Over the years Batman has remained one of the single greatest comic book heroes of all time. And while there are plenty of memorable storylines featuring the Caped Crusader, today we’re looking purely at the best Batman graphic novels of all time. In other words, we’re digging into single volumes that collect a particular series run or were created as one-shot books. While some of these graphic novels are also part of a larger series, all of them can be enjoyed as standalone stories, regardless of your familiarity with Batman lore.
But enough talk. Time to slap on our utility belts, fire up the Batmobile and head into the crime-soaked streets of Gotham City as we smash into… the 25 best Batman graphic novels made.
25. Batman Knightfall: Volume One
- First Published: 1993
- Writers: Chuck Dixon and Dennis O’Neil
- Artists: Kelley Jones, Jim Aparo and Jim Balent
- Why We Picked It: One of the biggest inspirations for Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, this groundbreaking (and backbreaking) series saw the introduction of Bane, along with the crippling of Batman and the first appearance of the sword-wielding vigilante Azrael (who picked up the slack in Gotham while Bats was recovering). The end result is one of the most iconic Batman graphic novels of all time and a storyline that still resonates with readers today.
24. Batman: White Knight
- First Published: 2018
- Writer & Artist: Sean Gordon Murphy
- Why We Picked It: The Batman-Joker dynamic has been explored in countless story arcs over the years. White Knight, however, offers a unique take on this twisted relationship. The story takes place in an alternate Gotham in which the Joker is cured of his insanity and sets about trying to right his many wrongs while facing down an increasingly unhinged Batman. It’s essentially a complete role reversal while also exploring what it is that makes the Joker and Batman’s longtime rivalry so compelling.
23. Batman: Gotham by Gaslight
- First Published: 1989
- Writer: Brian Augustyn
- Artist: Mike Mignola
- Why We Picked It: While technically this is an Elseworld story that takes place in alternate dimension, this Batman graphic novel still manages to stand the test of time almost 25 years later thanks to the incredible writing by the great Brian Augustyn and the inspired artwork of Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. Taking place in an 1889 version of Gotham, the story finds Batman going toe-to-toe with Jack the Ripper. It’s a twisted Dark Knight tale that’s become so popular, it was eventually made into DC animated film in 2018.
22. Batman: Earth One: Complete Collection
- First Published: 2012
- Writer: Geoff Johns
- Artist: Gary Frank
- Why We Picked It: On the surface, this series appears to be a reboot of the Batman origin story, but it’s actually so much more than that. Instead it offers a fresh, modern take on the well-established Batman mythos. The complete collection includes all three volumes (which were previously published as standalone Batman graphic novels) making it a solid read and one of the most innovative and fresh takes on the Dark Knight.
21. Batman: Three Jokers
- First Published: 2020
- Writer: Geoff Johns
- Artist: Jason Fabok
- Why We Picked It: A natural continuation of Alan Moore’s legendary Batman: The Killing Joke (which also happens to be on this list), the story reveals that over the years there have actually been three different individuals to take up the mantle of the Clown Prince of Crime. This unusual twist on long established Batman canon also ends up being a fascinating exploration of the long history between Batman and the Joker.
20. Batman: The War of Jokes and Riddles
- First Published: 2017
- Writer: Tom King
- Artist: Mikel Janin
- Why We Picked It: Set during the early years of Batman’s career, in this graphic novel collection, the Caped Crusader actually takes a bit of a back seat to the Riddler and the Joker, with the two villains battling it out for control over the streets of Gotham. The end result is an incredibly gritty graphic novel that explores two of the most notorious members of Batman’s rogue’s gallery.
19. Batman: No Man’s Land: Volume 1
- First Published: 1999
- Writer: Dennis O’Neil and Greg Rucka
- Artists: Dale Eaglesham and Frank Teran
- Why We Picked It: Originally published in a massive arc consisting of over 80 issues (later collected into five graphic novels) No Man’s Land explores what happens after a massive earthquake rocks Gotham City, leaving it cut off from the rest of the world and declaring marshall law. Batman soon finds himself battling roving gangs, escaped super villains and rioting citizens (something which served as the inspiration for Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises). The end result is one of the most epic Batman story arcs ever.
18. Batman and Robin: Born to Kill
- First Published: 2011
- Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
- Artists: Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray
- Why We Picked It: One of the most interesting modern additions to Batman lore is Damian Wayne, the teenaged son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul. Raised as a ruthless assassin, Damian eventually takes up the mantle of Robin and reluctantly joins his father to battle crime in Gotham City. This graphic novel collection further explores this unique father-son dynamic and Damian’s transformation from hired killer to heroic vigilante.
