Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Batman.
The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson as the Dark Knight, gives fans a new interpretation of the iconic superhero. The movie borrows elements from some of the Caped Crusader's most celebrated comic book story arcs as well as some of the most underrated. The movie is set in Batman's second year, the focus of the classic but often overlooked Year Two storyline from the late 1980s.
Some of Batman's most underrated stories focus on the psychology and reality of the character, with complex stories by legendary comic book creators such as Grant Morrison and Neil Gaiman. Others elaborate on Gotham City in the macro and Batman's and supporting characters, building one of the greatest worlds within the larger universe of DC Comics and the entire superhero genre.
Year Two
The Year Two storyline from Detective Comics #575–578 in 1987 has had some influence on the new movie, as it's the period in which the film is set. With outstanding art from Alan Davis and some of the most iconic Batman covers of all time by Todd McFarlane, it deserves a lot more praise.
This Batman arc remains somewhat underrated compared to other major storylines from the same period, like Year One and The Dark Knight Returns, but its influence is key in both live-action and animated adaptations of the character. For example, the villain of the story, the Reaper, is a clear influence on the Phantasm from The Mask of The Phantasm animated movie.
Dark Knight, Dark City
Dark Knight, Dark City is an underrated arc from the 80s that combines one of Batman's greatest villains and the supernatural in a way the movies have largely avoided. The Riddler summons a great bat demon in a story perfect for the iconic art style of Mike Mignola.
Dark Knight, Dark City is easily one of the best Riddler comic books in the way it presents a new take on the classic character, and it also gives Batman a huge challenge in Barbathos the demon that he hasn't faced really since the horror heavy 70s period.
Death And The Maidens
Death And The Maidens is a 2003 mini-series that deserves a second look from readers. Featuring art by Klaus Janson, part of some of the best Daredevil comic books ever, this series embodies the grit and grim synonymous with modern Batman.
The story by Greg Rucka pits Batman against two of his greatest enemies, Ra's Al Ghul and his daughter, Talia. The series explores the family history of the villains, which is key for fans of the characters and helpful to understanding their future, especially through Damien Wayne.
Blind Justice
Blind Justice is a little-remembered story from 1989 that arguably should be much more considered given its artistic pedigree. Written by Sam Hamm, the screenwriter of the first Batman movie, with art by Denys Cowan, it's a knockout story about the legacy of Batman.
Bruce Wayne recovers from a debilitating injury while another man takes his place as Batman (a story arc foreshadowing Azrael's stint as the Dark Knight just a few years later) as Wayne comes to terms with his duty as the Caped Crusader.
Gothic
Batman: Gothic is easily one of the best Batman comic books of the 1990s, though it's not as well known as other major stories from the period. it absolutely should be with a story by Grant Morrison and art once again by Klaus Janson.
This flashback to the very beginning of Batman's career continues the run of key story arcs that reimagine the early days of the superhero from the late 80s, pitting him against a brutal villain called Mr. Whisper with patented Morrison literally allusions and inventiveness.
Venom
Batman is often fighting his own worst instincts in the comics, but in Batman: Venom, he's fighting the influence of a toxic drug. Batman uses venom, the same compound that gives Bane his immense strength, with terrible consequences.
Batman looks very every advantage to fight crime, but this story shows that he does have limits. This story also may have some impact on the new movie and its sequels, as it seems as though Batman uses some kind of enhancer in the final battle.
Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader?
One of the best and most underrated Batman comic books from the modern era is written by Neil Gaiman. In this surreal and captivating storyline, Gaiman imagines the end of Batman after his apparent death in Final Crisis.
Batman revisits much of his past, allowing artist Andy Kubert to draw Golden and Silver Age versions of Batman's best comic book villains. The story pays homage to the entire history of the character in much the same way that Alan Moore did Superman in his seminal story "Whatever Happened To The World Of Tomorrow?"
Batman: City of Crime
Batman: City of Crime explores the true impact of crime on people and society in ways that Batman comics rarely do. Written by David Lapham, the creator of the independent comic Stray Bullets, it's a sober and haunting work.
The story shares some similarities with the new movie, as Batman investigates a missing woman. The trail leads him to a complex conspiracy involving the city's most powerful figures, much as it does in the movie.
Selina's Big Score
One of the best Batman-related comics that arguably doesn't merit the attention it deserves is Selina's Big Score, a graphic novel by writer and artist Darwyn Cooke from the early 2000s. This story gives perhaps the most fun and iconic version of one of Batman's most important supporting characters.
Cooke's distinctive art style creates a modern and timeless version of Catwoman, one that heavily influenced comic versions that followed and seems to have had some influence on the latest screen iteration in the new movie.
Ego
Ego is arguably the most underrated Batman comic book. With story and art once again by Cooke, this iconic 2000 graphic novel brought the artist from animation into comic books that delves into the psychology of Batman in a unique way.
Building off the ethos established in iconic storylines like Year One, Cooke crafts a psychological thriller that pits Batman against Bruce Wayne and digs into the question of which identity is the true Batman, a question many modern takes on the character explore in comics and movies.