The Batman comics recommendation thread!

[Cobblepot]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a344/kwhuisman2/banner.jpg (http://www.dccomics.com)

The Batman comics recommendation thread!

Since there currently are a lot of people, getting familiar with the Batman comics. We see a lot of threads popping up, with questions about what books they should purchase.
I think it might be a good idea to make one general thread were the batfans can post there own recommendations of comics, paperbacks, collected edition, hard covers.
So remember this is for comic material only with an exeption on books about Batman ,no merchandise!
Also try and recomend some loose comics for example: Legends of the Dark Knight #50. Or Shadow of The Bat #1, #2, #3.
I'll kick this off in the next post.
And I'll reserve the next two, for a summarize of all the recommendations!

For first timers, here's a short introduction:
Who's who? (http://www.dccomics.com/secret_files/)
The Batman (http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/patc/batman/)
And
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman)
Here's (http://www.comics-db.com/DC_Comics/B/Batman/) a list of some Batman series.

If you haven't read anything about Batman get atleast these five books:
1. Batman Year One
2. The Long Halloween
3. Dark Victory
4. The Dark Knight Returns
5. The Killing Joke

Shh's top three:
http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?p=13728271#post13728271

http://www.bigtimecomics.com/images/Trade%20Paper%20Backs/DC/Batman%20The%20Long%20Halloween%20TPB.jpg (http://www.vacuumboy9.com/tlh/)

Here (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?cat=BATMAN) you can find a list of the most common Batman Graphic Novels.

Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Batman_comics) you can find a lot of info about the various Batman series.

The 25 Greatest Batman Graphic Novels, according to IGN (http://comics.ign.com/articles/624/624619p1.html)

The Best Batman Books according to Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/3VRLTCAG1Q5IY/104-6776553-2520766?%5Fencoding=UTF8)

I'd like to recommend this little gem:
JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE NEW FRONTIER SPECIAL
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7475/newfrontierhc3.jpg

And if you get the chance to buy some Grant & Breyfogle back issues, don't hesitate. You'll love 'em.

[Cobblepot]

So far we got these recommendations up!

Batman Year One, hardcover (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=2712)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman:_Year_One

Batman Year One, paperback (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1287)
Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli, bring us the ultimate Batman origin!

The Long Halloween (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1283)
Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, deliver a great "Gotham Noir" book!

Dark Victory (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1241)
Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, continue to marvel the comics industry.

The Killing Joke (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1282)
Brian Bolland, draws the best Joker, be sure to check this one about Joker's origin.
Check out the new Hardcover edition, please discuss this book here:
http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?t=295172

The Dark Knight Returns hardcover/paperback (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1278)
Frank Miller's legendary best selling Batman book.



Gotham By Gaslight (http://comics.ign.com/articles/619/619036p1.html), the mother of all Elseworlds by Mike Mignola.

BATMAN ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 1 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=3744)
BATMAN ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 2 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=3749)
BATMAN ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 3 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=4218)

These books collect almost every Batman work drawn by Neal Adams!
Klick here (http://www.nealadams.com/batman.html) to see some of his work!

Sword Of Azrael (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1270)

The Cult (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1275)

Batman: Son Of The Demon (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1268)

Arkham Asylum, hardcover (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=2330)
A serious house on serious earth...

A Death In The Family (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1223)

A Lonely Place Of Dying (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1224)

Hush volume one (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=2339)
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee!

Hush volume two (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=2480)

Tales Of The Demon (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1271)

Batman : Prodigal (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1267)

Officer Down (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1265%27)

Bruce Wayne Fugitive 1 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1233)

Bruce Wayne Fugitive 2 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1234)

Bruce Wayne Fugitive 3 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1236)

Bruce Wayne Murderer? (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1235)

Gothic (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1248)

Venom (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1285)

Shaman (http://www.rambles.net/batman_shaman93.html) (First 5 issues of LOTDK collected)

No Man's Land 1 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1260)

No Man's Land 2 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1261)

No Man's Land 3 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1262)

No Man's Land 4 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1263)

No Man's Land 5 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1264)
During Cataclysm, Gotham was shocked out of it's foundations, can Batman save Gotham in it's Darkest hour?

Batman Black And White 1 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1229)

Batman Black And White 2 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1231)
Black and White, short stories by the best in the bussiness.

Batman Last Arkham (http://www.hillcity-comics.com/graphic_novels/bat/last_arkham.htm)(1st 5 issues of SOTB art by Norm Breyfogle)

Batman: Ego (http://www.strange-haven.com/archive/adventure/batman_ego_vol1.html)
A beautiful book, illustrated by Darwyn Cooke (Selina's Big Score, DC The Final Frontier).

Haunted Knight : Reprints Choices, Madness, Ghost Legends specials (http://www.dynamicforces.com/htmlfiles/p-C99452.html)

Batman Faces (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1244), a must have two face story by Matt Wagner.

Batman: Night Cries (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1257), uses the comic book medium to shed light on the horrific real world-crime of child abuse.
Fully painted by Scott Hampton!

Batman Broken City (http://www.hillcity-comics.com/graphic_novels/new_graphic_novel3181.htm)a 144-page hardcover that collects the acclaimed BATMAN #620-625!

Batman/Deathblow: After the fire (http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/reviews/104893262226825.htm) Lee Berjermo and Brian Azzarello, need I say more?




The Best "Animated Style" Stories ever told:

Batman: Mad Love (http://www.harley-quinn.com/madlove.html)
Batman Ego (Darwyn Cooke)
The Batman Adventures tradepaperbacks.

The Best Joker Stories ever told:
1)The Killing Joke
2)The Man Who Laughs


The Best Batman comicbooks:

SOLO #1 (http://www.comiccritique.com/st/grevSt25.html)
Written by various (Loeb, Cook, Sale)
Art and cover by Tim Sale


SOLO #5 (http://www.comiccritique.com/st/grevSt133.html)
Written by Darwyn Cooke
Art and cover by Cooke


Batman and the Monster Men (http://www.comiccritique.com/st/grevSt223.html)
Writer: Matt Wagner
Artist: Matt Wagner

Batman And The Mad Monk (http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/August06previews/WagnerMadMonk.html)
Writer and Artist: Matt Wagner

http://buy.overstock.com/images/products/bnt/FC0812520424.JPG
Not in continuity anymore but none the less a great read; The Untold Legend Of The Batman.



And more to come...

[Cobblepot]

Batman related recommendations!

I would like to recommend this little gem:
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/9186/batmanspiritrw6.jpg

It's great for al the obvious reasons.
1. Darwyn & Loeb
2. Spirit & Batman
3. Lots of badguys!



DC: The New Frontier (http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/11/11211.phtml)
is a story of the early Silver Age of DC comics, now available as 2 trade paperbacks: DC:The New Frontier: Volume 1 and DC: The New Frontier: Volume 2. (Also released as a great Absolute edition!)
http://www.grovel.org.uk/reviews/dc-new-frontier-01/dc-new-frontier-02.jpg

Batman Ego & Other Tails by Darwyn Cooke
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/627/batmanegoothertailshcfv5.jpg

Catwoman: When In Rome (Tie in with The Long Halloween and Dark Victory)
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/6048/6818182621te5.jpg
Catwoman: Selina's Big Score (Also collected in Batman Ego & Other Tails)
Kingdom Come
http://www.dynamicforces.com/images/kingdom_come.jpg
Black Orchid
Robin Year One (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1307)
Batgirl Year One (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1211)
Nightwing Year One (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=3837)
Nightwing A Knight In Bludhaven (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1301)
Nightwing mini by Denny O 'Neil


I recommend reading the cross over judgment on gotham, the translation feels more successfully (imo) than other crossovers such as spiderman, the hulk and even superman, Simon Bisley's art work, makes the dark knight, look, like the dark knight, the chizzled oil rusty look in the art, really works well, when the charecters meet each other it's really cool, Bruce wayne in custom (no mask) launches a a badass punch at judge dread. The villains, Judge Death and Scarecrow also team up, it's also memorable with the simple line of "boo" line of scarecrow, Judge Death bemused at his lack of fear, really enjoyable comic, also very funny humor underlying it, along with great artwork.

http://www.2000adonline.com/books/assets/covers/judge_dredd_batman.jpg

[Cobblepot]

BATMAN: THE BLACK GLOVE HC
Written by Grant Morrison
Cover by Williams
Art by J.H. Williams III, Tony Daniel & Jonathan Glapion
Writer Grant Morrison (ALL STAR SUPERMAN, FINAL CRISIS) brings Batman and a group of global heroes to a mysterious island to face a killer in this volume collecting BATMAN #667-669 and 672-675. Then, Batman relives a defining adventure in the life of young Bruce Wayne: the hunt for his parents’ killer.
Advance-solicited; on September 3 • 176 pg, FC, $24.99 US


This will be a great tpb, can't wait. The Batmen of all Nations plus the Joe Chill/Third Man/ hallucinations issues leading into RIP. With the Batman & Son Tpb this completes the better part of Morrisons run so far.

