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The Greatest Stories Ever Told
Batman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told
Just in time for the release of 2005s most anticipated blockbuster, Batman Begins, comes a collection of the Dark Knights finest adventures in one volume! Batmans career is chronicled in BATMAN: THE GREATEST STORIES EVER TOLD, a unique collection that spans over six decades. Collected within is Batmans origin, some of his classic battles with rogues such as the Joker and Catwoman and other stories that define why Batman is the hero he is today. Featuring an introduction by author Les Daniels.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2005
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182 people want to read
About the author
Bill Finger
645 books105 followersWilliam "Bill" Finger was an American comic strip and comic book writer best known as the uncredited co-creator, with Bob Kane, of the DC Comics character Batman, as well as the co-architect of the series' development. In later years, Kane acknowledged Finger as "a contributing force" in the character's creation. Comics historian Ron Goulart, in Comic Book Encyclopedia, refers to Batman as the "creation of artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger", and a DC Comics press release in 2007 about colleague Jerry Robinson states that in 1939, "Kane, along with writer Bill Finger, had just created Batman for [DC predecessor] National Comics".
Film and television credits include scripting The Green Slime (1969), Track of the Moon Beast (1976), and three episodes of 77 Sunset Strip.
-Wikipedia
Film and television credits include scripting The Green Slime (1969), Track of the Moon Beast (1976), and three episodes of 77 Sunset Strip.
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 25, 2020
An adequate cross-section of Batman's life and career - small one-shots that seem to have been quite well picked to depict his personality, what matters for him, and why he's doing what he's doing. And since they are one-shots, there's none of the long and often dull epics that promise to change everything forever, only to fall flat.
Some of the earlier ones were rather cheesy from the modern standpoint, but still entertaining at least.
Some of the earlier ones were rather cheesy from the modern standpoint, but still entertaining at least.
June 21, 2016
The "Greatest" Stories Ever Told? More like a collection of good short stories from Batman's publishing history. This is a great sampler of good short stories featuring Batman; single issue standouts that also feature some of the best artists and creators associated with the character. Including Bill Finger and Bob Kane was a nobrainer, especially the two-page origin story that has been endlessly created on the page and on film. This book actually does a great job of introducing a novice to the people that have created the signature stories of the Batman; Moldoff, Adams, O'Neill, Miller, Giordano, Rogers, I could go on, but that would be a cheap way to pad the word count on this review. Just try and get a copy and read it from cover to cover. Especially the creator bios in the back.
February 17, 2014
This is a poorly structured anthology. It calls itself "the greatest stories ever told", then proceeds to do almost nothing of the sort.
The biggest issue (meta-pun intended?) is that there are 5 stories or so structured around Bruce Wayne's parents being killed. The origin issue published in the 1930s, makes sense. The one where he thinks about Jason Todd with bullet wounds, good art. But the other ones are redundant and lack historical significance.
There is a big lack of historical issues.
Is the Joker in here? Yes, but only in a middling 70's romp where he ends up in jail. Not an origin, not a big moment. Same thing with Catwoman, except its middling in the '50s.
I guess it's trying to set a tone about how great Batman is, but it makes the selection pompous and weak. One issue is how he helps an innocent man overcome his mistake, the last issue is a day in the life of the Wayne Foundation.
Is being a nice guy a part of Bruce Wayne/Batman's persona? Sure. Is it great to build that up? Sure. But part of comics, ever since Marvel got good in the '60s and DC got in the '70s, is to use suspense and action to tell a story, and this doesn't. Batman is infallible, against a bunch of hoods who aren't famous and can't stand up to him.
Art by Neal Adams and Frank Miller in full color are a plus, but the asskissing to the all might Bat is the heroism that he allegedly avoids in comparison to Superman.
2/5 stars.
The biggest issue (meta-pun intended?) is that there are 5 stories or so structured around Bruce Wayne's parents being killed. The origin issue published in the 1930s, makes sense. The one where he thinks about Jason Todd with bullet wounds, good art. But the other ones are redundant and lack historical significance.
There is a big lack of historical issues.
Is the Joker in here? Yes, but only in a middling 70's romp where he ends up in jail. Not an origin, not a big moment. Same thing with Catwoman, except its middling in the '50s.
I guess it's trying to set a tone about how great Batman is, but it makes the selection pompous and weak. One issue is how he helps an innocent man overcome his mistake, the last issue is a day in the life of the Wayne Foundation.
Is being a nice guy a part of Bruce Wayne/Batman's persona? Sure. Is it great to build that up? Sure. But part of comics, ever since Marvel got good in the '60s and DC got in the '70s, is to use suspense and action to tell a story, and this doesn't. Batman is infallible, against a bunch of hoods who aren't famous and can't stand up to him.
