batman in The Long Halloween is considered one of the best in comic history, providing a comprehensive and definitive insight into the Caped Crusader. The year-long series delves into Batman's early years as a crimefighter, his connection with Harvey Dent, and the pursuit of the ruthless Holiday Killer alongside the Gotham PD.

In The Long Halloween, Batman's encounters with his villains are explored in chilling detail, featuring some of his first confrontations with them. It also delves into the personal side of Batman, shedding new light on Bruce Wayne and his interactions with characters like Harvey Dent and Dick Grayson.

Purchase Batman: The Long Halloween on Amazon to experience Batman as a detective focused on solving crimes and catching killers without the distractions of world-ending aliens or superhero crossovers.

Check out the top comics of 2023, including the five best X-Men comics to read before their MCU debut, the top five Daredevil comics to read before the MCU's Born Again, and the must-read Marvel Comics stories for Echo before the MCU series. Also, discover the best Fantastic Four comics to read before the next movie and the top five comics to dive into after watching Blue Beetle. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page, we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the resurgence of interest in Batman comics. The character has always held a special place in my heart, and it's exciting to see new and returning readers discovering the rich history and captivating stories of the Dark Knight.

The selection of comics recommended in the article provides an excellent starting point for both new and seasoned fans. "Batman: Year One" stands out as a must-read for its timeless storytelling and noir elements, while "Batman: Rebirth" offers a modern take on the character with its deep exploration of Batman's ongoing battle against crime. Additionally, "The Long Halloween" and "The Dark Knight Returns" are iconic stories that have left a lasting impact on the Batman mythos and are well worth exploring.