It could be argued that Batman is the most iconic comic book character of all time and there are endless stories within the pages of DC comics that explore the character. With the recent release of The Batman, old and new fans are likely returning to those special comic stories that really defined the character.
While everyone has their own opinions on what makes a great Batman story, there are some that rise to the top and simply cannot be overlooked. Fans at Reddit passionately shared their opinion of which of the many Batman storylines ranks as the best.
Zero Year
While the origins of Batman as a crime-fighter are well-known to even the most casual of fans, the comics often find new ways to reapproach the story. Such was the case with Zero Year which explored Bruce Wayne finally taking up the mantle of the Caped Crusader.
Though some of the other origin stories are more iconic, there are a number of fans that highlight this particular story. Redditor chewbaka97 also points to the art as a big selling point as it "looked so good."
What Ever Happened To The Caped Crusader?
When fans read Batman comics, they are most likely expecting stories about the iconic hero battling his infamous foes and protecting Gotham City. What Ever Happened To The Caped Crusader? as the story begins with Batman's supposed funeral with various figures in his life telling strange stories about him.
With Neil Gaiman writing, it is no surprise this is a different direction with some inventive ideas. Redditor MatchesMalone30 acknowledged that it is "an unorthodox Batman comic and story" but one that is still impactful.
No Man's Land
The brilliance of a character like Batman is how versatile he can be in the stories he is involved in. Within his world, it can be an intimate and smaller story or a story of a bigger scale. No Man's Land goes for the latter in the storyline of the fallout of Gotham being devastated by an earthquake.
The storyline has a lot of fun with the various allies and villains of Batman looking to carve out the remains of Gotham. It feels like a very different story than some of the others in the Batman world and Redditor kappakingtut2 found it "had an epic scope to it."
Gates Of Gotham
Gotham City has always been a very important part of the Batman lore and it is always interesting when the stories delve into the city in new ways. Like Court of Owls, Gates of Gotham explores a decades-old mystery at the center of the city which Batman must uncover.
While some of these other titles are more famous, many fans look at Gates of Gotham as an underrated story from the comics. Redditor SPEK2120 praised the story while pointing out that it "always gets slept on."
Batman R.I.P.
Batman Is a very complicated character and it is especially interesting to delve into his psyche. Batman R.I.P. finds Bruce Wayne finally letting someone else into his life and revealing his alter ego which leads to an interesting exploration of why he is the crime-fighter dressed as a bat.
With such a long history of stories, it is always impressive to see a way of pushing the character outside his comfort zone and making him vulnerable. Redditor wendigo72 enthusiastically declared they could write an essay on "just how much I love it."
Broken City
The murder of Bruce Wayne's parents as a child is something that was instrumental in making him into the hero of Batman. But the moment has also been portrayed as a nightmare that continues to haunt and influence him decades later. Broken City once again delves into this dark aspect of his past as Batman investigates a murder that has similarities to his life.
While many fans have had enough of exploring this particular part of the hero's story, Broken City does find a new avenue to explore, suggesting the connection could blind Batman to certain things. Redditor drewxdeficit praised it as "a straight up detective story" which harkens back to the character's origins.
Death Of The Family
Undoubtedly, Batman's greatest foe has always been Joker and there are a number of memorable comics that focus on this iconic villain. Death of the Family shows Joker at his most brutal as he targets Batman's loved ones in a personal attack against his old adversary.
The storyline is certainly not for younger readers and is one of the most heart-wrenching Batman stories. But fans like Redditor XMackenzie appreciated this take on Joker as well as the "believable psychological warfare" he creates.
The Court Of Owls
Batman has often faced threats that finally seem like an equal match to him and it is exhilarating to see him tested in such ways. The Court of Owls storyline provides just such a challenge for the Dark Knight as he contends with a powerful secret society that has seemingly operated within Gotham for decades.
It is a creepy, complex, and compelling mystery story that pushes Batman to extremes and looks at the history of the city in some interesting ways. Redditor epod36 goes so far as to say it is "hands down" the best Batman story.
The Long Halloween
Some of the best Batman stories lean into the character's reputation as the world's greatest detective. The Long Halloween is a complex murder mystery with Batman at the center, trying to solve it all. It focuses on an unknown killer stalking the powerful crime figures of Gotham, committing murders on holidays.
The noir feel of the story and the thrill of seeing Batman investigating it is a real treat for fans and seems to have been a significant inspiration for The Batman. Redditor WonderfulBlackberry9 expressed their love of the story as "the best one I’ve read by far."
The Dark Knight Returns
While there have been many stories told about Batman at the beginning of his career as a crime-fighter, it is thrilling to see how a story unfolds when he has reached the end. Dark Knight Returns tells the story of Batman donning the cape and cowl again after years of being absent in Gotham.
Seeing an older and more brutal Batman as created by Frank Miller is very exciting. Serving as inspiration for big-screen Batman stories like The Dark Knight Rises and Batman V Superman, its no surprise Dark Knight Returns is so iconic and Redditor drewxdeficit calls it "the best Batman story ever told."