17. Batman: Son of the Demon
- First Published: 1987
- Writer: Judd Winick
- Artist: Doug Mahnke
- Why We Picked It: Originally published as a standalone Batman graphic novel, the story follows the Dark Knight’s on-again-off-again relationship with Talia al Ghul, with the two eventually tying the knot (in between taking on a deadly eco terrorist and assassins from the League of Shadows, of course). Later, Talia secretly gives birth to a boy who she quickly gives up for adoption – an event which Grant Morrison borrowed and retconned to create Damian Wayne. The end result is one of the most memorable Batman stories of all time.
16. Batman: The Man Who Laughs
- First Published: 2005
- Writer: Ed Brubaker
- Artist: Doug Mahnke
- Why We Picked It: While Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s legendary one-shot graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke is arguably the greatest Joker origin story ever told, Ed Brubaker and Doug Mahnke essentially pick up the story, offering their own take on the first encounter between the Caped Crusader and the Clown Prince of Crime. It’s a masterpiece of Batman storytelling and a surprisingly deep character study of what really makes the Joker tick.
15. Batman by Paul Dini Omnibus
- First Published: 2020
- Writer: Paul Dini
- Artists: Various
- Why We Picked It: One of the most important contributors to Batman’s mythology, Paul Dini is perhaps best known for his work as a producer and writer on Batman: The Animated Series, where he co-created Harley Quinn and helped develop a more sophisticated and gritty take on the Dark Knight. In this graphic novel omnibus, however, Dini proves that he’s also one of the best Batman comic book writers of all time, with a series of standalone stories that feature the Caped Crusader at his finest.
14. Batman: Black and White: Volume 1
- First Published: 1996
- Writers: Neil Gaiman, Chuck Dixon, Dennis O’Neil and others
- Artists: im Lee, Bruce Timm, Joe Kubert and others
- Why We Picked It: One of the most unique Batman collections of all time, Black and White features work from some of the comic book industry’s most popular writers and artists. Each creator is given eight-pages to craft a standalone Batman story that’s entirely in black and white. The end result are some of the greatest Batman tales ever told. The series was so popular that it’s since spawned five collected graphic novels and even a line of Batman Black and White statutes.
13. Batman: Under the Red Hood
- First Published: 2006
- Writer: Judd Winick
- Artist: Doug Mahnke
- Why We Picked It: This groundbreaking Batman story arc follow the resurrection of Jason Todd, the second Robin who was brutally murdered by the Joker in the seminal series Batman: A Death in the Family (which is also on this list as one of our favorite Batman graphic novels). Returning to Gotham as the gun-wielding Red Hood, the story not only introduces an incredibly popular character but also explores the often overlooked psychological aftermath of Batman’s war on crime.
12. Batman: Death of the Family
- First Published: 2013
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Greg Capullo and Jock
- Why We Picked It: One of the greatest Joker stories ever told, the action kicks off when the Clown Prince of Crime returns to Gotham City a year after he’s gone missing and had his face brutally sliced off. Setting his sights on those closest to Batman (also known as the Bat Family) and leaving a blood soaked trail in his wake, Death of the Family is the Joker is at his most terrifying and psychotic.
11. Batman: A Death in the Family
- First Published: 1988
- Writer: Jim Starlin
- Artist: Marv Wolfman
- Why We Picked It: One of the most memorable Batman storylines of all time, A Death in the Family is perhaps most notable for featuring the murder of Jason Todd at the hands of the Joker. Todd’s fate, however, was actually first chosen by fans, with DC setting up a toll free number where callers could vote on whether the new Robin should live or die. The controversial decision, however, is more than a mere publicity stunt and remains a classic Batman story that has had a major impact on the DC universe.
10. Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader
- First Published: 2009
- Writer: Neil Gaiman
- Artist: Andy Kubert
- Why We Picked It: Written by legendary comic book creator Neil Gaiman (of Sandman fame) and illustrated by industry vet Andy Kubert, the story is an homage to Alan Moore’s legendary Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? and explores what happens after the Caped Crusader is killed, with events kicking off at Bruce Wayne’s funeral. The deluxe edition of the graphic novel features five separate short stories which are surprisingly thoughtful and shine a unique light on the Batman mythos.