Why wait all the way til September though? that's absurd. people will be wanting to pick this up NOW


Great Batman books, a must read for any Batman fan:

Not just a Batman book but one I would like to recommend:
Tim Sale : Black And White
http://www.activeimages.com/masters/timsale/tsbw1.jpg

Les Daniels: Batman The Complete History
http://www.dccomics.com/features/bmtch/
http://www.chroniclebooks.com/site/catalog/images/items/0811824/0811824705/0811824705_norm.jpg



Paul Dini / Chip Kidd: Batman Animated
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f67/Cobblepot81/batanim.jpg

[Cobblepot]

My recommendations are:

1. Batman Year One Hardcover (or get the paperback it's the next best thing!)
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/9274/yearonehcmediumjh0.jpg
2. Batman The Long Halloween
3. Arkham Asylum (either original or the Hardcover anniversary edition)
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/8940/tegneserie2dg0.jpg
5. The Dark Knight Returns ( A verry gritty book, that put Batman back on the charts in 1988!)
6. Night Cries
7. The Cult
8. Sword Of Azrael (amazing artwork)
9. Dark Victory
10. Catwoman When In Rome.
11. Gotham By Gaslight
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/170/batmangothambygaslightpqm1.jpg
12. Shaman
13. Batman Year One Hundred
14. The Man Who Laughs
http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/thumb/b/b9/Batman_-_The_Man_Who_Laughs.jpg/350px-Batman_-_The_Man_Who_Laughs.jpg

[Bat-Mantis]

To be read in this order...
1) Batman: Year One
2) Batman: The Long Halloween
3) Batman: Dark Victory
4) Robin: Year One
5) Batgirl: Year One
6) Batman: Tales of the Demon
7) Current Nightwing Arc - Nightwing: Year One (6 issues, bi-weekly, first one was out this month, second this week.)
8) The Killing Joke
9) Batman: A Death in the Family
10) Batman: Prodigal
11) Nightwing mini by Denny O'Neil
12) Nightwing: A Knight in Bludhaven
13) Gotham Central: In the Line of Duty

[I am Batman]

4) Robin: Year One
5) Batgirl: Year One
6) Batman: Tales of the Demon
7) Current Nightwing Arc - Nightwing: Year One (6 issues, bi-weekly, first one was out this month, second this week.)
10) Batman: Prodigal
11) Nightwing mini by Denny O'Neil
12) Nightwing: A Knight in Bludhaven
13) Gotham Central: In the Line of Duty

Oh yeah, gotta pick these up now.

[etrigan69]

Hey Cobbs. Was leaving out "The Killing Joke" an oversight or is there something wrong with you??? ;)

[Two-Face]

Don't forget, Batman: No Man's Land Vol 1 to 3

great thread Cob

[The Dark Guybrush]

I can't afford to buy all of the no man's land TPBs.. they're like 15 or twenty dollars each and there's like, what, four or more of them? i bought the novel by Greg Rucka, it's pretty decent. i'll pick up the actual comic book form sometime soon.

[Robin91939]

To be read in this order...
1) Batman: Year One
2) Batman: The Long Halloween
3) Batman: Dark Victory
4) Robin: Year One
5) Batgirl: Year One
6) Batman: Tales of the Demon
7) Current Nightwing Arc - Nightwing: Year One (6 issues, bi-weekly, first one was out this month, second this week.)
8) The Killing Joke
9) Batman: A Death in the Family
10) Batman: Prodigal
11) Nightwing mini by Denny O'Neil
12) Nightwing: A Knight in Bludhaven
13) Gotham Central: In the Line of Duty

A few more to add to this list: (in no order)

Officer Down
Evolution
Knightfall-quest-end
Lonely Place of Dying
Four of a Kind
Hush
Year Three
Contagion
Legacy
Bane of the Demon
As the Crow Flies
Broken City
Bruce Wayne Murderer?
Fugative
Family
NML

-R

[BatJeff7786]

Is Year Three in paperback?

[Cobblepot]

I don't think Year 3 has been released in paperback, however It was released in one collected comic.
But I'm not sure if this one should go up as a reccomendation, I don't think it was that good.

Gotham Central may not be a "Batman title" but he appears briefly or a decent amount, same with the deadly villains like Mr.Freeze, Penguin and The Joker. However sometimes the regular Gotham characters don't show up at all and the GCPD deals with the problems any normal city deals with. Ihighly recommend the trades for those who missed out on the series.

It has a Year One look to it and the writing and art deserve to be seen by more people.




Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker alternated on story arcs (day and night shifts), and occasionally co-wrote. Michael Lark provided the art for most of the series. I've only read the first four, very hard to choose a favourite. Perhaps The Joker sniper story (at Christmas).

Gotham Central Vol. 1: In the Line of Duty
Collects the first five issues of the critically acclaimed series! Gotham's Special Crimes Unit is in a race against time to bring in Mister Freeze…without the help of the Dark Knight!


Gotham Central Vol. 2: Half a Life
The Eisner-winning story arc focusing on Renee Montoya presented in GOTHAM CENTRAL #6-10! Plus, stories from BATMAN CHRONICLES #16 and DETECTIVE COMICS #747 providing additional details on Montoya. Two-Face appears in this arc, having fallen in love with Montoya and kidnapped her.
Eisner Award - Best Serialized Story 2004
Harvey Award - Best Single Issue or Story 2004


Gotham Central Vol. 3: Unresolved Targets
An amazing collection featuring the acclaimed GOTHAM CENTRAL #12-15 and #19-22! The Joker terrorizes the city at Christmastime when he begins randomly executing people with a rifle, and no one from the Mayor on down is safe! A second story focuses on an old case and unfinished business for disgraced detective Harvey Bullock.


Gotham Central Vol. 4: The Quick and the Dead
A new collection featuring Gotham Central #23-25 and #28-31! Detective Renee Montoya investigates the disappearance of important evidence amid a gang war and travels to Keystone City in an attempt to unveil the truth about Officer Kelly's strange mutation.


Gotham Central Vol. 5: Dead Robin, on sale June 13, 2007
In this volume collecting Gotham Central #33-40, the dead body of Robin, the Boy Wonder is found on the streets. Now the detectives of Gotham Central must try to solve the mystery of his death while dealing with his former associates, Batman and the Teen Titans!


and one more volume will probably come out to collect the 6 remaining issues that were single issues or short arcs throughout the series.

[Cobblepot]

My top three:

3.) Broken City
2.) Hush
1.) The Long Halloween/Dark Victory



Broken City: Is a great, compact, gritty detective tale that really captures Gotham City. It utilizes some great villains that are traditionally underrated (Penguin, Arnold Wesker, Killer Croc) and really does well to get into Batman's head and reveal a great part of his personality and his desire for the end of his crusade. It's really a great, great story.



Hush:Hush is really just the opposite. It is much more "glamorous", in a sense. The art is much cleaner, crisper and more pretty to look at. It utilizes almost all of Batman's most famous rogues but each issue brings something special to the table...even the ones that are more compact in scale, (Batman 614 where Batman brutally beats the Joker in an alley is an example of that). It is a good, solid mystery. It's always good to see Loeb use all the characters. His relationship with Bruce and Selina, Bruce and Tim Drake, Superman, etc are all great. Jim Lee's art is spectacular as always. This was the book that got me back into the Batman books and is awesome to go back and read.



Long Halloween/Dark Victory: I regard this as one story. It is a part one and part two of the freaks' take over of Gotham City. Again, Loeb really knows the Batman character. His take on Harvey Dent and his transformation is amazing, and his character of Gordon and he and Batman's relationship is captured really well here. The two mysteries work excellently in contrast (Gangsters being killed then Cops being killed) throughout. Not only that, but finding out who the killers were and the shock value at the end of each story was excellent. Tim Sale's art is amazing and his take on each of the villains (especially Two-Face) is great. The origin of Robin was done very well as was the relationship with Batman and Catwoman. An A+ story.

-R

Thanks Robin!

[Robin91939]

wow Cobb, thats some patience and time there nice work man

-R

[The Watchman]

The Last Arkham
Ego

[Cobblepot]

Right good books I'll put them up in a while.

[Cobblepot]

Should I put these up?

Batman Faces
The Dark Knight Strikes Again!??

And Batman books?
Les Daniels The Complete History
Bob Kane's Batman and Me

[Cobblepot]

Updated first threads.

[Cobblepot]

Can anyone recommend some older Batbooks??

[Bruce_Wayne29]

Aside from the ones already mentioned, I'd like to recommend "Batman: Shaman". It's one of my favourites.

[The Batman]

No ones Mentioned Strange Appirations....

[Kryptonsucks89]

how about the dectective comics??

[Cobblepot]

Aside from the ones already mentioned, I'd like to recommend "Batman: Shaman". It's one of my favourites.

Great firts arc of LOTD I'll put that up!

[Cobblepot]

No ones Mentioned Strange Appirations....

Strange Apperations, isn't that the Neal Adams run?

[Cobblepot]

how about the dectective comics??

U mean the current comic series?

[Zilleraut #66]

Can anyone tell me if Gothem Noir is good? I'm a huge Brubaker fan, in fact I think that he's the best Batman writer right now, but I hate elseworlds with a passion.

[Cobblepot]

Bump, I forgot about this thread!

