View Full Version : Batman Comic Guidance
olliejudge
08-13-2009, 05:02 PM
So I'm sure this question is asked alot, but my circumstances are slightly different.
So I want to start reading batman the comic, not the graphic novels. I've read most of the graphic novels from Year One, to The Killing Joke and The Long Halloween. I recently decided I wanted to jump on the Batman comic book, so what would be a good issue to start at, I'm not too keen on the silver age stuff, and origins aren't really issue for me I can jump on whenever.
So any one have any advice?
amircat
08-13-2009, 08:56 PM
Checkout Episode #79. It helped me alot.
http://www.ifanboy.com/podcasts/video/ifanboy_-_episode__79_-__the_top_5_batman_stories___that_aren_t_the_dark_ knight_returns__year_one_or_arkham_asylum_
As of right now, you should pick up Batman & Robin comics. Great art and writing.
Here are my Top Batman stories:
Arkham Asylum
Killing Joke
Tales of the Demon
Son of the Demon
The Long Halloween
The Dark Knight Returns
Year One
comicbookchris
08-14-2009, 01:34 AM
Start with the Grant Morrison issues (starting with Batman #655). This is all the starting point of whats going on with the Batman line right now. If you get the trades instead of the single issues, the first trade is called Batman & Son.
Also, Paul Dini has written some great Batman stories recently, starting with Detective Comics #821 and onward. Some great done-in-one issues with a loose overall connecting story. Its collected also in trade, though I don't know what its called.
lantern4life
08-14-2009, 02:03 AM
Starting with Batman and Robin is the best thing at this point and probably better on the wallet. Going back and getting the Grant Morrison stuff will cost you some just to figure out that Bruce Wayne is dead. This week had a new issue of Batman go grab that. Detective Comics features Batwoman so its a choice if you care about that character, but it is beautiful.
jurassicalien
08-14-2009, 02:51 AM
It all comes down to how much you want to spend, you can just go back the past two months and pick up the Batman Reborn stuff. OR go back to the start of the Morrison Dini stuff and see where this all began. It's all about the amount of cash you're willing to put down.
Just pick up the Batman Reborn issues. That would be Batman #687-689. Also, Morrison's Batman & Robin #1-2. You'll be all caught up to what's going on right now in issues.
I would also recommend purchasing Detective Comics. It doesn't feature Batman in it, but the title is written by Rucka and drawn by J.H.Williams and is a clinic in amazing comics.
razoredge757
08-15-2009, 03:16 AM
Neb the fact that you used the word "clinic" makes me almost want to go grab it. what makes it so good if you do not mind me asking?
drakedangerz
08-15-2009, 03:54 AM
Neb the fact that you used the word "clinic" makes me almost want to go grab it. what makes it so good if you do not mind me asking?
The amazing artwork. Honestly, as soon as you pick it up you'll see what everyone is talking about.
Just pick up Batman & Robin #1-2 and, if you want, Batman Reborn. I love Morrison's stuff, but that requires a bigger investment on your part. Go back and read that later if it tickles your fancy.
darkknightjrk
08-16-2009, 02:13 AM
The cool thing about the Bat-books right now is that they do feel pretty accessible right now. All you really need to know is that Bruce Wayne is dead, the original Robin is now Batman, and Bruce Wayne's astranged biological son is now Robin.
Morrison's previous run on Batman would explain what's going on, though it is pretty influenced by the Silver Age and it's a run that a lot of people didn't really get when it came out, espicially when it got to his last arc, R.I.P.. They do read better as trades, so that should help.
titchard
08-17-2009, 10:49 PM
As one of the posts above states, No.687 is a great issue to jump on with, as is the new Batman and Robin run - I am a new reader to comics in general and found these an excellent jumping on point to the series.
Rich
Neb the fact that you used the word "clinic" makes me almost want to go grab it. what makes it so good if you do not mind me asking?
Drake pretty much nailed it. J.H. Williams' art is amazing and the way he lays out a page is very unique. It definitely expands the medium beyond your preconceived notions. Also, Rucka writes strong comics as well, so his characters and stories are always interesting. And the great thing is, you need no background to enjoy it.
gabeja
08-19-2009, 03:06 AM
Is the Morrison joker prose issue in any trade?
darkknightjrk
08-20-2009, 09:23 AM
Is the Morrison joker prose issue in any trade?
It's in the "Batman & Son" trade.
captds9e
08-25-2009, 03:14 AM
I am just getting back into comics overall. I picked everything from Battle for the Cowl to present in Batman, B+R, and a few of the other bat universe stuff like Red Robin,Det Comics and Batgirl.