Welcome to Batman Week, the start of a weekly rotation of staff picks based on themes, characters, franchises, and more. To celebrate the arrival of DC, we're focusing the next few weeks on characters and imprints from their vast catalog.
Batman Collection
We have a great collection of Batman comics from DC available to read. We've decided to feature them all because they're all must-read comics. Check out the list below.
1. Batman (2016-), 1184 pages
THE RISE OF GOTHAM Part of the most critically acclaimed, best-selling, all-new line of volume one graphic novels, DC Universe Rebirth! He is Gotham City’s hero, its Dark Knight, its greatest protector. He is Batman. And he is not alone. There are two new heroes in town—a pair of masked metahumans with the powers of Superman and a devotion to preserving all that is good about this twisted city. Calling themselves Gotham and Gotham Girl, they’ve saved Batman’s life, fought by his side and learned from his example. But what happens if Gotham’s new guardians go bad? What if they blame the Dark Knight for the darkness that threatens to drown their city? When sinister forces are unleashed that can warp the minds of men and make heroes into monsters, the time will come for Batman and his allies to decide once and for all: Is Gotham a force for good…or an engine of evil? From the blockbuster DC Universe Rebirth event comes BATMAN VOL. 1: I AM GOTHAM—the beginning of an all-new saga in the life of the Dark Knight from superstars Tom King (GRAYSON) and David Finch (WONDER WOMAN), featuring an all-star cast of creators such as Scott Snyder (BATMAN: THE COURT OF OWLS), Ivan Reis (JUSTICE LEAGUE) and Mikel Janín (JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK)! This great starting-point graphic novel collects BATMAN: REBIRTH #1 and BATMAN #1-6.
2. Batman - One Bad Day (2022-), 667 pages
NO RIDDLES. NO CLUES. GAME ON. Tom King and Mitch Gerads, the Eisner Award-winning duo behind Mister Miracle, The Sheriff of Babylon, and Strange Adventures, reunite to dive deep into the mind of Batman’s most intellectual foe…the Riddler. The Riddler has killed a man in broad daylight for seemingly no reason, but…there’s always a reason. The Riddler is always playing a game; there are always rules. Batman will reach his wit’s end trying to figure out the Riddler’s true motivation in this epic psychological thriller. This collects the first critically acclaimed, bestselling installment of the Batman - One Bad Day series.
3. Batman and Robin (2009-), 692 pages
Batman and Robin hit the streets with a bang in their new flying Batmobile to face an assemblage of villains called the Circus of Strange, and investigate the abduction of a child by the mysterious Domino Killer. But can this new Dynamic Duo find a way to work together?
4. Batman Beyond (2016-), 750 pages
Writer DAN JURGENS (ACTION COMICS), artist BERNARD CHANG (GREEN LANTERN CORPS) and colorist MARCELO MAIOLO (GREEN LANTERN CORPS) bring Terry McGinnis’ Batman back to the future in BATMAN BEYOND VOLUME 1: ESCAPING THE GRAVE as a part of DC Rebirth! As the future Gotham City recovers from global catastrophe, a familiar face is ready to wear the cowl of the Batman once again. Terry McGinnis has returned to defend his city as Batman, and his family and friends couldn’t be happier. But another resurrection threatens to destroy all Terry holds dear. Rumors are spreading like wildfire that the original Joker lives-and the brutal crime lord called Terminal and his sadistic gang of Jokerz are waging war in the streets to prepare for the Clown Prince’s second coming. Just days after becoming Batman again, Terry must take up the fight against the greatest foe he’s ever faced. When the dust clears, will the joke be on him? Collects BATMAN BEYOND: REBIRTH #1 and BATMAN BEYOND #1-5 in this great new jumping-on-point graphic novel!
5. Batman Beyond: Neo-Year (2022), 189 pages
Neo-Gotham is alive and has killed Bruce Wayne. It’s rejected Terry McGinnis as Batman and offered him the chance to escape. Terry turned it down-he is the city’s protector, and he will uphold the legacy of Batman. Now Neo-Gotham will do everything in its power to destroy Terry, including creating brand-new villains to fight him. Terry’s first year without Bruce Wayne begins…does he have a fighting chance? From the rising-star creative team of Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing (Kang the Conqueror) and Max Dunbar (Batman: Urban Legends, Robin), a new future for Batman Beyond has begun! Collects the six-issue miniseries.
6. Batman: One Dark Knight (2021-), 164 pages
It was the sort of mission Batman had run a thousand times. From high above the sweltering summer streets of Gotham, Batman would escort the GCPD as the dangerous metahuman supervillain known as E.M.P. was transferred from a temporary holding cell to his permanent home at Blackgate Prison in Gotham Harbor. E.M.P.’s electrical powers posed a dangerous threat, but the situation was well in hand. Until it wasn’t. Now every light in Gotham is out, the police have been knocked into disarray, and a broken, bleeding Batman must fight his way to Blackgate, block by block, dragging E.M.P. behind him. But it’s not just the gangs who want to make life difficult for him. The dark corners of Gotham contain many surprises…and E.M.P. has many more shocks to deliver before the night is through! One of the most iconic Batman artists of the 21st century, the incomparable Jock (The Batman Who Laughs, Batman: The Black Mirror), has focused all his storytelling powers on the tale of one very, very dark night in Gotham City. It’s always darkest before the dawn-if it ever comes… Collects Batman: One Dark Knight #1-3.
