The Best of Batman
BATMAN YEAR ONE
“Not only one of the most important comics ever written, it's also among the best.” – IGN.com
What’s It About- Lieutenant James Gordon takes up a new post in the crime-ridden and corrupt city of Gotham, while billionaire Bruce Wayne returns to the scene of his parents’ deaths, intent on avenging their memory. Each faces trials and challenges of their own, only for their lives to become irrevocably and potentially tragically intertwined...
Why You Should Read It- This is Frank Millar’s highly influential exploration of Bruce Wayne’s turbulent first year as the Caped Crusader, along with James Gordon’s rise through the police ranks. Fans of Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins should take note that Year One follows the same timeframe of the film and shares several similarities.
BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN
“This is tight, engrossing and intelligent writing.” – IGN.com
What’s It About- An epic tale of the Dark Knight's early crimefighting career, spanning one Halloween to the next, and featuring a host of Batman's most lethal enemies... as well as the all-new threat of a mysterious killer!
Why You Should Read It- Set six months after Year One, Long Halloween explores many huge events in the Batman universe, including the origin of Two Face and the rise of supervillains such as The Joker and Poison Ivy in Gotham City.
BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS
"There's never been storytelling quite like this." - THE WASHINGTON POST
What’s It About- Crime runs rampant in the streets, and the man who was Batman is still tortured by the memories of his parent’s murder. As civil society crumbles around him, Bruce Wayne’s long-suppressed vigilante side finally breaks free of its self-imposed shackles.
Why You Should Read It- One of the most widely acclaimed graphic novels of all time, The Dark Knight Returns was released around the same time as Watchmen, and helped usher in a wave of mainstream adult-orientated comics.
BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE
"A genuinely chilling portrayal of Batman's greatest foe." - BOOKLIST
What’s It About- When the Joker commits an unspeakable crime, Batman must use all his skill to outwit the crazed criminal. But in the end, how different are the Dark Knight and his quarry?
Why You Should Read It- Alan Moore explores The Joker’s twisted origin in this one-shot graphic novel, which is attributed with creating the tone for Tim Burton’s Batman movie and also influencing Heath Ledger’s performance in The Dark Knight.
BATMAN: HUSH
"It's beautiful stuff. Catwoman has rarely looked so seductive, nor has Batman's heroic but fearsome image often been used so well. [HUSH] make[s] readers look at Batman and his colleagues with a fresh, enthusiastic eye." - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY”
What’s It About- Batman’s got a new nemesis, and he’s organising the usual villains — like Poison Ivy, Killer Croc and the Joker — into a deadly series of attacks on the Dark Knight! It’s all part of a nerve-shredding battle of wits, which ends in a night at the opera — and like all great operas, this climax promises tragedy, bloodshed and vengeance!
Why You Should Read It- Hush contains one of the most memorable narratives of recent Batman graphic novels, featuring a wide range of cameos (including Superman) and surprising plot twists. But it’s Jim Lee’s art that defines this graphic novel, showcasing some of his finest work.
BATMAN: THE MAN WHO LAUGHS
"Definitely a worthwhile read." – IGN.com
What’s It About- In two tales from early in the Dark Knight’s career, first witness the terrifying genesis of the Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime and Batman’s nemesis! When a new costumed criminal starts killing millionaires, Batman must stop him before Bruce Wayne becomes a target! Plus, Batman’s first team-up with the Green Lantern, in a race to catch a serial killer from both their pasts!
Why You Should Read It- The epic feud between Batman and The Joker has set the standard for comic book rivalries and The Man Who Laughs depicts their very first encounter (leading on from events set-up in The Killing Joke).
BATMAN: A DEATH IN THE FAMILY
“It's hard to imagine anyone who reads comics who hasn't read Batman: A Death in the Family, but if you haven't, you should.” IGN.com
What’s It About- Tragedy strikes at the very heart of Batman's world, as the Joker returns to plague the Dark Knight. Since Dick Grayson outgrew the mask, the mantle of Robin passed to young Jason Todd. But is Jason fully ready to play in so big a league, with so much at stake?
Why You Should Read It- A Death in the Family allowed fans to dictate the fate of Robin’s successor Jason Todd, deciding if he would live or die at the hands of The Joker. They chose ‘death’ in one of the most shocking moments in Batman’s history.
BATMAN: MAD LOVE AND OTHER STORIES
“This is good stuff that would appeal to anyone.” COMIC BOOK RESOURCES
What’s It About- The Dark Knight’s skills are taxed to their limits by his nemesis, the Joker; add the Joker’s would-be girlfriend, Harley Quinn into the mix, and it might just be too much for the Batman to handle!
Why You Should Read It- For fans of Bruce Timm and Paul Dini’s Batman: The Animated Series, you wont want to miss their take on Harley Quinn’s origin, featuring a familiar tone and style reminiscent of the show.
BATMAN: ARKHAM ASLYUM
"Arkham Asylum is unlike any other Batman book you've ever read [and] one of the finest superhero books to ever grace a bookshelf." IGN.com
What’s It About- Batman takes a harrowing journey into the heart of the Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, wherein lurk his most demented enemies and trials of body, mind ands soul.
Why You Should Read It- One of the most disturbing and intense Batman graphic novels, Grant Morrison’s unique tale explores the idea that The Dark Knight himself is as crazy as the villains he locks up in Arkham Asylum.
BATMAN AND ROBIN : BATMAN REBORN
“This is one collection any Batman fan should own.” CRAVE ONLINE
What’s It About- Spinning out of BATMAN RIP, the new Dynamic Duo hits the streets with a bang in their new flying Batmobile to face an assemblage of villains called the Circus of Strange, and tackle their first mission – investigating an abduction by the mysterious Domino Killer. But will everything go smoothly? And who exactly are the new Batman and Robin?
Why You Should Read It- With a sublime mix of Grant Morrison’s expert storytelling and Frank Quitely’s superb art, this new story shakes things up with a new Batman & Robin tasked with defending the streets of Gotham.
