For almost 100 years Batman has been waging a one-man war on crime on the streets of Gotham. And while a lot has changed during that time, the Caped Crusader’s has remained one of the most iconic superheroes of all time, leaping off the page and appearing in countless films, video games and TV series, not to mention more toys, merchandise, clothing and memorabilia than you can shake a batarang at.
Yet it’s comic books more than anything that have cemented the place of the Dark Knight atop the pantheon of superheroes. That’s why in this article we’ll be taking a closer look at 20 of the best Batman comics of all time, digging into the stories, the art, the creative team, and the key impact each issue has had on building the Batman mythos.
20. Batman: Battle for the Cowl #1
- Published: May 2009
- Estimated Price: $3 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First appearance of Jeremiah Arkham as the Black Mask.
- Why We Picked It: A somewhat overlooked comic, this is the first in a six-issue comic book miniseries that takes place after the apparent death of Bruce Wayne, with members of the Bat family struggling to decide who will take up the mantle of the Dark Knight. The comic really stands out, however, because it explores the psychological toll of being Batman, as well as the emotional impact his crusade has had on those closest to him. The end result is one of the best Batman comics in recent years.
19. Batman: the Man Who Laughs
- Published: February 2005
- Estimated Price: $20 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First modern meeting of Batman and the Joker
- Why We Picked It: Written by Ed Brubaker with art by Doug Mahnke, this standalone graphic novel takes place in the early days of Batman’s career and offers a modern retelling of the first encounter between the Dark Knight and the Joker, after a series of grizzly murderers rock Gotham City. The comic really stands out, however, because of its thoughtful exploration of the dynamic between Batman and the Joker, offering an insightful look at the unique conflict between two of comic books greatest enemies.
18. Batman: The Cult #1
- Published: August 1988
- Estimated Price: $5 (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First appearance of Deacon Blackfire
- Why We Picked It: Written by comic icon Jim Starlin and illustrated by the great Bernie Wrightson, this is the first in a four-issue series that follows Batman as he is kidnapped by a violent religious cult, with its leader subjecting the Dark Knight to a series of intense physical and psychological tortures in an effort to convert him to their cause. It’s an influential comic book that brought a darker and grittier edge to the Caped Crusader and explored deeper themes that had rarely been touched on in previous Batman comics.
17. Batman No Man’s Land #1
- Published: March 1999
- Estimated Price: $5 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First issue in No Man’s Land series.
- Why We Picked It: The first comic in an epic 80-issue run produced by a number of different DC writers and artists, the No Man’s Land series takes place after a catastrophic earthquake strikes Gotham City, leaving it in ruins and cutting it off from the rest of the world. With law and order completely broken down it’s up to Batman and his allies to pick up the pieces. The result is one of the single greatest Batman story arcs of all time, in addition to providing inspiration for the Christopher Nolan film The Dark Knight Rises.
16. Batman #497
- Published: July 1993
- Estimated Price: $15 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: Batman’s back is broken by Bane
- Why We Picked It: One of the most instantly recognizable Batman comics of all time, in this issue Batman famously has his back broken by the villain known as Bane (an iconic scene that was also featured in Christopher Nolan’s film The Dark Knight Rises). Beyond this memorable moment in Batman history though, is also an epic storyline that features the Dark Knight going toe-to-toe with one of his greatest foes and trying to ensure his crime-fighting legacy lives on.
15. Batman #871
- Published: January 2011
- Estimated Price: $35 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First appearance of James Gordon Jr. as an adult
- Why We Picked It: The first part of a twelve-issue comic book storyline known as Black Mirror, this issue is also the first to be written by longtime Batman scribe Scott Snyder, who would later go on to produce some of the best story arcs in the history of the Dark Knight. The series features Dick Grayson taking up the mantle of Batman and investigating a series of brutal murders in Gotham. It’s a brilliant Batman comic that’s both a crime drama and an exploration of family ties.
14. Batman #232
- Published: June 1971
- Estimated Price: $1.2K USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First appearance of Ra’s al Ghul and second appearance of Talia al Ghul.