7. Batman: The Long Halloween, 353 pages
THE LONG HALLOWEEN is more than a comic book. It's an epic tragedy."—Christopher Nolan (director THE DARK KNIGHT RISES) Taking place during Batman's early days of crime fighting, this new edition of the classic mystery tells the story of a mysterious killer who murders his prey only on holidays. Working with District Attorney Harvey Dent and Lieutenant James Gordon, Batman races against the clock as he tries to discover who Holiday is before he claims his next victim each month. A mystery that has the reader continually guessing the identity of the killer, this story also ties into the events that transform Harvey Dent into Batman's deadly enemy, Two-Face.
8. Batman: Three Jokers, 161 pages
Thirty years after Batman: The Killing Joke changed comics forever, Batman: Three Jokers reexamines the myth of who, or what, is the Joker and what is at the heart of his ongoing battle with Batman? New York Times bestselling writer Geoff Johns and artist Jason Fabok, the team that waged the “Darkseid War” in the pages of Justice League, reunite to tell the ultimate story of Batman and The Joker! In this highly anticipated epic, learn why there are three Jokers, and what that means for the decades-long battle between the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime. In this powerful, emotional story, Batman, Batgirl, and Red Hood-all past victims of The Joker-work together to solve a mystery unlike anything they’ve ever faced before!
9. Batman: Urban Legends (2021-), 1301 pages
Two of Gotham City's edgiest heroes, Red Hood and Grifter, cross paths with Batman himself in this collection of stories from the new anthology series Batman: Urban Legends. Two top comics writers, Matthew Rosenberg and Chip Zdarsky, enter the world of Gotham City with new tales of Batman, Red Hood, and Grifter in the first volume collecting stories from the thrilling new anthology series Batman: Urban Legends. First, writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Eddy Barrows chronicle Red Hood's investigation of a new drug in Gotham City called Cheerdrops. But this night will NOT go as planned--and as a result, he will end up back in Batman's crosshairs! Then, writer Matthew Rosenberg joins forces with artist Ryan Benjamin for a new tale of Cole Cash--better known as Grifter. Picking up story points from recent Batman issues, readers will learn why Cole is in Gotham to begin with. Plus, discover the truth about the mysterious organization known as HALO, and witness round two of Batman versus Grifter.
10. Batman: White Knight (2017-), 428 pages
Two years after the events of Batman: Curse of the White Knight, Azrael has wiped out criminals in Gotham, Jack Napier (formerly The Joker) is dead, Bruce Wayne (Batman) is in prison, and Harley Quinn is adjusting to life as a single mother, raising the twins she had with Jack. But as new villains arise, Harley is forced to dance with madness once again and confront her own past with The Joker and Batman while helping the Gotham City police and an eager young FBI agent uncover the truth behind a series of gruesome murders. This collection also features a chapter from Harley Quinn’s newest digital-first series, Harley Quinn Black + White + Red, told in a traditional black-and-white format with the color red uniquely shaping Harley Quinn’s story.
11. Detective Comics (2016-), 2276 pages
An elite fighting force modeled after the Dark Knight has invaded the streets of Gotham. Their armor, weaponry and surveillance equipment are based on Batman’s tech and tactics, but they’re far beyond anything he’s ever seen. And while these Batmen’s motives remain a mystery, their targets are all too clear… They’re gunning for Gotham’s vigilantes. Batman knows he can’t face this foe alone, and neither can the crime-fighters caught in the crossfire. So with Batwoman—secretly Bruce Wayne’s cousin, Kate Kane—as his general, he’s organizing the next generation of Gotham heroes into an army. Tim Drake, a.k.a. Red Robin. Stephanie Brown, a.k.a. Spoiler. Cassandra Cain, a.k.a. the Orphan. And reformed criminal Basil Karlo, a.k.a. Clayface. These are the shock troops in Batman and Batwoman’s war. When they finally see the face of their true enemy, will they stand together…or fall apart? Find out in BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS VOL. 1: RISE OF THE BATMEN, a great jumping-on point for new readers! This masterful high-octane thriller from writer James Tynion IV (BATMAN AND ROBIN ETERNAL) and artists Eddy Barrows (NIGHTWING) and Alvaro Martinez (Ultimate Comics X-Men) explodes from the blockbuster DC Rebirth event! Collects DETECTIVE COMICS #934-940.
12. Flashpoint Beyond (2022), 221 pages
The world of Flashpoint returns! After sacrificing everything to help the Flash put the universe back together and save Bruce Wayne’s life, Thomas Wayne wakes up in a world he thought was no more. Forced to don the cowl once again, Batman prowls the streets of Gotham searching for answers to how this world still exists, but what he starts to uncover will send him hurtling around the globe. But the answers Thomas is seeking will have drastic effects on the DC Universe and its past, present, and future! Collects Flashpoint Beyond #0-6.