[hippie_hunter]

To be read in this order...
1) Batman: Year One
2) Batman: The Long Halloween
3) Batman: Dark Victory
4) Robin: Year One
5) Batgirl: Year One
6) Batman: Tales of the Demon
7) Current Nightwing Arc - Nightwing: Year One (6 issues, bi-weekly, first one was out this month, second this week.)
8) The Killing Joke
9) Batman: A Death in the Family
10) Batman: Prodigal
11) Nightwing mini by Denny O'Neil
12) Nightwing: A Knight in Bludhaven
13) Gotham Central: In the Line of Duty

6. Isn't Tales of the Demon Pre-Crisis on the count that it had Cathy Kane in it

[Cobblepot]

It's the first 4 issues of Shadow Of The Bat, by Grant and Breyfogle.
http://www.dcuguide.com/Bm/BmSoB_001.php

[Cobblepot]

Double post

[Cobblepot]

I still see a lot of "what Batman *** should I get/buy".
That's why I'm bumbin' this thread. (Maybe we can make a stick out of it?)
If there are any links broken, please let me know.
Later today I will update the starting post.
Can anyone tell me how to change the name of a link?
And please keep recommending new books, people.

My new recommendation :
Catwoman When In Rome.

[Carmine Falcone]

Catwoman When In Rome.

Any idea when the TPB is coming out?

[Cobblepot]

The hardcover is already out. You can get for 19,95 at Comicasa.nl.

[Carmine Falcone]

The hardcover is already out. You can get for 19,95 at Comicasa.nl.

Nice :up:
But I think I'll go for the TPB.
BTW: The coloring of when In rome is ****ing gorgeous don't you think? :up:

[Cobblepot]

Yes it is.
I'm not sure when the TPB is coming.

[Carmine Falcone]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1401204325.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

good cover too...

[Cobblepot]

I hope to have it in the mail tomorrow.

[Bullseye]

I also want to read Catwoman: When In Rome. It's a shame I missed out on that book.

[Carmine Falcone]

I have the first 3 issues. But I hate those 20 pages of advertisement. But I HAD to read it.

[Cobblepot]

Updated starting post, check it out!

[Carmine Falcone]

I also have 2 issues of A Lonely Place Of Dying. Quite good. I'd like to read the rest.

Batman And The Monster Men looks great too. I really liked Batman:Faces. Such an unique book.

[Bullseye]

There's lot's of Batman graphic novels out there. Possibly more graphic novels of Batman than any other superhero.

[Cobblepot]

I'm pretty sure Batman is the most "drawn" character, atleast from DC.

[Bullseye]

Batman: Madness Legends of The Dark Night Special and Batman: Ghosts Legends of the Dark Knight special. Both books very good.

[Lone Wolf]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1401204325.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

good cover too...

Ive had three chances to get the book and never took them.I regret it now,alot of people I know who are into comics recommend this book.It will be money well spent.

[Bullseye]

I thought about buying the trade, but I am gonna try and find the issues.

[Cobblepot]

And the HC isn't even that expensive.

[Cobblepot]

If you got some money to spend, pick up these!
http://www.nealadams.com/GraphicsExtras/batmannealadams.jpg

BATMAN ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 1 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=3744)
BATMAN ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 2 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=3749)
BATMAN ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 3 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=4218)

These books will reprint almost every Batman comic drawn by Neal Adams!
Klick here (http://www.nealadams.com/batman.html) to see some of his work!

[Two-Face]

I love Neal Adam's work but I don't like Batman wearing blue cape and cowl.

[Cobblepot]

That's the beauty of it, he isn't wearing a blue cape & cowl. At the time Black was coloured as black with blue. :p

[Spidey-Bat]

Batman: Year One
Althought it has very little Batman, it's worth getting just for it's significance.
Batman: The Man Who Laughs
REALLY good follow-up to Year One. Great story with Joker's first appearence. Good luck finding it though.
Batman: The Long Halloween
Great story with Two-Face's origin.
Batman: Dark Victory
Other than the pointless use of Robin, it's quite good as a sequel to TLH.
Batman: Haunted Knight
The third in the unofficial Loeb/Sale Trilogy. It has no place in continuity really but has some great stories that develop Batman.
Robin: Year One
I REALLY dislike Robin but this wasn't bad. It was rather slow and the stories incoherent with each other (not a big problem). The artwork is mediocre. Two-Face is an ultimate badass in this.
Batman: Strange Apparitions
It's a pretty interesting arc with Hugo Strange. I didn't read the last 2 stories because they were with Clayface III, I may get back to them eventually. This arc also has the Laughing Fish story which is really good (the BTAS episode adapted this VERY well).
Batman: Tales of the Demon
Great stories about Ra's al Ghul. Some are a little lesser than others but overall pretty good.
Batman: The Killing Joke
Not the greatest story, but worth getting.
Batman: A Death in the Family
Although rather bizarre and stupid at times, It's worth getting just to see Robin dead (Too bad that didn't last).
No Man's Land (Volumes 1-5)
I finished this in about 5 days, I got that hooked. The beginning is kind of slow because Batman doesn't show up, once he does and he starts doing his thing, the story picks up the pace. The story has it's slow points, especially towards the end. Once Joker appears it moves along. I reccomend getting it, it's a good story even with it's slow points, but still worth it. The price might be a turn-off though.
Superman / Batman: Public Enemies
I have to say, this is one of my new favorites. Really well written with good juxtaposistion of their origins in the beginning and their internal thoughs during the story. It felt like an old JL hour episode. Some really good fights and Luthor is done really well as a threatening villain. Definately pick it up.
Batman: Broken City
Nice mystery story.
Batman: Under the Hood
I call this the Reverse HUSH. Bad Idea done REALLY well (Hush was a good idea done piss-poor). It also has one of the best twists ever. Unfortunately I knew about it before hand so I was spoiled.
The Dark Knight Returns
Frank Miller's best Batman work. You'll either love it or hate it.
Arkham Asylum
The story has 2 plots, one where Batman agrees to go in Arkham for a few hours and the other is the history of Amadeus Arkham founding the Asylum which is quite gruesome. Very cool read.
Batman Begins TPB
It has the TPB of the movie as well as 3 other stories. 1 is The Man Who Falls, one of O'Neils pieces that fills in some gaps during Bruce's training. The other 2 are ok.


Left to Read

JLA: Tower of Babel

[Cobblepot]

I haven't read Batman: Under the Hood, which comics does it collect?

If you're a Red Hood fan, and anxiuously awaiting what's going to happen to Jason.
I recommend picking up Batman Annual #25 (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=4930.)

[Spidey-Bat]

I haven't read Batman: Under the Hood, which comics does it collect?

If you're a Red Hood fan, and anxiuously awaiting what's going to happen to Jason.
I recommend picking up Batman Annual #25 (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=4930.)

I think it's Batman 635-638

BTW, might want to put a spoiler tag on that last part as I did.

[MaskedManJRK]

Here's one:

BATMAN: Night Cries
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1257_400x600.jpg

There's a killer in Gotham City that's taking out parents the same why that they abused their children, and one of the children has pegged Batman as the killer! Now, Batman and the newly appointed Commishioner Gordon have to figure out who the killer is.

I find that it's damn near the perfect Batman story. It's dark, disturbing, and very tragic.

Also, it gives Gordon a new spin on his personality, one that makes him more human then when Miller wrote YO.

And the last page...woah. Sums up the pain, insanity, and hopelessness of Batman right there.

Pick it up. Right now. ...I know where you live. :o

[nite-owl]

Here's one:

BATMAN: Night Cries
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1257_400x600.jpg

There's a killer in Gotham City that's taking out parents the same why that they abused their children, and one of the children has pegged Batman as the killer! Now, Batman and the newly appointed Commishioner Gordon have to figure out who the killer is.

I find that it's damn near the perfect Batman story. It's dark, disturbing, and very tragic.

Also, it gives Gordon a new spin on his personality, one that makes him more human then when Miller wrote YO.

And the last page...woah. Sums up the pain, insanity, and hopelessness of Batman right there.

Pick it up. Right now. ...I know where you live. :o

I was going to recommend this but since you beat me to it, I'll recommend Batman/Deathblow After the fire awsome book by Azzarello.

[Cobblepot]

Thanks guys, I updated the thread!