- Why We Picked It: Often considered one of the best Batman issues of all time, this sought-after issue was written by Denny O’Neil and illustrated by legendary Batman artist Neal Adams. The issue stands out, however, because it also marks the first appearance of Ra’s al Ghul, a centuries-old supervillain who seeks to rid the world of its excess population and restore it to a more balanced state. al Ghul would later become one of Batman’s greatest foes, gaining further popularity thanks to his portrayal in Batman: The Animated Series and the Batman Begins film.
13. Batman: The Long Halloween #1
- Published: December 1996
- Estimated Price: $65 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First appearance of Alberto Falcone
- Why We Picked It: The first comic in an epic 13-issue run entitled The Long Halloween, this now iconic series follows Batman as he investigates a series of murders that take place on various holidays throughout the year (with each issue representing a different holiday). The art by Tim Sale is absolutely stunning, with a striking, noir-inspired style that perfectly captures the mood and tone of the story. Equally as impressive is the sharp script by longtime DC writer Jeph Loeb, which focuses on the complex relationships between Batman, his allies and his enemies.
12. Batman: Dark Victory #1
- Published: December 1999
- Estimated Price: $15 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: Iconic cover art by Tim Sale
- Why We Picked It: The first in a 14-issue sequel to The Long Halloween, in many ways Dark Victory far surpasses the previous works of the writer-artist team of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. The story follows Batman as he investigates a new serial killer known only as the Hangman, while also dealing with an escalating war between Two-Face and the remnants of the Falcone crime family. The series also features a modern retelling of Batman’s adoption of Robin, exploring the complex and often frayed relationship between the two heroes.
11. Batman #428
- Published: January 1989
- Estimated Price: $40 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: Death of Jason Todd at the hands of the Joker
- Why We Picked It: One of the most memorable story arcs in Batman history, this issue is a pivotal chapter in the fou-part A Death in the Family series that saw the death of Jason Todd (aka the second Robin). Notably, it was fans who decided to kill off the character after DC Comics created a toll free hotline where readers could vote on whether he should live or die. Despite the marketing gimmick, the script by Jim Starlin remains incredibly emotional, with accompanying art by the great Mike Mignola.
10. Batman #442
- Published: December 1989
- Estimated Price: $15 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First appearance of Tim Drake as Robin.
- Why We Picked It: Written by Marv Wolfman with illustrated by legendary comic book artist George Perez, Batman #442 is a key issue in the series A Lonely Place of Dying; a five-issue crossover between Batman and New Titans. The story takes place after the death of Jason Todd and introduces Tim Drake, who in this issue becomes the third Robin. It’s surprisingly powerful story that explores the nature of grief and trauma in a way that no other Batman comics had really done up until that point.
9. Batman #635
- Published: February 2005
- Estimated Price: $200 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First appearance of Jason Todd as Red Hood.
- Why We Picked It: The first issue in the Under the Red Hood story arc, this incredible story explores the unforeseen consequences of Batman’s war on crime. In the series, the Caped Crusader finds himself facing a new villain calling himself the Red Hood, who we later learn is none other than Jason Todd, the former Robin who was supposedly killed in A Death in the Family. With brooding, atmospheric art by Doug Mahnke and a smart script by Judd Winick, it’s a key issue in the Batman mythos and a superb example of comic book storytelling at its finest.
8. Batman #608
- Published: December 2002
- Estimated Price: $200 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: The second printing of the issue features an iconic cover by Jim Lee.
- Why We Picked It: Considered by many fans to be one of the greatest Batman comic series of all time, Hush is a sprawling, twelve-issue epic that explores the many facets of Batman’s life and rogues’ gallery. The story revolves around a new villain named Hush who seems to have a personal vendetta against Batman and draws in a collection of Batman’s greatest friends and foes. The art by 90s comic book legend Jim Lee is pitch perfect and works beautifully with the sharp writing and intricate plot of Jeph Loeb. It’s a story that’s since become a key part of Batman lore and a thoughtful character study of what it is that really makes the Dark Knight tick
7. Batman #655
- Published: September 2006
- Estimated Price: $50 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First cameo appearance of Damian Wayne.