Art by Neal Adams and Frank Miller in full color are a plus, but the asskissing to the all might Bat is the heroism that he allegedly avoids in comparison to Superman.
2/5 stars.
June 7, 2017
A good selection of stories that shows passages of time. Stories themselves while aim at younger audiences adults can enjoy them too.
May 9, 2016
Calling these "the greatest stories ever told" I feel is a bit of an exaggeration. I think the stories were picked because they are supposed to represent how Batman has changed from the campness at the start to the Dark Knight as we know him now.
A lot of the stories focus on the murder of Bruce Waynes parents or the death of Robin. There is a story where Batman suffers hallucinations and imagines that Robin is killed. It then affects him later when trying to rescue the real Robin from the Gorilla Gang (yes they are actually dressed as gorillas). Is this classed as a better story than A Death in the Family. No. But it is short so fits into this compilation.
The later stories have the modern artwork of today but the old stories are the classic artwork of the comic strips of the 40s and 50s. These are so hilarious nowadays. It seems that the dialogue has to describe whats going on because pictures aren't enough, eg robbers standing on a building roof next to a large girder, one has to explain to the others "lets escape using that hanging girder" as if the reader couldn't work it out for themselves.
Recommended for fans interested in the older versions of Batman and not just for the stories.
Although it is well worth reading just to see Ace the dog turn into .....Bat Hound!! He even has his own little mask, I suppose in case he is recognised. I haven't even heard of Bat Hound before but I think Christopher Nolan missed a trick here.
A lot of the stories focus on the murder of Bruce Waynes parents or the death of Robin. There is a story where Batman suffers hallucinations and imagines that Robin is killed. It then affects him later when trying to rescue the real Robin from the Gorilla Gang (yes they are actually dressed as gorillas). Is this classed as a better story than A Death in the Family. No. But it is short so fits into this compilation.
The later stories have the modern artwork of today but the old stories are the classic artwork of the comic strips of the 40s and 50s. These are so hilarious nowadays. It seems that the dialogue has to describe whats going on because pictures aren't enough, eg robbers standing on a building roof next to a large girder, one has to explain to the others "lets escape using that hanging girder" as if the reader couldn't work it out for themselves.
Recommended for fans interested in the older versions of Batman and not just for the stories.
Although it is well worth reading just to see Ace the dog turn into .....Bat Hound!! He even has his own little mask, I suppose in case he is recognised. I haven't even heard of Bat Hound before but I think Christopher Nolan missed a trick here.
October 4, 2016
This isn't a collection of the greatest Batman stories ever told by any stretch of the imagination, but nevertheless they are mildly interesting stories. It should be called Batman: The Averagest Stories Ever Told.
January 13, 2025
I purchased Batman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told, Vol. 1 because it collected a Legends of the Dark Knight (“LOTDK”) issue. DC has not collected a lot of LOTDK issues, so I try to purchase books that collect them, even if it’s just one issue. LOTDK 79 is written by Mark Millar and illustrated by Steve Yeowell. This is a heartwarming story. Someone broke into Wayne Manor and stole Bruce’s favorite thing. Batman goes on a determined quest to look for the perpetrators. While I’m not really familiar with Yeowell’s work, his art is great in this issue and complements Millar’s storytelling perfectly. Laurie Smith’s colors are great too. I have no idea if my copy was recolored, but the colors pop and enhance the overall aesthetic of the story. This issue is really worth the purchase, but there are other good stories in here. While I wouldn’t classify them as the greatest Batman stories ever told (contrary to the title of this book), they are still worth a read.
In the introduction, written by Les Daniels, he states that the common theme of the stories collected in this book relates to Batman’s identity: Who is Batman, and what makes him tick? This is evident in the titles of some of the issues collected in this book, such as “The Batman and How He Came to Be,” “The Batman Nobody Knows!”, “My Beginning... and My Probable End”, “Favorite Things”, and “24/7”. While these may not be the greatest Batman stories ever told, they offer a good character study of Batman.
Collects Detective Comics (1937) 33, 439, 572, and 574, Batman (1940) 5, 62, 156, and 250-251, DC Special Series 15 and 21, Legends of the Dark Knight (1989) 79, and Batman: Gotham Knights 32.
My Batman Collected Editions Instagram page
In the introduction, written by Les Daniels, he states that the common theme of the stories collected in this book relates to Batman’s identity: Who is Batman, and what makes him tick? This is evident in the titles of some of the issues collected in this book, such as “The Batman and How He Came to Be,” “The Batman Nobody Knows!”, “My Beginning... and My Probable End”, “Favorite Things”, and “24/7”. While these may not be the greatest Batman stories ever told, they offer a good character study of Batman.
