Introduction to Batman Comics

• Purpose: This guide is aimed at newcomers to the DC Comics fandom, particularly those interested in Batman and the Batfamily.
• Structure: Superhero comics are often structured in runs with story arcs collected in trades or omnibuses for easier reading.

Important Notes on Comic Reading

• Runs: Periods where an author writes a series with interconnected story arcs.
• Floppies: Individual issues within a run.
• Trades/Omnibuses: Collections of story arcs or entire runs, often cheaper and more convenient for readers.

Batman Continuity

• Universes:
  • Pre-Crisis (before 1986)
  • Post-Crisis (1986-2011)
  • Post-Flashpoint (2011-present)

Batman in Other Media

• Batman: The Animated Series: Acclaimed series introducing key Batfamily members.
• Young Justice: Features core Batfamily members through younger hero perspectives.
• The Batman (2004): Focus on Batman with Dick and Barbara.
• Other Media: Teen Titans, Batman Beyond, and various animated movies.

Key Batman Comics

Whole Batfamily Comics

• Batman: Contagion: Focus on a deadly plague in Gotham.
• No Man’s Land: Gotham isolated post-earthquake.
• Batman: Hush: Features Batman’s many allies and villains.

Bruce Wayne: Batman Highlights

• Year One: Definitive origin story.
• The Long Halloween/Dark Victory: Early Batman adventures with a focus on crime families.
• The Killing Joke: Controversial Joker origin story.
• Court of Owls: Introduction to a secret society in Gotham.

Dick Grayson: Robin/Nightwing/Batman

• Batman: Year Three: Explores Dick’s origin.
• Nightwing (1996): Dick's solo adventures.
• Batman Reborn: Dick as Batman with Damian Wayne as Robin.

Jason Todd: Robin/Red Hood

• Batman: Second Chances: Introduction as a street kid.
• A Death in the Family: Jason’s death by Joker.
• Under the Red Hood: Jason’s return as Red Hood.

Tim Drake: Robin/Red Robin

• A Lonely Place of Dying: Introduction to Tim Drake.
• Robin Solo Series: Tells Tim’s story as Robin.
• Red Robin: Tim’s darker journey post-Bruce’s disappearance.

Damian Wayne: Robin

• Batman and Son: Introduction to Damian.
• Batman & Robin (2009): Dick and Damian's dynamic as Batman and Robin.
• Robin: Son of Batman: Damian’s character development.

Barbara Gordon: Batgirl/Oracle

• Batgirl: Year One: Modern retelling of Barbara’s origin.
• Birds of Prey: Focus on Barbara as Oracle.
• The Oracle Code: YA story exploring Barbara’s recovery post-paralysis.

Cassandra Cain: Batgirl/Orphan

• No Man's Land: Cass's introduction.
• Batgirl (2000): Her solo series.
• Detective Comics Rebirth: Revival and development in the modern era.

Stephanie Brown: Spoiler/Batgirl

• Robin (1993-2009): Steph’s role in Tim Drake’s story.
• Batgirl (2009): Stephanie's tenure as Batgirl.

Duke Thomas: Signal

• We Are Robin: Duke’s origin and role.
• Batman & The Signal: Focus on his training and role as a daytime hero.

Helena Bertinelli: Huntress

• Batman/Huntress: Cry for Blood: Helena’s origin.
• Birds of Prey: Key role as a member of the team.

Selina Kyle: Catwoman

• Catwoman: Her Sister’s Keeper: A deep dive into Selina’s point of view.
• Catwoman (2002-2008): Critically acclaimed solo run.

Talia al Ghul

• Son of the Demon: Explores her relationship with Batman.
• Resurrection of Ras al Ghul: Highlights her complex family ties.

Miscellaneous Gotham Characters

• Gotham Central: Focus on the GCPD.
• Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death: A miniseries on Poison Ivy.

Elseworlds, Black Label, & Non-Mainverse

• Lil Gotham: All-ages, holiday-themed Batfamily comic.
• DC Bombshells: WWII-era alternate universe.
• Batman: Earth One: Modern retelling of Batman’s origin.

Places to Buy/Read Comics

• Local Comic Shops: Support local businesses.
• Online Platforms: Comixology, DC Universe Infinite for digital collections.
• Subscription Services: DC Universe Infinite for back issues.