Introduction to the Dark Knight

[BreakABone]

So you've seen the Dark Knight and then you saw it again. You remembered how awesome Begins was. And you have a craving for more Batman. Where do you start?

The easiest answer would be to start with the Timmverse. Batman: The Animated Series followed by Batman Beyond capped off with Justice League/Unlimited. That of course is the easy answer, and to be fair the best. :p

But say you finish those and you still have a craving for the Bat. Lucky enough for you, Batman has been around for almost 70 years now. So there are a ton of comics starring the Caped Crusader. The problem is do you want to read 70 years worth of comics? You'd be here for a while.

But if you do, DC is making it easier for you.
Batman Chronicles Vol 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Chronicles-Vol-Bill-Finger/dp/1401204457/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217609691&sr=8-1)
Batman Chronicles Vol 2 (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Chronicles-Vol-Bob-Kane/dp/1401207901/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217609691&sr=8-2)
Batman Chronicles Vol 3 (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Chronicles-Vol-Bob-Kane/dp/1401213472/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217609691&sr=8-4)
Batman Chronicles Vol 4 (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Chronicles-Vol-Bill-Finger/dp/1401214622/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217609691&sr=8-5)

And more are being released. These collections archives the Dark Knight's early tales in order of release. Which is handy if you want to read from the very beginning.

Now not everyone would want to read that way, I know I wouldn't. And the fact is in his career, the character of Batman has evolved big time. Just compare Batman from the 60s TV show to Keaton to Bale and you will find many changes in his characteristics. So here is a somewhat essential beginner's guide to the world of the Knight.

Batman Year One (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Year-One-Frank-Miller/dp/1401207529/ref=cm_lmf_tit_1_rsrsrs0)
-It is currently the standard for Batman origins in comics. This four part story takes a look at the rise of both the Batman and James Gordon in Gotham. For an even more complete picture, you could also check out the Batman comic, The Man Who Falls.

Batman: Year Two (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Year-Two-Fear-Reaper/dp/1563899671/ref=cm_lmf_tit_5_rsrsrs0)
-Not as good. Not as needed, but it makes sense to read.

Batman: The Long Halloween (http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Batman-Halloween-Jeph-Loeb/dp/1401212824/ref=cm_lmf_tit_2_rsrsrs0)
-Going to get this out of the way now. It is my favorite Batman story ever. With that said, this is part of the inspiration for the two recent Batman movies. As this comic deals with the mob, the rise of freaks in Gotham, District Attorney Harvey Dent's turn to Two-Face and a lot more. This is the perfect balance of Batman who is kick ass ninja, part detective and looking for a way out. A MUST READ and if you don't like well probably shouldn't bother going further in this list.

Batman: Dark Victory (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Dark-Victory-Jeph-Loeb/dp/1563898683/ref=cm_lmf_tit_3_rsrsrs0)
-A sequel to Long Halloween. Much like Year Two not as good as the original, but still a damn fine story on its own. And I love the art style.

Batman: The Killing Joker (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Killing-Joke-Alan-Moore/dp/0930289455/ref=cm_lmf_tit_7_rsrsrs0)
-A Joker origin tale. A really sick and twisted story.

Robin: Year One (http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Year-Batman-Chuck-Dixon/dp/1563898055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217610376&sr=1-1)
-Personally haven't read. Looks cool. Think going to pick up. Just wanted to introduce Dick Grayson because of some of the other things on the list.

Nightwing: Year One (http://www.amazon.com/Nightwing-Year-Batman-Chuck-Dixon/dp/140120435X/ref=pd_sim_b_1)
-Again another story that I haven't read but makes sense on the list.

A Death in the Family (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Death-Family-Jim-Starlin/dp/0930289447/ref=pd_sim_b_4)
-The tale that tells of the faith of the boy who would be the second Robin.

A Lonely Place of Dying (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Lonely-Place-Marv-Wolfman/dp/0930289633/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217610731&sr=1-1)
-The introduction to the 3rd (and somewhat) final Robin, Tim Drake.

Well that's a good beginner's guide. Will update soon with more storylines I enjoy.

[Fox 6]

In the middle of The Long Halloween and just started Batman Beyond. Also Batman Mask of the Phantasm.

[BlueFire]

Batman Beyond sucked.

[Swan]

Marvel Pwns

[Teuthida]

Batman Beyond sucked.

Bah I say to that comment: Bah.

The Batman Beyond movie, Return of The Joker, had the best scene in any Batman movie, live-action or otherwise.

[Fyacin]

I really liked batman beyond.

[Swan]

Bah I say to that comment: Bah.

The Batman Beyond movie, Return of The Joker, had the best scene in any Batman movie, live-action or otherwise.

I remember I watched that movie when I was younger.


Quite awesome

[BreakABone]

I remember I watched that movie when I was younger.


Quite awesome

You probably wouldn't remember, but do you know if it was the editted or uncut version?

One of the few times where the uncut makes a world of difference.:lolz:

[Angrist]

I remember a live action series where he's caught in a room with tigers. That was pretty cool, what was that?

BaBby: you weren't in Holland today, were you? I almost would have sworn I saw you in front of a supermarket. Even looked you straight in the eyes.

[Bond]

I ordered these graphic novels last night:

- Batman: The Long Halloween
- Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
- Watchmen

Very excited to read them when they arrive.

[Fox 6]

WATCHMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I enjoyed it very much.

Just a bit over half way in The Long Holloween.

[Swan]

I remember a live action series where he's caught in a room with tigers. That was pretty cool, what was that?

BaBby: you weren't in Holland today, were you? I almost would have sworn I saw you in front of a supermarket. Even looked you straight in the eyes.

Racist.....

[magus113]

Everyone was telling me over and over that Watchmen was SO full of dialogue in the beginning and so boring, etc., etc.

I read the first few issues of it and I liked the dialogue personally.