Batman has been one of the most popular comic book characters for over seventy years. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger for DC Comics, since his initial debut, Batman has transcended comics and branched off into film, television, and even video games. The Batman mythos are some of the most treasured fiction in the world for its dark stoic nature, extensive rogues gallery, and gritty crime drama.
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Batman has received thousands of stories that place him at odds with hardened criminals and homicidal maniacs, all in the hope of saving his city from corruption. Batman’s endless battle for justice has led to legendary tales of heroism, loss, and determination. With the dozens of stories that come out of DC Comics every week, there are stories for all ages when it comes to Batman. Here are some of the best Batman comics to read for adults.
8
Batman: The Long Halloween
Batman Vs. A Gang War
The Long Halloween is one of Batman’s greatest challenges, and it ushers in his new era of crime fighting as an all-out gang war breaks out in opposition to his new brand of justice and sets the city ablaze. Written by Jeph Lobe and drawn by Tim Sale, Batman: The Long Halloween is seen as a canon continuation of Batman Year One, overtaking Batman Year Two.
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The story follows Batman, Jim Gordon, and Harvey Dent as they try to put a stop to the Falcone Mob family for good. Unfortunately, no good deed goes unpunished as tragedy strikes, and the life of Harvey DFent is changed forever.
7
Batman: Noel
A Gritty Adaptation Of A Classic Tale
In a cold winter in Gotham City, Batman discovers that The Joker is on the move. Quickly getting on the move, a vicious back-and-forth ensues in what is arguably one of the Batmans and Jokers’ most brutal confrontations. Batman Noel models the plot after A Christmas Carol, staging Batman as Ebenezer Scrooge with multiple DC characters filling the roles, such as Superman, Jason Todd, and Wonder Woman. Written and drawn by Lee Bermejo, the story is a very mature Batman storyline with a massive amount of depth.
6
Batman: The Killing Joke
A Glimpse Of Joker’s Peak Villainy
Hailed as one of the best stories of the world’s greatest detective, The Killing Joke follows yet another winding conflict between the Dark Knight and The Joker. Unfortunately, the Joker decides to up his game and take out his unhinged cruelty against Batman’s closest allies. In an attempt to finally make Batman understand their relationship, the Joker goes off the rails and pushes Batman as close to the edge as he’s ever been. The masterful Alan Moore leads this story with Brian Bolland as the artist who comes together for one of the most shocking climaxes in comics.
5
Batman: Hush
A Perfect Mystery For The World’s Greatest Detective
One of the best mystery stories in Batman’s mythos, Batman: Hush is a multi-faceted story with Batman under attack on all sides from someone who has figured out his secret identity. In addition, in a winding tale of lies, loss, and manipulation, for the first time in his career, Batman is more than one step behind. Batman: Hush features an extensive roster of Batman’s rogues, including Catwoman, The Jokers, and his newest rival, Hush, with a fantastic story by Jeph Loeb and breathtaking art by Jim Lee, highly praised as one of their best works in DC Comics history.
4
Batman: Under The Hood
Batman Faces The Horrors Of His Past
Stemming off of one of Batman’s greatest failures, Batman: Under the Hood tells the story of the return of Jason Todd. After being murdered by the Joker, Jason Todd returns to life years later as the Red Hood to take over Gotham and put an end to crime once and for all. Blinded by rage and betrayal, Jason also targets the Batman, upending his war on crime for allowing him to be killed and then allowing the Joker to continue living. Batman: Under The Hood features a visceral conflict between Batman and his former protege, told extremely well by writer Jud Winnick and artists Doug Mahnke, Eric Battle, and Shane Davis.
3
Batman: White Knight
A Twisted Elseworlds Tale That Flips The Paradigm Of Batman And Joker
Batman: White Knight is a dark tale of one of the most mind-twisting schemes the Joker has ever accomplished that reshaped Gotham City forever. As a grizzly old Batman hunts down the Joker yet again to put a stop to a potential homicidal threat, the Joker lures the world’s greatest detective into a chemical plant.
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With old age working against him, Batman goes further than he ever has but falls right into the Joker’s trap. The Joker becomes cured and an upstanding member of society. Batman cannot accept this fact and winds up imprisoned in Arkham Asylum, while the Joker, now known as Jack Napier, is the mayor of Gotham City.
2
Batman: Knightfall
A New Darker Knight Takes The Throne
Batman: Knightfall is one of the darkest periods in Batman history. After an encounter with Bane, Batman is paralyzed and unable to protect Gotham; he has no choice but to find a replacement. Appointing Jean-Paul Valley, a loyal but seemingly unstable vigilante known as Azrael, Batman charges him with being Gotham’s protector.
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What starts out as a simple mission slowly turns sour as absolute power corrupts absolutely. Gotham’s new Dark Knight quickly becomes a terrifying version of the bat, and Robin seems to be the only one around to stop him.
1
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
An Iconic Telling Of Batman’s Future
The Dark Knight Returns is one of the crown jewels of DC Comics and famous writer and artist Frank Miller. Set is a future where Batman has retired due to age and decline; a fire erupts in Bruce’s belly as his beloved city once again falls into crime and despair. One last time, one last go around, Bruce Wayne puts his cowl back on to take to the streets. However, by taking off the kid gloves, Batman seeks to make a more permanent impression on some of his oldest adversaries and even some new threats. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns has defined Batman ever since its release and is a highly popular branch of the character.