The version of Batman that audiences know today as the Dark Knight was crafted almost entirely in the 1980s. Some of the most influential comic book issues of Batman's entire history (and of comic books as a medium) came out during a heady period at the end of the decade, with works by Frank Miller, Alan Moore, and others that redefined Batman forever.
Some of the best Batman comic book issues from the 1980s are bound to influence the upcoming The Batman movie, given its setting in Batman's second year of activity. They also continue to influence almost every iteration of the character in live-action and animation, as well as deeply influencing the modern comic books.
Batman: The Killing Joke
The Killing Joke was a one-shot comic book written by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland that remains highly controversial. It's a significant story for fans of not just Batman and the Joker, whom this issue attempts to define to some degree, but most importantly for Barbara Gordon who becomes disabled in this story.
The first and in many ways best version of Batgirl begins a long journey after The Killing Joke that had positive aspects for some fans. Her time as Oracle was significant for the representation of disabled people, and she was above all a survivor.
Batman Annual #8
The 1982 annual for Batman doesn't feature a major event or first appearance, but for pure art lovers, it's one of the best issues of the decade. The main story features art by Trevor von Eeden, who gives Batman one of his most distinctive renditions from the period. The issue also features an incredible, fully painted cover of Batman. The story is good, pitting Batman and Robin against Ra's al Ghul, in disguise as the Messiah of the Crimson Sun. The issue is key in one respect - it's the first Batman annual to feature an original story instead of only reprints.
Batman #400
Batman has one of the greatest rogues' galleries in comic book history, and Batman #400 is a fantastic issue that features nearly all of them. Most of his worst enemies get a spotlight in this oversized anniversary issue, which is also notable for having an introduction by writer Stephen King. An all-star lineup provides art for the issue, making it a must-read for comic book fans in general. With a stunning cover by Bill Sienkiewicz and interior art by Geroge Perez, Art Adams, and many more, it's a high point in a great decade for Batman.
Batman #442
Batman had a lot of ups and downs in the 1980s. One of the highs was the debut of Tim Drake as the third Robin in Batman #442, the last part of the "A Lonely Place of Dying" storyline. Not only is it a key issue in that regard, but it also helps further contextualize Batman himself.
After the shocking and brutal death of Jason Todd at the hands of the Joker, Batman decided it didn't make sense to continue risking the lives of young people as Robin. This story helps explain why Robin is, in fact, necessary for Batman and why the character and concept have continued into the present.
Batman And The Outsiders #1
In addition to his own titles, Batman was also part of a number of team books during the '80s, and one of the most important was The Outsiders. Batman and the Outsiders #1 is an important issue for contributing to the concept of Batman being his own man within the Justice League of America, which he abandons in this issue due to disputes over his methods. He forms The Outsiders, a group of mostly lesser-known heroes including Black Lightning and Katana, all rendered in excellent art by longtime Batman artist Jim Aparo.
Justice League International #5
Batman would go back to the Justice League in a big way in 1987, joining Justice League International. One of the best issues of that celebrated run by writers Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis and artist Kevin Maguire is issue #5 in which Batman punched out Guy Gardner. The famous "One Punch!!" moment came about after the always cocky Gardner challenged Batman for leadership of the team. Without any superpowers, Batman proved his claim on the job, making the moment and issue instantly iconic.
Detective Comics #574
One of the absolute low points of Batman's entire career was the shocking death of Jason Todd. Detective Comics #574 is one of the best issues of the '80s not only for this milestone moment, once considered unthinkable, but for its notorious place in comic book history. DC Comics ran a poll for fans to help determine whether Robin should live or die by calling into a special number. Callers sealed the grim fate of Jason Todd, who was generally unpopular with fans. The issue also established that there were no boundaries Batman wouldn't cross to get justice.
Batman #423
The Batman is reportedly set during Batman's second year in the costume, meaning the movie is likely to take a cue in some way from the Batman: Year Two storyline in the comics. Issue #423 begins the story arc, which also features an iconic cover by Todd McFarlane that is set to be made into an action figure by McFarlane Toys.
This key story challenges Batman by forcing him to consider using guns, defining here for the modern era his rules about killing. It also introduces The Reaper, a villain who would serve as the inspiration for The Phantasm in the animated movie Batman: The Mask Of The Phantasm.
The Dark Knight Returns #1
There are few comic books more influential than The Dark Knight Returns, one of Batman's best comic book story arcs ever. Written and drawn by Frank Miller with colors by Lynn Varley, this comic depicted a dark, dystopian future for Gotham and Batman which has been hugely significant to his depiction in other media, especially the recent DCEU movies. The iconic first issue, with its often imitated cover, establishes the new parameters of Gotham, In it, a retired Bruce Wayne is forced to put on the suit one more time to save his city.
Batman #404
Frank Miller also wrote "Batman Year One" at virtually the same time as The Dark Knight Returns, reinterpreting the character's origin for a modern age. Issue #404 begins the landmark story arc, featuring iconic art from David Mazzucchelli and colors by Richmond Lewis. "Batman Year One" has had as much influence or more on later comics, animated series, and movies as The Dark Knight Returns, and not just for Batman. This issue focuses a great deal on a young Jim Gordon, making him a dimensional character for the first time in one of the best Batman stories ever.