[theMan-Bat]

If you got some money to spend, pick up these!
BATMAN ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 2 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=3749)
BATMAN ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 3 (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=4218)

These books will reprint almoste every Batman comic drawn by Neal Adams!
Klick here (http://www.nealadams.com/batman.html) to see some of his work!
Not almost, EVERY Batman comic and cover drawn by Neal Adams!
I highly recommend BATMAN ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 2 (1970-1971)
and BATMAN ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 3 (1972-1976)
I dont recommend VOL. ONE because the 1968-1969 stories and the Batman in that first volume are goofy and Adam West-ish. VOL. 2 has Denny O'Neil's dark gothic tales starting with "Secret Of The Waiting Graves" returning the serious creature of the night Batman that Bob Kane and Bill Finger created. The stories are FAR superior to anything in the Bat-titles today. "A Vow From The Grave" is the story Denny O'Neil feels is his best. Neal has even touched up and re-inked some of the art that was rushed to met deadlines originally. Also the color is updated. The updated dark and moody coloring intensifies the noirish gothic atmosphere of the moody ghost stories like the "House That Haunted Batman" and the horror influenced Man-Bat trilogy, etc.
http://www.thebatsquad.net/_images/illustratedbynealadamsv2.jpg
The extra-sized VOL. 3 has Denny O'Neil's "Joker's Five-Way Revenge" returning the mad killer Joker that Kane and Finger created him to be. Two great never before reprinted stories done for Power Records in the 1970's, one with the killer clown the Joker and one with Man-Bat and She-Bat, and an awesome classic Batman sketchbook section of Neal's art.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/themanbat/1batman.gif
Also highly recommended:
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1287_400x600.jpg
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1248_400x600.jpg
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/2711_400x600.jpg
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/2710_400x600.jpg
Batman In The 70's is recommended for "No Hope In Crime Alley".
I dont recommend the "greatest batman stories ever told" book or the "greatest joker stories ever told" because they are NOT really the greatest at all! They are really just a "history of batman comics: the good the bad and the ugly". This is a much better collection of stories:
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1217_400x600.jpg

[theMan-Bat]

And:
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1269_400x600.jpg
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1282_400x600.jpg
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1275_400x600.jpg
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/4353_400x600.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/themanbat/1judge.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/themanbat/1spawn.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/themanbat/1punisher.jpg

[theMan-Bat]

And:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/themanbat/1batmanhellboy.jpg
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1229_400x600.jpg
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1286_400x600.jpg
http://www.thebatsquad.net/_images/blackandwhite2.jpg
Dark Detective collection soft cover. On sale April 12th.
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/4940_400x600.jpg
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1279_400x600.jpg

[theMan-Bat]

I also recommend this book (not a comic):
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/themanbat/1forensic.jpg

[Spidey-Bat]

No Man's Land 1-5
I finished this in about 5 days. The beginning is kind of slow because Batman doesn't show up, once he does and he starts doing his thing, the story picks up the pace. The story has it's slow points and towards the end, it's rather slow until Joker appears. I reccomend getting it, it's a good story even with it's slow points, but definately worth it.

[Cobblepot]

Bump

[Spidey-Bat]

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
I have to say, this is one of my new favorites. I really enjoyed Batman and Superman's origins juxtaposed. Their internal thoughts are also done very well. The story itself moved pretty well. It felt like an old JL hour episode. Some really good fights and Luthor is done really well as a threatening villain. Definately pick it up.

[DCW]

Batman: The Man Who Laughs
REALLY good follow-up to Year One. Great story with Joker's first appearence. Good luck finding it though.Yeah, where can I find this graphic novel? I'm realling interested in it but I can't find it anywhere.

Edit: Nevermind, I found one.

[Cobblepot]

Bumpity bump.

[Bullseye]

Batman: The Man Who Laughs shouldn't be impossible to find. By checking various retail comic site and shops I am sure it is out there. I found mine at a later date and I was suprised to find it.

[theMan-Bat]

I also recommend the Vampire Trilogy:
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1212_400x600.jpg
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/08025108270.1.GIF
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/1239_400x600.jpg

[nite-owl]

Are the batman/judge dredd crossover worth getting?

[theMan-Bat]

Are the batman/judge dredd crossover worth getting?

Oh yeah. This one painted by Simon Bisley is worth getting. It's awesome. Judge Death, a ghost (like Deadman) that kills you just by touching you, teams up with the Scarecrow in Gotham City. Batman accidentally activates the dimension-jump device that allowed Judge Death to reach Gotham and Batman finds himself in Mega-City One with the Mean Machine where Batman is arrested by Judge Dredd as a suspect for carrying offensive weapons! And that's just the beginning.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/themanbat/1judge.jpg

[nite-owl]

Sounds cool I might pick it up.

[Bullseye]

I would only read that crossover depending on the writer.

[Cobblepot]

It's a decent read, Bisleys art is amazing as always.

[Bullseye]

Really.

I see Wagner's name so I might be interested in reading it.

[nite-owl]

I am only picking it up because I want to get into Alan Grants batman.

[Bullseye]

Thats also a good reason to read it.

[nite-owl]

Speaking of grants batman I bought the batman of arkham of ebay a couple of weeks ago. Its an elseworlds, about what if batman ran arkyum asylum in Victorian England and how he tries to discover why man kills.

[co2]

I just bought Year One and The Long Halloween and my brother lent me The Killing Joke and Arkham Asylum. I will be tearing into them soon, and in that order.

[nite-owl]

I just bought batman the last arkham and man-bat off ebay, so when I get them I'll write a review of them.

[Two-Face]

Edit.

[hippie_hunter]

I'm really liking the current arc of Batman/Detective Comics. It's a good story and it is getting rid of the lame-ass villains from Batman's rogues gallery. I highly recommend it.

[CConn]

I'm really liking the current arc of Batman/Detective Comics. It's a good story and it is getting rid of the lame-ass villains from Batman's rogues gallery. I highly recommend it.Has Hush appeared yet? :o

[super85]

Thankfully not. I really dig the current story.

[CConn]

You missed my inference. :o

I want Hush dead. :o

[super85]

Yea I guessed it was sarcasm. I liked Hush , I just started heavily to dislike the character during A.J Liebermans run on Gotham Knights.

[trustyside-kick]

The Long Halloween, Dark Victory..both are like a MUST...love those two. Hush is good too. I

will get back to you when I read Dark Knight Returns when I get the chance cause I heard that one is good.

Also I am about to read Prodigal soon which is when Dick takes hold of the Batman mantle while Bruce is gone..so I am curious and looking forward to that.

[hippie_hunter]

Has Hush appeared yet? :o

The KGBeast, Magpie, and the Ventriloquist are dead (thank god, I always found the Ventriloquist extremely lame).

But no, no Hush yet. Hush isn't a bad character, he rocked in Loeb's run on Batman, he just really sucked in Lieberman's run on Batman: Gotham Knights.

[trustyside-kick]

The KGBeast, Magpie, and the Ventriloquist are dead (thank god, I always found the Ventriloquist extremely lame).

But no, no Hush yet. Hush isn't a bad character, he rocked in Loeb's run on Batman, he just really sucked in Lieberman's run on Batman: Gotham Knights.

What don't you like about The Ventriloquist?

[ToddIsDead]

Like, hippie_hunter said, the current crossover arc has been really good. It's a great place to start reading Batman for anyone who is looking for a jumping on point.

[nite-owl]

It was a same about hush the character had so much ponetial but it all got wasted away on that crappy Gotham Knights run.:down

[hippie_hunter]

What don't you like about The Ventriloquist?

The whole concept of him is lame :o

[Spare-Flair]

Is there a list of specials within the Batman Comic Series instead of collected graphic novels?

I know that Year One starts at Batman #404 and Hush starts at Batman #608

Are there any other siginificant special arcs with great writers/artists and what issues are they at?

[trustyside-kick]

Hey. So far it seems that my most favorite Batman comics are the ones written by Jeph Loeb...so I am just wondering if he has written any other Bat stories I do not know about besides the following:

- The Long Halloween
- Dark Victory
- Haunted Knight
- Hush

[Mr. Socko]

Is Batman Arkham Asylum good?

[Spidey-Bat]

It's pretty good. It's nothing amazing but a pretty interesting book.

But no, no Hush yet. Hush isn't a bad character, he rocked in Loeb's run on Batman, he just really sucked in Lieberman's run on Batman: Gotham Knights.

Hush was a horrible story line and is a poorly executed character. Which is a shame since the idea is not bad.

[Two-Face]

I read AA once it's good book.

[trustyside-kick]

I downloaded AA from BitLord and sorta am looking forward to reading it but have not had the time yet.

[hippie_hunter]

It's pretty good. It's nothing amazing but a pretty interesting book.



Hush was a horrible story line and is a poorly executed character. Which is a shame since the idea is not bad.

Hush rocked :mad:

Hush Returns is what sucked major assage :o

[Cobblepot]

I downloaded AA from BitLord and sorta am looking forward to reading it but have not had the time yet.

Did u buy it yet?

[trustyside-kick]

Nah, have not gotten around to reading it...the whole unique style of art kind of annoys me when trying to read off the computer. Perhaps if I had the book it would be easier to read. That is one of the disadvantages to downloading some comics from BitLord...gotta read off the computer.

By the way...for anyone who has not read The Man Who Laughs...it is incredibly good. I would have posted this a long time ago but I haven't looked at this thread in so long.

[Cobblepot]

Is there a list of specials within the Batman Comic Series instead of collected graphic novels?

I know that Year One starts at Batman #404 and Hush starts at Batman #608

Are there any other siginificant special arcs with great writers/artists and what issues are they at?


Batman 426 till 429 Death In The Family

[Cobblepot]

Everybody get Batman And The Monstermen, it's great!
Newbies check out first page!

[Carmine Falcone]

Everybody get Batman And The Monstermen, it's great!
Newbies check out first page!

Do you have the TPB? If so; where did you get it?

[Cobblepot]

No, I bought the loose ones. I'm hoping they'll collect both Monstermen and The Monk in one Hardcover.

[Buttman]

Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity

Does that count? It's Wagners.

[Kool-Aid]

Batman 450 ad 451. Its a good and funny Joker Story.

[Binker]

Could someone tell me what are the best issues from Detective Comics 371-500 & Batman 201-300?

[Cobblepot]

Bump

[CConn]

Well...that was a well-timed bump. I just got finished reading Batman: Fugitive Parts 1 and 2 (and read Bruce Wayne: Murderer? not too long ago), and I must say, I found it quite excellent.

Obviously it's not an "essential" or definitive book like Year One and the like are, but if you've already read those, and are looking for something else, I'd definitely reccomend both Murderer? and Fugitive.