13. The Batman Who Laughs (2018-), 232 pages
The Batman Who Laughs is enacting a sinister plan across the Multiverse-something both terrifying and oddly familiar. When Bruce Wayne realizes the only way to stop this madman is to kill him, he must consider violating the very rule Batman can’t ever break...the rule that created the Batman Who Laughs! As Bruce begins to realize that all the mistakes he’s made are somehow connected, the Batman Who Laughs unleashes a brand-new evil. Enter one of the most punishing Batmen of the Dark Multiverse: the Grim Knight! Collects THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS #1-7 and THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS: THE GRIM KNIGHT #1.
More from Batman & Gotham City
Looking for more? Check out these stories from the Bat-family and Gotham City.
Nightwing (2016-), 2554 pages
GOING BACK TO GOTHAM He was the first Robin—and a replacement Batman. He was a superspy—and a dead man. Now, after going underground and around the world in a battle to reclaim the secret identity that was stolen from him, Dick Grayson is going back to Gotham as his own man, his own hero: Nightwing! But stepping back into his old life isn’t as easy as putting on his familiar black and blue costume. Not when his former boss, Batman, insists he should work solo. Not when he’s trying to rekindle a romance with Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. Batgirl, who’s got a life and crime-fighting career of her own. When a mysterious masked man called Raptor swoops in, claiming to be an ally but looking every bit the enemy, Nightwing must join forces with Raptor to take down Parliament of Owls, the all-powerful criminal conspiracy that’s left its nest in Gotham City and is spreading its wings around the world. To pull it all off, Nightwing must be more than equal to his mentor. He’s got to be better.
Robin (2021-), 497 pages
Are you ready to rumble? After learning of the deadly League of Lazarus tournament, Damian Wayne has a new mission: to win the tournament and prove he is the greatest fighter in the DCU-but first he must find the secret island where it takes place! Presenting a brand-new solo Robin series for the son of Batman that forces him to find his own path away from both sides of his family! Who is the mysterious Flatline? Why does Mother Soul take such a keen interest in the son of Batman? Did Robin just literally get his heart ripped out of his chest in the first 30 pages?
Batgirl (2016-), 659 pages
Spinning out of DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH comes the newest adventures of Batgirl in BATGIRL VOL. 1: BEYOND BURNSIDE! Barbara Gordon’s heart belongs to Burnside, the ultra-hip Gotham City neighborhood. But some threats are bigger than Burnside. And when those threats come calling, Batgirl will answer! When Babs plans a trip to train with the greatest fighters in the Far East, she has no idea her vigilante life will follow her. Lethal warriors are out to take her down, each bearing the mysterious mark of “The Student.” And where there are Students, there must also be…a Teacher. Batgirl’s quest to track down her enemies’ master will take her from Okinawa to Singapore to Seoul to Shanghai. Along the way, she rquote ll enhance her martial arts skills, and meet legendary heroes. New York Times best-selling creators Hope Larson (A Wrinkle in Time) and Rafael Albuquerque (AMERICAN VAMPIRE) take one of Gotham’s greatest heroes on a whirlwind world tour in BATGIRL VOL. 1: BEYOND BURNSIDE. Collects BATGIRL #1-6.
The Joker (2021-), 466 pages
Following the events of Infinite Frontier #0 and The Joker War, The Joker gets targeted as the most wanted man in the world! But the Clown Prince of Crime is several steps ahead of law enforcement-and he’s on the run overseas. James Gordon, facing retirement, realizes this is the manhunt of his life and the last piece of a storied career…but what mysterious and deadly forces are also in pursuit of The Joker?
Penguin: Pain & Prejudice (2011), 142 pages
Bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz examines the painful and dark past of one of Batman's most devious foes. How did young Oswald Cobblepot go from being the apple of his mother's eye to the leader of underworld gangs and adversary of the Caped Crusader?
The Riddler: Year One (2022-), 229 pages
Award-winning actor Paul Dano expands upon the backstory of the character he played in Matt Reeves’s hit movie The Batman. This version of the Riddler isn’t simply an amusing eccentric with an affinity for wordplay and baffling clues, but as terrifying a villain as any in the annals of the Dark Knight. Here you will see Edward Nashton evolve into a menace who holds all of Gotham City in his grip. How did an unknown forensic accountant uncover the dark secrets of both Gotham’s underworld and its political leaders and come so close to bringing down the entire city? This prequel to The Batman presents the detailed, disturbing, and at times shocking story of a man with nothing to lose. Dano is joined by acclaimed European artist Stevan Subic, making his American comics debut. Collects The Riddler: Year One #1-6.
Harley Quinn (2016-), 1149 pages
Her name is Dr. Harleen Quinzel—better known to her friends and enemies as Harley Quinn. Her very-very-ex-boyfriend the Joker may be the Clown Prince of Crime, but Harley’s the Queen of Coney Island! So when the zombie apocalypse threatens her li’l seaside stretch of paradise, who else would ya call to give the undead a blow to the head?
That's a wrap for this set of staff picks! Which Batman book is your favorite?
We'd love to hear about the themes you'd like us to feature, so leave suggestions in the comments!