Collects Detective Comics (1937) 33, 439, 572, and 574, Batman (1940) 5, 62, 156, and 250-251, DC Special Series 15 and 21, Legends of the Dark Knight (1989) 79, and Batman: Gotham Knights 32.
My Batman Collected Editions Instagram page
March 22, 2018
Steve Englehart and Sal Amendola do a terrific job with the relentlessly fearsome Batman in "Night of the Stalker," and O'Neil & Adams are unbeatable in "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge," even if it does lose a few points for the old cliche about the villain wanting to beat the hero fairly when they've gained the upper hand.
Mike Barr and Alan Davis perfectly capture everything you need to know about Batman - origin, drive, early years. Mark Millar & Steve Yeowell have a touching Christmas story about Bruce Wayne's home being robbed and the last Christmas gift ever given to him by his parents being stolen. Devin Grayson, maligned though she may be, teams with Roger Robinson for one of the book's best stories - a day in the life of Bruce Wayne, and the many ways that he makes Gotham a better place as head of the Wayne Foundation and as Batman.
Some of the older stories were a bit clunky, but "Robin Dies at Dawn" (Bill Finger & Sheldon Moldoff) and "The Batman Nobody Knows" (Frank Robbins & Dick Giordano) have some charms.
Mike Barr and Alan Davis perfectly capture everything you need to know about Batman - origin, drive, early years. Mark Millar & Steve Yeowell have a touching Christmas story about Bruce Wayne's home being robbed and the last Christmas gift ever given to him by his parents being stolen. Devin Grayson, maligned though she may be, teams with Roger Robinson for one of the book's best stories - a day in the life of Bruce Wayne, and the many ways that he makes Gotham a better place as head of the Wayne Foundation and as Batman.
Some of the older stories were a bit clunky, but "Robin Dies at Dawn" (Bill Finger & Sheldon Moldoff) and "The Batman Nobody Knows" (Frank Robbins & Dick Giordano) have some charms.
January 1, 2025
Decent book, but not great by any means. Starts off with some pretty boring stories that surprised me considering the title of the book. Weirdly, it did not include either Detective Comics #27 (Batman’s first ever appearance) or Batman No. 1.
It got much better however when Batman #251 was introduced but unfortunately it didn’t include the epic Joker cover (none of the issue covers are included). I very much enjoyed this issue and it made sense that it was included in this collection.
The more I read the book however, the more I questioned some of the stories that were chosen.
There were some that were good (such as the one with Leslie Thompkins trying to save Jason Todd) but others were disappointing.
I did of course love the Alex Ross cover!
Would only recommend to a hardcore Batman fan.
It got much better however when Batman #251 was introduced but unfortunately it didn’t include the epic Joker cover (none of the issue covers are included). I very much enjoyed this issue and it made sense that it was included in this collection.
The more I read the book however, the more I questioned some of the stories that were chosen.
There were some that were good (such as the one with Leslie Thompkins trying to save Jason Todd) but others were disappointing.
I did of course love the Alex Ross cover!
Would only recommend to a hardcore Batman fan.
August 6, 2022
A fantastic trip through the decades with Batman, the latter stories being very entertaining from the likes of Devin Grayson, Mark Millar and Denny O'Neill.
The art was very well drawn too from several pencillers including Neal Adams, Alan Davis and of course, the legendary Frank Miller.
The art was very well drawn too from several pencillers including Neal Adams, Alan Davis and of course, the legendary Frank Miller.
June 27, 2024
While I admit that I haven't read Batman comics before, I thought this was a very weird collection of stories lol
June 12, 2020
Tähän albumiin valitut tarinat yrittävät valottaa Batmanin persoonaa ja syntyhistoriaa. Tarinat ovat kuitenkin NIIN lyhyitä, että jäävät sisällöltään aika olemattomiksi.
Positiivista tietty on, että pääsee lukemaan tarinoita monelta eri aikakaudelta: alkaen aina vuodesta 1939.
Positiivista tietty on, että pääsee lukemaan tarinoita monelta eri aikakaudelta: alkaen aina vuodesta 1939.
Currently reading
March 9, 2017In this book, I think the author was trying to tell all the readers that not everybody is safe, healthy, wealthy, or cool as you. There's people suffering in the United States, not only in the United States, I think in the whole words. In conclusion we should treat people how you want to be treated. This is my opinion in case somebody may disagree with me.