[Cobblepot]

I read them too. It's better to read the Trades than the comics storywise it works better. For such an arch it's pretty good.

I'm putting Batman Year One Hundred up as well, everyone agrees?

[CConn]

I read them too. It's better to read the Trades than the comics storywise it works better. For such an arch it's pretty good.Yeah. With Bruce Wayne: Murderer? I read the issues, and sorta had mixed feelings about it. Then I saw how the TPB was edited together, and it looks tons better.
I'm putting Batman Year One Hundred up as well, everyone agrees?Agreed. And of course, for anyone who hasn't read it the caveat is; don't let the art turn you off to the book - you'll be used to it by page three.

[The Watchman]

It's funny that the art is seen as a turnoff to some, where after reading 100% and Heavy Liquid the art in Batman: Year 100 was the main draw to me.

[trustyside-kick]

For some people it takes a while to adjust to the unique styles. I love Tim Sale's art now but when first reading TLH I was iffy about it. But like CConn said Batman Year 100's art will be something you get used to after the first few pages and you will soon begin to love it.

[Kevin Roegele]

To me, this is the greatest Batman story ever. Very rare and almost forgotten now.

http://buy.overstock.com/images/products/bnt/FC0812520424.JPG

[OneKnight]

What is that, Kevin, a one shot?

[Cobblepot]

No it was a three issue mini-series. It's a retteling of the story posted in this thread: http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252637

Scroll down a bit.

The Untold Legend is a great read with really great art. That cover image got me hooked on Batman.

[Prognosticator]

I read Batman: Contagion the summer before last and it was like watching '24'. Fast-paced, solid use of the characters, interesting twists/turns/& cliffhangers! A great trade.

The only downside is that not every question is answered by the end, but that almost makes it better b/c there is no "cheese" wrap-up resolution.

[trustyside-kick]

Since people seem to be talking about older storylines...even though this is more of a Bat-family story I am going to say it anyway because Bats does make appearances. Batman/Huntress: Cry for Blood. My favorite Huntress-related story probably.

[Cobblepot]

Bumb

[K.B.]

Some good picks so far...

[Cobblepot]

I updated the first posts a bit and put in Mad Monk. Now get reading!

[Cobblepot]

Thanks for sticking it!

Anyone have some more obscure or older titles to recommend?

Again for those who already own the major hitters:
-Shaman
-Venom
-Year Three
-Year Hundred (Even better if you like Pope's art)
-Snow (though you might skim through it first to glance the art!)

I would also like to put up some Superman and Batman stories.

[Kraven]

I've heard some good things about "The Joker's Five Way Revenge" or something along those lines. Does anyone now which issue this is, who wrote it, and who did the artwork?

[CConn]

It's written by Denny O'Neil and drawn by Neal Adams. It's a single issue of Batman from the '70s, and is generally considered to be the return of the grim, psychopathic Joker that had been missing in comics since the 40s.

PM if you want to read it.

[Cobblepot]

"The Joker's Five Way Revenge" is a great story. it has some very good Joker art by Neal Adams. And it's got a shark in it.

Any Batman and Superman team ups to recommend?

I'd recommend atleast these:
-Worlds Finest (by Dave gibbons and Steve Rude)
-Public Enemies (by Jeph Loeb and EdMcGuinnes)

I'll check my books for more.

[JTStarkiller]

I just picked up and read Ego today. Never heard of it before.

Pretty fan****ingtastic. :up:

[nite-owl]

I love ego its one of my favourite Batman stories of all time.

[CConn]

Darwyn Cooke is a genius.

[trustyside-kick]

I think I'm going to try to check that out.

[TheDarkKnight_NL]

got "Death in the Family", "Dark Knight Returns" and "Batman/Superman Absolute Power" not to long ago, very awesome

probably going to get "Batman/Superman Public Enemies" soon

[CConn]

Public Enemies makes Absolute Power look like a bad dream had by George Lucas.

[Cobblepot]

I just picked up and read Ego today. Never heard of it before.

Pretty fan****ingtastic. :up:

Ego is great, check out more of Darwyn Cooke's work.

-Solo
-Catwoman Selina's Big Score
-The New Frontier (highly recommended!)
-Batman/Spirit (great read written by Jeph Loeb)
-The early Catwoman issues (from the latest ongoing series)
-And don't forget some of his cover work on various animated comics!

[Kraven]

Read "The Joker's Five Way Revenge," and I agree that it's great. A good story with the Joker, and Neal Adams' art is beautiful. My favorite part was probably the exploding cigar, or the finale with the shark. Batman was really clever in this.Thanks for showing it to me CConn. :up:

[Kraven]

Thought I'd post this "New Reader's Guide: The Batman Franchise" for anyone looking to get into one of the current titles. It seems to be pretty fair, thought it would be good for this thread:

http://comics.ign.com/articles/751/751058p1.html

[Cobblepot]

Thanks Tom.

[CConn]

Again for those who already own the major hitters:
-Snow (though you might skim through it first to glance the art!)Is Snow really that good? I glanced at it when it was first coming out in single issues, but considering LOTK wasn't impressing me, I didn't pick it up.

[Carmine Falcone]

I wonder if there are there any good comics with Mr Freeze as the main villain? And Penguin?

[Cobblepot]

Is Snow really that good? I glanced at it when it was first coming out in single issues, but considering LOTK wasn't impressing me, I didn't pick it up.

I thought it was pretty good. It was a pretty solid and depressing rewrite of how Freeze came to be.
I'll read it again and post my thoughts here.

[Cobblepot]

I wonder if there are there any good comics with Mr Freeze as the main villain? And Penguin?

The Penguin Affair was great, a run by Grant and Breyfogle (it was also printed in dutch).

[nite-owl]

I read Batman: Year 100 the other day, and recommend it to everyone, and if any dosen't read it they get the Hero's Welcome.:up:

[nite-owl]

edit.

[Cobblepot]

For all I care Batman Year Hundred is considered a classic.
http://www.freegorifero.com/weblog/assets/060226.jpg

[TheDarkKnight_NL]

I'm still hoping for a sequel to Batman Year 100 :)

[Carmine Falcone]

Recently read Monster Men, ****ing loved it. Wagner = :up: :up: :up: :up:

[trustyside-kick]

I haven't gotten around yet to Batman 100. But I've only heard good things so I will definitely make a note to check it out.

[Cobblepot]

I'm still hoping for a sequel to Batman Year 100 :)

I would even settle for a prequel. :yay:

[TheDarkKnight_NL]

prequel would be nice aswell :) just to explain the ending a bit better,

i want to know if it really is Bruce behind the mask :)

[batman44]

I would recommend Batman/Deathblow: After the Fire.

Batman gets involved with the spooks when an intelligence-officer friend of Bruce Wayne's is incinerated in a flash fire, and all clues point to a psychic firestarter, one of two guys whom Bruce's friend and a gunman code-named Deathblow failed to get 10 years ago. Their other quarry was the firestarter's supposed boss, the Falcon, and finding him becomes another objective of Batman's investigation. Batman gets ever grimmer as his pursuit lengthens; finally, he seems to drop out of the story.

[Chudy]

Hello,

I wanna ask whether the last volume of Gotham Central (Gotham Central v4: The Quick And The Dead) have some errors in editorial? I remeber, that Rich Johnston from Lying in the gutters pay attention for errors in previous volume.

http://www.comicbloc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=725236#post725236

Thanks for help :)

[trustyside-kick]

Finally was able to get my hands on Batman: Ego. Holy crap...that was amazing. :wow:

[Revovler]

Another good one is Batman & Grendel: Devil's Riddle & Devil's Masque.

[Chudy]

Can someone tell me something about bat-books, which was drawn by John Van Fleet? Of course whether there are good or bad. It was "The Ankh", "The Chalice" and "Batman & Poison Ivy: Cast Shadows".

[footballplaya]

Batman is cool

[Cobblepot]

He sure is.:whatever:

[Buttman]

Another good one is Batman & Grendel: Devil's Riddle & Devil's Masque.
I'm not sure, I didn't like the "pretend I'm the riddler" gimmick by Grendel. Makes all the other villians seem less brilliant.

[Kaiser]

So I just bought and finished Batman Year One. What novel comes next?

[Buttman]

So I just bought and finished Batman Year One. What novel comes next?
The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb?

[Kaiser]

The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb?

Why the question mark? Is it hard to find? Is there no order? I don't know much about comics or these books. This is the first comic book I've ever owned. There has to be a book that fallows or else they wouldn't have ended Year One like they did.

[The Empire Ape]

Why the question mark? Is it hard to find? Is there no order? I don't know much about comics or these books. This is the first comic book I've ever owned. There has to be a book that fallows or else they wouldn't have ended Year One like they did.

Basically Year One was over and there wasn't any continuation for years. Some stories like "Prey" & "Shaman" were tied into this story and some of the characters (like Flass & Sarah Essen) appeared later in the regular batman books, but characters like the Roman returned only in the late-90s series "The Long Halloween" and its sequel "Dark Victory" (but these stories contradict some points from the "regular" canon, some characters die who are to appear later and villains show up who shouldn't exist then).