9. Batman: The Black Mirror
- First Published: 2011
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Jock & Francesco Francavilla
- Why We Picked It: In this celebrated graphic novel collection, Bruce Wayne steps down and Dick Grayson (aka the first Robin) dons the cowl and becomes Gotham’s Dark Knight. Along the way he deals with a series of horrific murders and bizarre villains. Throw in stunning artwork by iconic comic book illustrator Jock, and the end result is a surreal combination of serial killers and superheroes that remains one of the very best self-contained Batman storylines of all time.
8. Batman: Dark Victory
- First Published: 2000
- Writer: Jeph Loeb
- Artist: Tim Sale
- Why We Picked It: The sequel to Batman: The Long Halloween (which also made this list), this collected graphic novel follows the early days of Batman’s career, with Gotham City suddenly finding itself overrun by a new breed of costumed criminal, with super villains like Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze and the Joker appearing for the first time. To make matters worse, the Dark Knight must once again face down the the enigmatic serial killer known only as Holiday. It’s a classic Batman tale with a sharp crime noir script and stunning art work.
7. Batman: The Court of Owls: Volume 1
- First Published: 2012
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Greg Capullo
- Why We Picked It: One of the best modern Batman story arcs ever, the collected series finds the Dark Knight going toe-to-toe with the the Court of Owls, a mysterious group that has secretly ruled Gotham City for years, enforcing their reign with the help of deadly enforces known as Talons. Smart, action-packed and innovative, this series is an absolute must-read for Batman fans.
6. Batman: Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth
- First Published: 1989
- Writer: Grant Morrison
- Artist: Dave McKean
- Why We Picked It: One of the most visually innovative Batman graphic novels ever created (thanks to the surreal artwork of Dave McKean), the story finds Batman desperately trying to stop a supervillain riot inside the twisted corridors of Arkham Asylum. As he ventures deeper into the nightmarish depths of the facility, Batman discovers the terrifying origins of Arkham The end result is not only an amazing Batman story, but a masterpiece of graphic storytelling.
5. Batman: Hush
- First Published: 2003
- Writer: Jeph Loeb
- Artist: Jim Lee
- Why We Picked It: One of the most popular Batman story arcs of all time, this collected graphic novel finds the Caped Crusader battling a who’s-who of his rogue’s gallery, while also facing down a powerful new villain known only as Hush. With a brillaint script from longtime Batman writer Jeph Loeb and art from the legendary Jim Lee, this book remains a milestone in the history of the Dark Knight.
4. Batman: Year One
- First Published: 1987
- Writer: Frank Miller
- Artist: David Mazzucchelli
- Why We Picked It: It’s almost impossible to quantify just how much of an impact this book has had, influencing not only Batman comic books, but also film, television and video games. A modern and more mature retelling of the Batman origin story, the story follows a young Bruce Wayne in the first year of his crime fighting career, while also exploring his early partnership with Jim Gordon. It’s an inspiring and innovative story arc that remains a cornerstone of the Batman mythos almost 40 years after it was first published.
3. Batman: The Long Halloween
- First Published: 1997
- Writer: Jeph Loeb
- Artist: Tim Sale
- Why We Picked It: One of the most widely published Batman graphic novels of all time, The Long Halloween takes place in the early years of Bruce Wayne’s one-man war on crime and finds him matching wits with a mysterious serial killer who strikes only during major holidays. The story also explores the transformation of Harvey Dent from District Attorney to the villainous Two-Face. Like other books on this list, this single story arc has since influenced Batman films, television shows and video games.
2. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
- First Published: 1986
- Writer & Artist: Frank Miller
- Why We Picked It: In addition to being one of the most beloved Batman graphic novels of all time, The Dark Knight Returns also stands out as a pop cultural icon that introduced readers to more mature storytelling and themes in comic books. The story takes place in an alternate future in which an elderly Bruce Wayne comes out of retirement and once again dons the cowl and cape of Batman to battle the corrupt forces of the Gotham City Police Force, the United States government and Superman himself.
1. Batman: The Killing Joke
- First Published: 1988
- Writer: Alan Moore
- Artist: Brian Bolland
- Why We Picked It: And a drum roll please… here’s our pick for the greatest Batman graphic novel of all time. Written by comic book legend Alan Moore (of Watchmen fame) and illustrated by DC veteran Brian Bolland, the book helped to bring a new level of maturity and complexity to both the Joker and Batman. It’s a masterpiece in comic book storytelling that not only marks a pivotal point in the Dark Knight’s history, but shows what the graphic novel medium is truly capable of.
So there you have it! Our picks for the 25 best Batman graphic novels of all time. Are there any book you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below! (Also be sure to check out our list of the 25 best Batman comic covers and the 20 best Batman comics of all time).
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