- Why We Picked It: The first of four comics that make up the now iconic Batman and Son story arc, this issue introduces Damian Wayne into mainstream DC continuity. The child of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, Damian is a young boy who was raised a ruthless assassin by the League of Shadows. He eventually takes on the mantle of Robin, but the story stands out as an exploration of the dynamic between hero-and-sidekick and father-and-son. With a brilliant script by Grant Morrison and art from comic legend Andy Kubert, the result is a comic that’s had a seismic impact on the Batman mythos.
6. Batman #6
- Published: April 2012
- Estimated Price: $80 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First full appearance of the Court of Owls
- Why We Picked It: A modern classic that explores one of the darker corners of the Batman mythos, this issue introduces the powerful organization known as the Court of Owls, a group has been secretly controlling Gotham City for centuries (and is rumored to appear in a sequel to the 2022 Batman film starring Robert Pattinson). Written by Scott Snyder with art by Greg Capullo, the story features one of Batman’s most intriguing and ruthless enemies, and marks a major milestone in the history of the Caped Crusader.
5. Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth
- Published: November 1989
- Estimated Price: $40 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First appearance of Amadeus Arkham (founder of Arkham Asylum)
- Why We Picked It: One of the greatest Batman stories of all time, Arkham Asylum explores the twisted world of Batman’s most notorious enemies. The story follows Batman as he enters Arkham Asylum to confront the Joker after the inmates break out and take over the facility. The book (which was first published as a standalone graphic novel) features surreal and disturbing imagery from Dave McKean and an impressive story by Grant Morrison that explores the broken and terrifying minds of the Dark Knight’s greatest foes.
4. Batman: The Killing Joke
- Published: March 1988
- Estimated Price: $100 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: The Joker shoots and paralyzes Barbara Gordon (who later becomes Oracle).
- Why We Picked It: One of the most impactful and controversial Batman comics of all time (and considered by many to be one of the greatest graphic novels ever written), The Killing Joke explores the dark origins of the Joker and his eventual spiral into madness. The art by Brian Bolland is stunning, but it’s Alan Moore’s writing that truly makes this book stand out, showcasing the twisted psychological battle between the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime.
3. The Dark Knight Returns #1
- Published: March 1986
- Estimated Price: $12,000 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: Iconic Batman cover.
- Why We Picked It: Considered by many to be one of the greatest modern comic books of all time, this is the first of four now legendary issues that make up The Dark Knight Returns. The story takes place in a dystopian future where an aging Bruce Wayne one again dons the mantle of the Caped Crusader to take on authoritarian forces. With a brilliant script and art by Frank Miller, plus stunning covers by Lynn Varley, it’s a comic that redefined the genre and set a new bar when it comes to both Batman and comic book storytelling as a whole.
2. Batman #404
- Published: February 1987
- Estimated Price: $25 USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: Classic retelling of the origin of Bruce Wayne
- Why We Picked It: Widely considered to be one of the greatest Batman stories ever writte, this issue is the first in the four part Batman: Year One series. The story tells the origin of Batman, including the death of his parents, and his first early days as the Caped Crusader – all of which would be hugely influential on future comic books, films and television series featuring the Dark Knight. With iconic art by David Mazzucchelli and a gritty, realistic script from Frank Miller, it’s a comic that captures the tragedy and darkness that forms the core elements of the Batman mythos.
1. Detective Comics #27
- Published: May 1939
- Estimated Price: $2.2 Million USD (Raw High Grade)
- Why It’s a Key: First appearance of Batman
- Why We Picked It: The comic that started it all, this landmark issue introduced the world to Bruce Wayne and his dark alter ego known as the Batman. Featuring groundbreaking art by Bob Kane, without this particular issue, the Dark Knight simply wouldn’t exist. It’s a comic that not only is a vital piece of Batman lore, but remains one of the most important and influential works of modern pop culture.
So there you have it: our picks for the 20 best Batman comics of all time. Are there any issues you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below! Also, be sure to check out our lists of the the 25 best Batman graphic novels ever made and the 25 best Batman comic covers.
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