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I'm going to start creating "Where to Start" guides for various superheroes and villains, so if you always wanted to dive into superhero literature or watch it this is the guide for you! My first one is Batman, which means there are WAY too many places to start, so I'll try to keep it brief and to essentials.
Books
Obviously there are a LOT of Batman comics to choose from, so I tried to limit it to five that are quick reads, cheap, and don't need a lot of Batman knowledge to understand.
Book | Bio | Price |
Batman: Year One | A great retelling of the origin of Batman, Frank Miller does not disappoint, and the artwork is classic as well. (Movie available as well, worth a watch) | 10 dollars new on Amazon, 5 dollars used |
Batman: The Killing Joke | One of the best superhero and villain stories of all time, this focuses on the unique relationship between the Joker and Batman. (Movie available but DO NOT WATCH, it's trash) | 13 dollars new on Amazon, but worth it for the iconic cover. 8 dollars used. |
Batman: The Long Halloween | A story focused on the relationship between Batman, Gordon, and Harvey Dent, and gently used other Batman villains. One of my favorite stories of all time and unique art. (Movie available, worth a watch but it's two parts, easier to read it) | 24 dollars new on Amazon, but well worth it. 13 dollars used is very much worth it as well. |
JLA: Tower of Babel | Batman has his own iconic stories in his own series, but Tower of Babel shows us the true, ruthless Batman that everyone has come to know and love. (There is a movie but I don't remember a thing about it, which says all it needs to I suppose) | This one was IMPOSSIBLE to find, but it looks like it's been re released. 31 dollar hardcover on amazon, but believe me it's worth it, I literally just bought it now. Used for 20 on Amazon. |
Batman: Hush | A modern classic that heavily uses everyone Batman knows, but has an epic payoff and provides some incredible moments. The art is stunning as well, one of the best drawn Batman comics. ( DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIE) | DIGITAL EDITION AVAILABE FOR FREE ON PRIME. If you want paper (like me), it will run you 15 for new (very much worth it), and the same price used, must be a re release. |
Movies
Movie | Bio | Price/Streaming |
Batman Begins | A great Batman origin movie that gets eclipsed by it's sequel, Batman Begins has great villains, a good story, and an incredible Bruce Wayne in Christian Bale. | 3.99 to rent on Amazon, or HBO Max with subscription |
Mask of the Phantasm | The first animated movie for Warner Brothers, Mask of the Phantasm is set in the animated series universe, but tells an incredibly well crafted story that cuts deep. | 3.99 to rent on Amazon, or HBO Max with subscription |
The Lego Batman Movie | Based on the character from The Lego Movie, Lego Batman provides a funny mix of adult and kid humor while smartly using Batman's Rogues Gallery. | 3.99 to rent on Amazon, or HBO Max with subscription |
Batman: Soul of the Dragon | The newest movie on the list, Batman: Soul of the Dragon is a story focused on Bruce's martial arts abilities, and has an excellent story and a fresh animation style that is easy to look at. Also the only rated R movie on this list! | 3.99 to rent on Amazon, or HBO Max with subscription |
The Batman Superman Movie: World's Finest | A crossover movie between the Superman and Batman animated TV shows, this is a must watch for any fans of Batman or Superman. It nails their relationship, and the voice acting is superb. | You know the deal, same as above |
That's it! Comment below with your recommendations if I missed any!