You can go like this:
- Year One
- Shaman (not really important)
- Batman & The Monster-Men (intr. Hugo Strange)
- Prey (Hugo Strange)
- Batman & The Mad Monk (not really important for later stories)
- The Man Who Laughs (intr. Joker)
- Four of a Kind (intr. Riddler, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow & Man-Bat)
- Snow (intr. Mr Freeze)
- The Long Halloween
[...]

But many things are not collected in tpbs.

[Kraven]

Yeah that list looks spot on to me, but you know you don't necessarily have to read them in order. Of the next ones on that list, I'd personally recommend TLH. It's a great mystery, and was one of the first Batman comics I owned. Other than that I'd say TMWL, but it's damn near impossible to find at a low price.

[Kraven]

Yeah that list looks spot on to me, but you know you don't necessarily have to read them in order. Of the next ones on that list, I'd personally recommend TLH. It's a great mystery, and was one of the first Batman comics I owned. Other than that I'd say TMWL, but it's damn near impossible to find at a low price.

[CConn]

Since the Mad Monk trade isn't out yet, yeah, I'd say go with TLH and Dark Victory next. Then go back and read Monster Men/Mad Monk. It's best to read them back to back.

[Buttman]

Why the question mark? Is it hard to find? Is there no order? I don't know much about comics or these books. This is the first comic book I've ever owned. There has to be a book that fallows or else they wouldn't have ended Year One like they did.
I wasn't sure if you had it already.

Definately get The Long Halloween.

[batsters]

Wisdom from the Batcave by Cary Friedman is a really amazing book ... highly recommended by many giants in the comic book industry

check out: www.batwisdom.com (http://www.batwisdom.com) for more information (see "review" and "messageboard" sections)

[Arkard]

What would you guys say is the best Mr Freeze run in the comic books?
Would there be a graphic novel?

[batmite76]

What would you guys say is the best Mr Freeze run in the comic books?
Would there be a graphic novel?
Top 3 Freeze stories IMO:

Dini's 1997 "Mr Freeze" prestige format one-shot (retconed origin story).
Cold Case LotDK 201-202-203
Cold Snap LotDK 190-191

Worst One (again IMO)?

Snow.

[SpideyZERO]

I heard that Batman Year One is pretty good and I think of buying it. But I want to know about the art in this tpb. How is it? Can someone post a page or 2? Thanks!

[Cobblepot]

The new trade is great, it's the same as the hard cover. You'll love it.
dt&v

[trustyside-kick]

I heard that Batman Year One is pretty good and I think of buying it. But I want to know about the art in this tpb. How is it? Can someone post a page or 2? Thanks!

Yea, like Cobblepot said it's good and the art is great.

If you are just getting into Batman and am trying to get a hold of some earlier based stories (or just want to know some good stories), I highly recommonend also getting your hands on the following:

- The Long Halloween
- Dark Victory
- The Man Who Laughs

The Man Who Laughs may be extremely hard to find so I would suggest trying to get the best deal on eBay if someone is selling it. The other 2 you can easily find.

[SpideyZERO]

Well The Long Halloween is the first Batman story I have and I love it. After buying Year One I will get Dark Victory. Hope it's as good as TLH

[Arkady Rossovich]

What about Hush?Ive heard good things about it,but im not too sure.

[trustyside-kick]

I heard some mixed feelings on Hush but I for one loved it. It was that last nudge I needed along with these forums and Batman Begins to actually make me read Batman comics. Before, I was a huge fan just never actually read the comic stuff. Since then I've expanded to reading a lot of other stuff and I partially give credit to Hush for that.

[SpideyZERO]

I bought Batman Year One and have read it. It's pretty good. I always like reading origin stories and Batman's origin is one of the best. I like the struggle when he decides to become a bat. Batman's first adventure is very funny as well. However, there's some problems with Year One. First is the letters of Bruce's thoughts. They are too difficult to read. And the ending is kinda anti-climatic. It's just Gordon waiting for Bats and it ends just like that. It would be nice if Batman shows up and ends.

[Kraven]

Alright, so I'm looking for the next Batman trade I should get, I've got the basics like YO, DKR, TKJ, TLH, DV, SotD, Arkham Asylum, and am probably going to get Monster Men and Mad Monk soon. Which should be the next on my list?

[trustyside-kick]

Alright, so I'm looking for the next Batman trade I should get, I've got the basics like YO, DKR, TKJ, TLH, DV, SotD, Arkham Asylum, and am probably going to get Monster Men and Mad Monk soon. Which should be the next on my list?

- The Man Who Laughs, although that will be near impossible to obtain.

- Cult. Possibly the best Batman story when Jason was still Robin. I really did not expect it to be as good as it was and the art is amazing.

- The Gauntlet was very cool, especially if you want a good story when Dick was Robin. It is basically the training he does and the final test before he can be officially Batman's side-kick.

- I do not know if you want to branch off but since they are part of the Bat-family, Robin or Nightwing or Batgirl Year One are all real good. Probably Robin Year One is the best, followed by Batgirl Year One, followed by Nightwing Year One.

- If you were to survey a lot of people, half would say Hush was good, and half would say it wasn't. But the problem with the negative side is that part of it is Jim Lee-hate it seems to me which is retarded. I love all of Loeb's Bat-work and Lee's Batman has become so iconic in my mind. If you haven't read Hush, I strongly suggest it. It helped me get into comics.

- I do not know if you read the single issues when it came out, but while people were pissed with Jason's return, Under the Hood's story and art was just awesome. Even if the Red Hood ended up not being Jason I would have loved it the same. So please do not let the fact that Jason is back ruin your feelings about reading it (incase you hated them bringing him back); it is really good.

[Kraven]

Oh yeah, I forgot about Hush. That'll probably be the next one I check out, although I'm undecided on whether I should get a cheap Absolute version or the two trades. And I just was getting into Batman comics around the second half of the Under the Hood Story, so I did catch most of that and liked it quite a bit. Thanks for the recommendations, they sound pretty good. :up:

[Mogwai]

I just bought the 2 Hush trades not too long ago. Really enjoyed them, but mostly for Lee's art.

[Bruce Wayne]

It may have been already asked... but is Batman: Confidential any good at all?

[CConn]

Not really, no.

Well, as I understand it, the story isn't particularly bad, but it's hardly anything special, and the art is so wretched it's not worth it.

[Goddamn_Batman]

Not really, no.

Well, as I understand it, the story isn't particularly bad, but it's hardly anything special, and the art is so wretched it's not worth it.

Yeah, I've gotten every issue so far, and I really didn't need to. I mean, the story is a little bit interesting, but probably would be better as a 30-minute cartoon than a multiple-issue arc. And the art? Woof.

[Bruce Wayne]

Thanks... I'll be sure to intentionally avoid it and pick up my usual issue of Detective instead. :up:

[Spidey]

My comic shop slipped the first two issues of Batman AND Superman Confidential into my file without my permission, hate when they pull that crap. Anyway, both are subpar in comparison to DC and AC if you ask me, just another effort to squeeze an extra $2.75 out of the reader.

[CConn]

I dunno, Superman Confidential has one of the best creative teams in the business. If they aren't delivering, it certainly isn't due to DC's decisions.

[Dr. Fate]

Anyone know any good Batman stories revolving around the Penguin, lovable gentlemen thief?

[Cobblepot]

The Penguin affair is pretty good. It started in Batman 449, check it out.

[Dr. Fate]

The Penguin affair is pretty good. It started in Batman 449, check it out.
Thank you, will do.

Just seems like even though the Penguin is one of the higher ranking villains, he always gets overshadowed by either the Joker or some other villain.

[CConn]

Thank you, will do.

Just seems like even though the Penguin is one of the higher ranking villains, he always gets overshadowed by either the Joker or some other villain.
I think that's because the Penguin is one of the more well-known villains simply due to his inclusion in the Adam West Batman series - while, in the comics, he's always had a much lesser role.

[Cobblepot]

The Animated series and comics has a good share of solid Penguin stories, if you're an avid Penguin fan, you might want to check out some of those.

[Mee]

As The Crow Flies I think it was called, Penguin/Scarecrow story from Winnick's run, that was alright.

[trustyside-kick]

I liked that story a lot. Some people disliked it only because of the Scarebeast though.

[Cobblepot]

It was a bit over the top.

[Shifty]

Gotham Central may not be a "Batman title" but he appears briefly or a decent amount, same with the deadly villains like Mr.Freeze, Penguin and The Joker. However sometimes the regular Gotham characters don't show up at all and the GCPD deals with the problems any normal city deals with. Ihighly recommend the trades for those who missed out on the series.

It has a Year One look to it and the writing and art deserve to be seen by more people.

http://www.grovel.org.uk/reviews/gotham-central/gotham-central-03.jpg
http://www.grovel.org.uk/reviews/gotham-central/gotham-central-04.jpg

Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker alternated on story arcs (day and night shifts), and occasionally co-wrote. Michael Lark provided the art for most of the series. I've only read the first four, very hard to choose a favourite. Perhaps The Joker sniper story (at Christmas).