February 14, 2017
If you've never heard of Batman and want to know what all the fuss is about, then this is a great introduction to the weird and wacky world of the Dark Knight. For long-time fans, it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane -- bypassing completely that quirky but amazingly awkward television series in the 1960s.
I particularly liked the focus on Batman's character development in this anthology. He's like a very rich Sherlock Holmes but without the pipe, the wit and the sense of humor. He is a character that I grew up with in the background and has a big impact on pop culture -- also like Sherlock Holmes. It's a shame the Sherlock Holmes and Batman story was not included here, but I'll still recommend it, anyway.
I particularly liked the focus on Batman's character development in this anthology. He's like a very rich Sherlock Holmes but without the pipe, the wit and the sense of humor. He is a character that I grew up with in the background and has a big impact on pop culture -- also like Sherlock Holmes. It's a shame the Sherlock Holmes and Batman story was not included here, but I'll still recommend it, anyway.
August 22, 2008
I really enjoyed this collection of key stories from the Batman mythology. Starting with Batman's motivation - the death of his parents by a mugger, we follow Batman through important developments in his life. We also get stories that highlight the villains The Joker and Catwoman.
I think my favorite story might have been the one where Batman has allowed himself to be subjected to stress tests such as astronauts would face during space travel. The effects are so strong that Batman hallucinates the death of Robin, hallucinations that follow him into his waking life.
Interestingly, Robin disappears midway through, only to reappear as a different kid altogether. I guess a boy sidekick is going to grow up at some point.
I liked how the stories became more substantial, more sophisticated, and more serious in tone as they went along.
I highly recommend this collection to anyone interested in the historical development of Batman.
I think my favorite story might have been the one where Batman has allowed himself to be subjected to stress tests such as astronauts would face during space travel. The effects are so strong that Batman hallucinates the death of Robin, hallucinations that follow him into his waking life.
Interestingly, Robin disappears midway through, only to reappear as a different kid altogether. I guess a boy sidekick is going to grow up at some point.
I liked how the stories became more substantial, more sophisticated, and more serious in tone as they went along.
I highly recommend this collection to anyone interested in the historical development of Batman.
May 29, 2015
An overall great collection of Batman stories. It was nice getting to read the origin story, albeit a reprint(I'm pretty sure the original one is beyond my financial reach!)
I'd have to say my favorite story in this collection was "Death Strikes at Midnight and Three". It's presentation was what impressed me the most-- it was written out, like a novel! I admit I was rather incredulous at first, but the story was very well written and immersive. Additionally, there were side panels with minimalist artwork, more there to give reader a general picture in their mind of what was going on, but still left it up to the reader's imagination. It was very well done!
I'd have to say my favorite story in this collection was "Death Strikes at Midnight and Three". It's presentation was what impressed me the most-- it was written out, like a novel! I admit I was rather incredulous at first, but the story was very well written and immersive. Additionally, there were side panels with minimalist artwork, more there to give reader a general picture in their mind of what was going on, but still left it up to the reader's imagination. It was very well done!
September 13, 2016
This collection is a quintessential must for any fan of Batman. The stories selected range from just plain enjoyable to dark and gritty--which is ultimately the best part of this collection. We all know Batman has changed over the years: from the Caped Crusader to the Dark Knight. His story has evolved as we have. As we began to yearn for deeper, darker, grittier stories, DC delivered. And this collection is the perfect way to witness that evolution.
August 11, 2016
My question is, how in the world do you create an anthology such as this? Of every single issue of Batman, how can you just pick and choose a few? Crazy. But this was still pretty wonderful. I enjoyed most of the issues, some were a little strange, but still good. The last two were definitely my favorite. I wonder what would be added to it now that it's been 10+ years since this came out?
August 23, 2013
Amusing collection of Batman short stories from over the years. Most of them are only interesting from a nostalgic viewpoint, as they seem to be lacking the grit and modern feel of the Dark Knight films (haven't read those comics yet).
May 1, 2008
I like Batman!
August 1, 2008
A very nice collection - the last few were my favorite!
August 10, 2011
I enjoyed the older comics far more than the newer ones, with the exception of Devin Grayson's odd story at the end (which included a random gay couple that didn't die, so I can forgive it a lot.)
July 31, 2012
Ei nämä kyllä mulle ihan täytä sitä vaatimusta, mitä käyttäsin ilmaisusta Parhaat tarinat. Pari ihan mukiin menevää, mutta aika heikko tasosia nämä kuitenkin olivat.
August 25, 2014
Just read the mark millar
June 25, 2015
Basic set of stories. "Greatest Stories Ever Told?" Above average maybe but not as groundbreaking as I expected. C+
October 22, 2013
A great introduction to batman, with a historical flair.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews