Wayne, Bruce (Batman)
1. Where to Start
A. Origin Stories
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Untold Legend of the Batman by Len Wein
Definitive pre-Crisis origin story. -
Year One by Frank Miller
Lt. Gordon deals with a bat-themed vigilante in this post-Crisis origin. -
Zero Year by Scott Snyder
Batman’s origin for the New 52 timeline.
B. Jumping-On Points
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The Case of the Chemical Syndicate by Bill Finger
Batman’s first appearance, starting his leading role in Detective Comics. -
The Joker by Bill Finger
Batman meets his archenemy in the first issue of his self-titled series. -
One Bullet Too Many by Frank Robbins
Bruce moves out of the manor as Dick Grayson leaves for college. -
Batman and Son by Grant Morrison
Batman learns of his child at the start of Morrison’s run. -
Court of Owls by Scott Snyder
Batman faces a secret society in the opening arc of the New 52.
2. Recommended Stories
A. Classic Stories (Pre-Crisis)
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The People vs. Batman by Bill Finger
Batman is finally recognized as a hero, not a vigilante. -
The Origin of Batman by Bill Finger
Batman finally confronts the man who killed his parents. -
Mystery of the Menacing Mask by John Broome
Batman adopts his “new look” (the yellow oval bat-logo). -
Daughter of the Demon by Dennis O’Neil
Batman meets Ra’s Al Ghul for the first time in this globe-trotting adventure. -
Night of the Stalker by Steve Englehart
Batman chases a group of criminals after they shoot a child’s parents. -
There is No Hope in Crime Alley by Dennis O’Neil
Batman revisits the place of his parents’ death and speaks with Leslie Thompkins. -
Strange Apparitions by Steve Englehart
Batman faces off against Rupert Thorne, Hugo Strange, Deadshot, and the Joker. -
Wars Ended…Wars Begun by Mike Barr
Batman forms the Outsiders to rescue his captured friend, Lucius Fox. -
The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
Future tale of Batman coming out of retirement to fight crime once more.
B. Modern Stories (Post-Crisis)
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My Beginning and My Probable End by Mike Barr
Batman reflects on his past as Leslie Thompkins tries to save Robin’s life. -
Son of the Demon by Mike Barr
Batman allies himself with Ra’s Al Ghul and consummates his marriage with Talia. -
The Cult by Jim Starlin
Batman is captured and brainwashed by a charismatic leader. -
Venom by Dennis O’Neil
Batman deals with addiction in his second year on the job. -
Knightfall by Various
Batman faces unbeatable odds as Bane frees the Arkham inmates. -
The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb
Early in his career, Batman works with Gordon and Dent to solve a series of murders. -
No Man’s Land by Various
Gotham City is in ruins, and Batman must strive to hold it together. -
Hush by Jeph Loeb
A mysterious enemy orchestrates an elaborate conspiracy against Batman.
C. Current Stories (Post-Flashpoint)
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I Am Gotham by Tom King
New superheroes arrive in Gotham as the Rebirth era begins.