Gotham Central Vol. 1: In the Line of Duty
Collects the first five issues of the critically acclaimed series! Gotham's Special Crimes Unit is in a race against time to bring in Mister Freeze…without the help of the Dark Knight!
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/2962_400x600.jpg

Gotham Central Vol. 2: Half a Life
The Eisner-winning story arc focusing on Renee Montoya presented in GOTHAM CENTRAL #6-10! Plus, stories from BATMAN CHRONICLES #16 and DETECTIVE COMICS #747 providing additional details on Montoya. Two-Face appears in this arc, having fallen in love with Montoya and kidnapped her.
Eisner Award - Best Serialized Story 2004
Harvey Award - Best Single Issue or Story 2004
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/2955_400x600.jpg

Gotham Central Vol. 3: Unresolved Targets
An amazing collection featuring the acclaimed GOTHAM CENTRAL #12-15 and #19-22! The Joker terrorizes the city at Christmastime when he begins randomly executing people with a rifle, and no one from the Mayor on down is safe! A second story focuses on an old case and unfinished business for disgraced detective Harvey Bullock.
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/4942_400x600.jpg

Gotham Central Vol. 4: The Quick and the Dead
A new collection featuring Gotham Central #23-25 and #28-31! Detective Renee Montoya investigates the disappearance of important evidence amid a gang war and travels to Keystone City in an attempt to unveil the truth about Officer Kelly's strange mutation.
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/6093_400x600.jpg

Gotham Central Vol. 5: Dead Robin, on sale June 13, 2007
In this volume collecting Gotham Central #33-40, the dead body of Robin, the Boy Wonder is found on the streets. Now the detectives of Gotham Central must try to solve the mystery of his death while dealing with his former associates, Batman and the Teen Titans!
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/7257_400x600.jpg

and one more volume will probably come out to collect the 6 remaining issues that were single issues or short arcs throughout the series.

[Cobblepot]

I can only give a big thumb up. Those Gotham Central stories are great.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Batman: City of Crime is worth a read as well.

[CConn]

Batman: City of Crime is worth a read as well.
I disagree. I found City of Crime to be one of the worst comics I've ever read. The writing was overblown and tedious, and the plot was the slowest, most boring thing I have ever read.

[Carmine Falcone]

http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/4942_400x600.jpg

This has got to be the most badass Bullock pic I've ever seen.

[Thespiralgoeson]

I disagree. I found City of Crime to be one of the worst comics I've ever read. The writing was overblown and tedious, and the plot was the slowest, most boring thing I have ever read.

I liked City of Crime because it's one of the few Batman comics I've read that actually made Gotham seem like a dangerous place to live in. I like that it took the focus away from the gimmicky whackjobs Bats normally takes on, and showed us a city that's plagued by poverty, drugs, gang violence, even human trafficking. DKR is the only other Batman comic I've read where Gotham really seemed like a hellish place that actually needed Batman. Even Year One promised quite a bit more than it delivered.

[BubbaGump]

I liked City of Crime because it's one of the few Batman comics I've read that actually made Gotham seem like a dangerous place to live in. I like that it took the focus away from the gimmicky whackjobs Bats normally takes on, and showed us a city that's plagued by poverty, drugs, gang violence, even human trafficking. DKR is the only other Batman comic I've read where Gotham really seemed like a hellish place that actually needed Batman. Even Year One promised quite a bit more than it delivered.

City of Crime is a story about Gotham, not about Batman. As a Batman story, it wasn't that great. As a Gotham City tale--it was good on its own level. That's pretty much how you sum up that story arc. The art was decent (a bit better than Batman: Detective), but the story was so convoluted I could swim in it. If you want a grim, gritty tale that would take you more than one sitting to read, pick up City of Crime. I wouldn't reccomend it highly though, but try it anyway.

That said, this is my first post on Superhero Hype. I have yet to read the forum rules. :yay:

[Shifty]

I liked City of Crime because it's one of the few Batman comics I've read that actually made Gotham seem like a dangerous place to live in. I like that it took the focus away from the gimmicky whackjobs Bats normally takes on, and showed us a city that's plagued by poverty, drugs, gang violence, even human trafficking. DKR is the only other Batman comic I've read where Gotham really seemed like a hellish place that actually needed Batman. Even Year One promised quite a bit more than it delivered.

Give Gotham Central a look.

[Dansmith]

Are Dark Victory and Haunted Knight any good? I've heard some things about Dark Victory, but none of my friends read Haunted Knight...

Also, what issues of Superman/Batman Is Batzarro in? I wanted to check him out...

[Agentsands77]

Are Dark Victory and Haunted Knight any good? I've heard some things about Dark Victory, but none of my friends read Haunted Knight...
They certainly are. They're quite excellent.

DARK VICTORY is great for the development it grants Batman and his relationship with Robin... the way Jeph Loeb develops it, it makes a lot of sense that Wayne would take this young kid in and then train him. You also get the benefit of seeing the loose ends from THE LONG HALLOWEEN get tied up.

HAUNTED KNIGHT is a collection of three stories of varying quality, but are all pretty good (my favorite is actually the Mad Hatter episode). It's not one of the greeeeeeeeats, per se, but it's darn good and each story takes Bruce on an interesting journey of introspection.

[CConn]

Are Dark Victory and Haunted Knight any good? I've heard some things about Dark Victory, but none of my friends read Haunted Knight...

Also, what issues of Superman/Batman Is Batzarro in? I wanted to check him out...
Dark Victory's very good. I haven't read Haunted Knight, but that's supposedly very good as well.

Batzarro appeared in S/B #20-25. Not really the best arc in the world, but eh.

[Shifty]

Are Dark Victory and Haunted Knight any good? I've heard some things about Dark Victory, but none of my friends read Haunted Knight...

Also, what issues of Superman/Batman Is Batzarro in? I wanted to check him out...

Haunted Knight is alright. Even though they were written before TLH and DV it seems like a bonus book. DC probably just collected them to cash in but they're nothing that special.

[trustyside-kick]

Yea while I enjoyed Haunted Knight, it never "wowed" me. Two of the stories were cool, but the other I wasn't too fond of. It is good, just not great. But would I recommend it? Sure. Just not above other stories I've already recommended in this thread.

[BubbaGump]

In the comic section of my local Borders, I saw the TPB of Gotham Central: Unresolved Targets poking out of the shelf, and I decided to give it a read. Man, I was hooked. Soft Targets was great, but before I could start with Unresolved, the god damn store closed! :cmad:

The Joker in Soft Targets is how I hope Nolan will tackle the Joker. The look was perfect and realistic. The book showed him as a disturbed, but not Grant Morrison-type villain. His jokes were not corny one-liners as well. The wet t-shirt sequence actually got a quiet laugh out of me.

Gotham Central has a Year One look to it, I agree. It's a great, under-read story. I'd like to read more of it myself.

[itsthebatman]

In the comic section of my local Borders, I saw the TPB of Gotham Central: Unresolved Targets poking out of the shelf, and I decided to give it a read. Man, I was hooked. Soft Targets was great, but before I could start with Unresolved, the god damn store closed! :cmad:

The Joker in Soft Targets is how I hope Nolan will tackle the Joker. The look was perfect and realistic. The book showed him as a disturbed, but not Grant Morrison-type villain. His jokes were not corny one-liners as well. The wet t-shirt sequence actually got a quiet laugh out of me.

Gotham Central has a Year One look to it, I agree. It's a great, under-read story. I'd like to read more of it myself.
Agreed. Every Gotham central story I've read has been on the money. Michael Larks' art is excellent as well.

[Shifty]

In the comic section of my local Borders, I saw the TPB of Gotham Central: Unresolved Targets poking out of the shelf, and I decided to give it a read. Man, I was hooked. Soft Targets was great, but before I could start with Unresolved, the god damn store closed! :cmad:

The Joker in Soft Targets is how I hope Nolan will tackle the Joker. The look was perfect and realistic. The book showed him as a disturbed, but not Grant Morrison-type villain. His jokes were not corny one-liners as well. The wet t-shirt sequence actually got a quiet laugh out of me.


The book also takes place in December, a few days before Christmas, and you know The Joker will be back then.

How dare they close while you haven't finished reading your book you aren't going to pay for!:cwink:

[BubbaGump]

How dare they close while you haven't finished reading your book you aren't going to pay for!:cwink:

I lolled. :yay:

[Dark Spidey]

Did anyone buy the Absolute Edition of The Long Halloween?

Is it worth the purchase?

[Mr. Socko]

Any good graphic novels coming out soon?


I'm not one to read monthly comics, I'll only read it if it has a spine.

[Mister J]

As far as recent stuff, I'd recommend Paul Dini's Detective trade.

[CConn]

Any good graphic novels coming out soon?


I'm not one to read monthly comics, I'll only read it if it has a spine.
Have you read Monster Men and Mad Monk yet?

[BubbaGump]

As far as recent stuff, I'd recommend Paul Dini's Detective trade.

I liked the stories (pretty decent, but below Paul Dini quality), but the art was *goat bleet* Except for the Joker storyline (one of my recent favorites), the art made me want Bruce Timm. :csad:

[Dark Spidey]

Did anyone buy the Absolute Edition of The Long Halloween?

Is it worth the purchase?

Anyone at all? :huh:

[Two-Face]

Is Batman and Monster Men (spelling??) any good?

[Cobblepot]

Yes really good. If you like Year One type stories, check it out!

[nite-owl]

Yes it's very good.

[Cobblepot]

Anyone at all? :huh:

I got TLH Absolute, it's worth the money I think. Doesn't have a lot of extra's but the bigger pages alone are worth it.

