Batman: Where to start?

[[deleted user]]

I recently started watching Justice League and it's gotten me interested in batman's story. Is his New 52 series good or should I go back farther?

[Ma'Belle]

Good question. Note that even if you start with the New 52 stories, there's not just one title. There are at least five. I prefer to limit my comics reading to story arcs and trade paperbacks written by the best writers, or whatever the most highly acclaimed stories are within a given mythos. I've mostly been reading Gail Simone's ongoing Batgirl series, but I've heard Batman, Detective Comics, Batwoman, and Batman Incorporated are the best current bat-centric titles.

Previous highly acclaimed stories such as Batman: The Killing Joke, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Joker, Batman: Year One, Batman: Hush, and all of Grant Morrison's Batman stories (his stuff is always love it or hate it and usually retconned out of canon later) are great places to start IMO.

[[deleted user]]

I just worry about picking something up and not knowing what's going on. Thanks for the suggestions though. I'm really excited to get started with batman.

[Robyn]

Hi Ladies. I just watched Gotham and was thinking the same thing. I'd like to "start at the beginning" - Manette, how did your search go? Anything you recommend I start with?

[Corrina]

Batman: Year One is my favorite Batman story and it has a heavy Gordon emphasis. I'd also recommend Gotham Central. Both clearly influenced the show, though you won't find an exact analogue in the comics.

[Robyn]

Thank you!

[NotQuiteAllHere]

So my 14 year old sister wants to start reading Batman comics... I personally have read very few but years ago a friend of mine said in passing that Batman Year One is a good place to start.... did I make a good suggestions with Year One or is there a different place to start that you think is better?

[Kirsten]

There is also now a series based on the 60s TV show. I have yet to read it but I have high hopes!