[Dark Spidey]

I got TLH Absolute, it's worth the money I think. Doesn't have a lot of extra's but the bigger pages alone are worth it.

I want to get it. But if they don't put the Haunted Knight stories in either Absolute Dark Knight or When In Rome, this collection will feel incomplete.

[Mr. Socko]

Have you read Monster Men and Mad Monk yet?


Gonna look into Monster Men next time I'm at a cb store, thanks.

[Cobblepot]

I have a fresh idea, to put up in one of the first threads.
Favourite runs, from TEC and Batman.


Detective Comics
By Alan Grant & John Wagner and Norm Breyfogle

Issues 583-594; 596-597; 601-603

Check it out here: http://www.nyxxunderground.com/quarter/g_b_detective.htm

[TheMadHatter]

^does that one include The Mud Pack arc? i really liked those except for the love story parts

[warren_sparta27]

hey, i don't know if there is already something like what i'm looking for on this forum somewhere, but i just wanted to know if there is a list that has all the Batman stories listed in order, i know it goes something like
Y1
dark moon rising
TLH
DV

but i know there are a couple ones i'm missing in there
can anyone help me please?
thank you

[BubbaGump]

To be read in this order...
1) Batman: Year One
2) Batman: The Long Halloween
3) Batman: Dark Victory
4) Robin: Year One
5) Batgirl: Year One
6) Batman: Tales of the Demon
7) Current Nightwing Arc - Nightwing: Year One (6 issues, bi-weekly, first one was out this month, second this week.)
8) The Killing Joke
9) Batman: A Death in the Family
10) Batman: Prodigal
11) Nightwing mini by Denny O'Neil
12) Nightwing: A Knight in Bludhaven
13) Gotham Central: In the Line of Duty

This is in chronological order, though I remember a more incredibly detailed list somewhere else. It had about 100 TPBs on it.

[warren_sparta27]

This is in chronological order, though I remember a more incredibly detailed list somewhere else. It had about 100 TPBs on it.

thank you, that detailed list you talk of would be very intersteing to see :)

[BATS N' HORNETS]

ARKHAM ASYLUM

[BubbaGump]

I finally purchased Unresolved Targets. I loved the Mad Hatter story, too.

Gotham Central Gotham Central Gotham Central

[CConn]

Arkham Asylum*

[Spider-Bat]

These are the ones I recommend...

Haunted Knight, The Long Halloween, Dark Victory

The killing Joke

The first 2 Superman/Batman arcs are cool.

The Batman Chronicles Vol.1 and 2.

[Keyser Soze]

I FINALLY got round to buying Arkham Asylum the other day. I'm about halfway through it now.

Really great story, so far. The Joker's characterisation is a highlight for me.

[Spidey]

I FINALLY got round to buying Arkham Asylum the other day. I'm about halfway through it now.

Really great story, so far. The Joker's characterisation is a highlight for me.

Seen this?

shxwCz8C8xg

[junej]

I´m a broken teen so I can only buy one piece at the time...I need to choose between these options, which one should buy first?? I want to read the better ones and leave the not so good stuff for later. Here are the choices my dad gave me:
1) Batman Archives ; 2) Batman War Crimes ; 3) Batman Black and White and 4)Batman: Tales of the Demon

I already have year one, dkr, the Long Halloween, arkham asylum and the killing joke.

[Mister J]

I'd go with a volume of Black and White (particularly Volume 1). It's a collection of stories (out of continuity) from varied noted writers. In addition to liking the stories, I though the art was fantastic and gave the read a noir-like feel.

Tales of the Demon recaps Batman's earliest encounters with Ra's al Ghul. Some classic stuff written by Denny O'Neil. A bit different in tone from the modern characterizations of the respective characters, but that's not a bad thing at all. Very well written.

I like the Archives works too. They're compilations of older stories, going back to Batman's first issues. Good if you think you might like the older stuff.

I'd pass altogether on War Crimes. I didn't enjoy it or any of the events connected to it and could do without entirely.

If the recommendations you get in here don't really sway you, I'd look up some general reviews on these books (IGN, Amazon, whatever) and see what appeals to you most. All 4 books have their own distinction in terms of style and tone. I really wouldn't be adverse to anything other than War Crimes.

Just my $0.02.

[BubbaGump]

It doesn't really matter which of those you buy, except War Crimes. Just...don't read it. But if you want to, just torrent it. It's not worth buying.

[EbolaMonkey]

Okay, so I'm a first-timer, about to buy the Long Halloween off eBay. It'll be my first Batman comic, ever. Would anyone agree that I should begin the experience with this one?
The auction is open in another window. The first reply to this post will determine whether I should start here or not. Thanks!

[Dirt Like Me]

I'd read Year One before I read Long Halloween. Chronologically it comes first and (in my opinion) Year One is a much better story.

[itsthebatman]

Okay, so I'm a first-timer, about to buy the Long Halloween off eBay. It'll be my first Batman comic, ever. Would anyone agree that I should begin the experience with this one?
The auction is open in another window. The first reply to this post will determine whether I should start here or not. Thanks!
Year One
The Man Who Laughs
The Long Halloween
Dark Victory
The Dark Knight Returns

Start off like that, you can't go wrong.

[Kevin Roegele]

Showcase Presents Batman Vol 1
Showcase Presents The Brave and the Bold Vol 1
The Untold Legend of the Batman
A Lonely Place of Dying
Batman Versus Predator
Red Rain

[DoomJester]

I just jumped in here, but I didn't see Death and the Maidens being pushed much. That's one of my favorite Batman stories. I really think Long Halloween is quite overrated, it was good, but it wasn't amazing I don't think. I really did enjoy Hush though. And I really liked Broken City. I have so many Batman comics/trades it's hard for me to think of really good ones that haven't already been (deservedly so) recommended.

Can anyone say if the Batman Ego collection is any good? I plan on picking that up whenever I get to a comic store.

[I-T-B]

So, I've been a fan of the Batman movies and Batman:TAS since I was a kid, but I've only read a few issues of some Batman comics, as well as The Dark Knight Returns. At this point I'm only willing to spend 60 bucks on Batman comic, so this is what I've got in my Amazon cart, which I will order when I get home:
Year One
The Haunted Knight
The Long Halloween
Dark Victory
Arkham Asylum (all these cost 59.79, just under the 60 dollar mark)
Are these good comics to start with? I really enjoyed TDKR, but I thought it was a little gruesome. Are these any worse? I don't mind blood, but a lot of Miller's drawings were pretty disgusting. Any input would be appreciated.

[CConn]

Arkham Asylum is pretty creepy. It's pretty much Batman-style horror. The imagery is very spooky. Still, I'm no fan of being scared, but I loved AA to death.

That's a great group of stories to start off with. Pretty much the best you could choose. That said, if you do decide against Arkham Asylum, I'd highly suggest changing your list to something like this:

Year One
Batman and the Monster Men
Batman and the Mad Monk
The Long Halloween
Dark Victory

That's pretty much Batman's first five big stories in continuity in order. And every one of them are fantastic, IMO.

[Cyclops3235]

alot of people recomend the man who laughs. i've been looking online, and i can't find it anywhere. does anyone have a good site to buy it off of?

[Mister J]

It's one of my favorite Batman stories. Unfortunately, it's out of print and your best (if not only) chance to snag it would be eBay or some comparable source.

...or there's always those torrent things. :o

[I-T-B]

Thanks for your input, CCon, I've looked at examples of the Arkham Asylum artwork and I really like how unique it is, so I think I'll stick with it and the other titles I chose, if they are good to start out with. I've looked up the two titles you mentioned and if I enjoy the books I plan to order, those two will be at the top of my list to pick up next. Thanks again for helping out.

[CConn]

If you want to read The Man Who Laughs, PM me.

[Sarge 2.0]

I'm not sure, I didn't like the "pretend I'm the riddler" gimmick by Grendel. Makes all the other villians seem less brilliant.They really are, though.

[BubbaGump]

I reccomend the two most recent Detective Comics.

[Cyclops3235]

Arkham Asylum is pretty creepy. It's pretty much Batman-style horror. The imagery is very spooky. Still, I'm no fan of being scared, but I loved AA to death.

That's a great group of stories to start off with. Pretty much the best you could choose. That said, if you do decide against Arkham Asylum, I'd highly suggest changing your list to something like this:

Year One
Batman and the Monster Men
Batman and the Mad Monk
The Long Halloween
Dark Victory

That's pretty much Batman's first five big stories in continuity in order. And every one of them are fantastic, IMO.

i was looking at monster men and mad monk just now. Is there any common bat-foes in there or is it completly new. oh, and i heard Shaman is good, is this true? BTW, i already have Year one, TLH, dark victory, and DKR, all are wonderful. thanks for the help.

[CConn]

i was looking at monster men and mad monk just now. Is there any common bat-foes in there or is it completly new. oh, and i heard Shaman is good, is this true? BTW, i already have Year one, TLH, dark victory, and DKR, all are wonderful. thanks for the help.
Catwoman appears shortly in Mad Monk, but apart from that no really well-known villains are involved. However, even though the villains aren't well known, they're hardly new, both Monster Men and Mad Monk are based off of Finger/Kane comics from 1940.

[Cyclops3235]

i think i'll pick them up, since it has Sal Maroni in it and Hugo Stange. youve been a big help CConn