10 Great Batman Comics That Are Terrible For DC Beginners

As a huge cinema fan, I’ve always known Batman has some truly amazing stories – it’s no wonder he’s one of DC’s most popular characters! When a character becomes that well-known, you know there’s a bedrock of incredible tales behind him. He’s become a real icon, not just in comics but in all of fiction, and lots of people are drawn to the source material wanting to experience those stories firsthand. But honestly, diving straight into some of those classic Batman comics isn’t always the best way to begin your journey.

Many of Batman’s greatest stories are accessible to new readers, but quite a few require familiarity with the wider DC Universe. Even the standalone stories often connect to larger DC storylines, which can be confusing. Sometimes, the stories are just lengthy and complex, or there are better, simpler options for beginners. Here are ten amazing Batman stories that, while fantastic, aren’t ideal for those new to DC comics.

I’m not dismissing any of these well-known Batman stories – they’re popular for good reason! This guide is simply for newcomers who want to start reading Batman comics but aren’t sure where to begin. We’ll be looking at stories you’ve likely heard of, but that aren’t the best place to jump into the DC Universe. Let’s dive in!

10) “The Black Mirror”

Let’s begin with a fantastic, but often overlooked, Batman story: “The Black Mirror.” It features Batman investigating the sale of dangerous superweapons to Gotham’s criminals, while Commissioner Gordon confronts a difficult family issue – the return of his troubled son, James. This comic is celebrated for its intensely dark and atmospheric feel, and it’s the one that really established Scott Snyder as the writer of the New 52 Batman series. While it’s a great read, it might not be the best choice for someone new to Batman comics.

This Batman story is unique because it stars Dick Grayson as Batman, not Bruce Wayne, and that might surprise some readers. Dick’s version of Batman is quite different from Bruce’s, and that’s central to the story. Though it’s a fantastic Batman story, it really relies on having Dick in the role, which might not be what new DC fans are expecting. They likely want to see the Batman they already know and love, and while Dick Grayson is a great character, he’s not that Batman.

9) Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth

This story focuses on a takeover of Arkham Asylum by its inmates, who threaten to harm hostages unless Batman intervenes. As Batman investigates, he uncovers disturbing secrets about the asylum’s history and origins. It’s a particularly insightful look into the minds of Batman’s enemies, exploring the complexities of their madness, and is widely considered one of the most terrifying comics ever made.

Despite its strengths, this story isn’t a great starting point for new Batman readers. It leans heavily into psychological horror, which is unusual for most Batman comics, and could be off-putting or misleading. While the villains are well-written, this version of Batman is quite different from the typical portrayal. It’s not a bad story, but it doesn’t represent what most fans expect from a Batman comic, and introducing someone to the character with this story could leave them disappointed.

8) “Knightfall”

This comic is actually three connected stories: “Knightfall,” “Knightquest,” and “KnightsEnd.” It introduces Bane, a powerful villain who famously breaks Batman’s back, forcing him to temporarily retire. While recovering, Batman leaves Gotham City under the protection of Azrael, but Azrael quickly becomes unstable and poses an even greater danger than Bane. This leads to a final, dramatic showdown where Bruce Wayne must reclaim his role as Batman. Though well-known for introducing Bane and the distinctive Azrael-Batman armor, this storyline isn’t the best place for new readers to begin.

This comic is notable because Bruce Wayne isn’t Batman for most of it. Instead, Azrael fills the role, but intentionally acts very differently – a pointed commentary on the overly violent and gritty characters common in ‘90s comics. Azrael’s extreme behavior damages Batman’s image, which surprisingly creates a strong foundation for future stories and welcomes new readers. While a great event for those already familiar with Batman, it’s not the ideal starting point for newcomers. The story truly shines when you have a solid understanding of both Bruce and Dick Grayson’s backgrounds.

7) “Gotham Nocturne”

The latest story arc, running from *Detective Comics* #1062 to #1089, introduces the Orgham family, an ancient group determined to ‘save’ Gotham City. However, their methods involve dismantling everything that makes Gotham unique and punishing anyone who opposes them. This storyline forces Batman to fight the Orghams while also confronting his own motivations and understanding his role as Gotham’s protector. It’s a compelling exploration of Batman’s character and the profound effect he’s had on the city and its citizens.

The comic’s greatest strengths – its deep exploration of Batman and Gotham City – ironically make it hard for new readers to get into. To fully appreciate it, you really need a strong background in Batman lore. It draws from almost every part of Batman’s history, which can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the character. Plus, it’s a very lengthy story, spanning almost thirty issues with additional side stories, making it a big commitment for someone new to comics.

6) Batman: Earth One

The ‘Earth One’ series offered fresh takes on iconic superheroes like Batman and Superman, placing them in a realistic and contemporary setting. Before this, the idea of costumed heroes was purely fictional, but this series portrayed a world where they actually existed. This version of Batman wasn’t the flawless, invincible figure often depicted; he was a flawed, relatable man who made mistakes. In fact, his very first night as a crime fighter involved a mishap with his equipment – his grappling hook failed, causing him to fall from a rooftop. The series distinguished itself by striving for a world remarkably similar to our own, and it successfully transformed Batman to fit that vision.

This version of Batman fits well within the Earth One universe, but it might not be the best introduction to the character. It’s a significant departure from the traditional Gotham City that long-time comic fans are familiar with, and what new readers might anticipate. To achieve a more realistic and down-to-earth story, this Batman has been altered quite a bit, which means some compromises were made to his core personality. While it’s an interesting take on the character, I wouldn’t recommend it for newcomers, as they might prefer this version and then be let down when they discover it’s not the standard Batman portrayal.

5) “Under the Red Hood”

This story is well-known for bringing Jason Todd back into the Batman universe, but as the villain Red Hood. Jason’s return was a huge surprise, especially since his death had haunted Batman for years as his biggest failure. The story delves into the pain of Jason’s death and his belief that Bruce didn’t care enough to kill the Joker. It also shows a frightening version of Batman, one who abandons his morals, and introduces one of DC’s most popular characters, Red Hood.

Even though this story is well-written, it’s much more impactful if you know Jason Todd is dead beforehand. His return feels more powerful if you’ve seen him die, and without that context, a lot of the emotional impact is lost. Additionally, the story’s ending is likely to be misinterpreted. Batman explains he hasn’t killed the Joker because he fears where that might lead him, and many readers – even longtime fans – mistakenly believe this means Batman is similar to the criminals he fights, rather than someone who consistently tries to save others, even those who seem beyond redemption.

4) “No Man’s Land”

As a lifelong Batman fan, 1999 felt like a huge turning point. Gotham City was rocked by a massive earthquake, and things changed drastically. After years of being a crime-ridden mess, the government basically walled Gotham off, cutting it off from the outside world. Batman had been in a self-imposed exile, but he came back determined to take back his city, which had fallen into the hands of all the worst gangs. He didn’t do it alone, though. He built a team – what fans now call the Batman Family – bringing in heroes like Huntress and Azrael, and even introducing a new Batgirl, Cassandra Cain. It was a really exciting time for the character and the whole universe.

“No Man’s Land” was a year-long event that spanned all of the Batman comic books, making it the longest story arc of its kind. Although it’s a single, ongoing narrative, it also represented a fresh approach for the series. The story has a compelling conclusion and can be quite engaging, but it’s best appreciated by those already familiar with Batman and the DC Universe. While new readers *could* start here, it might be overwhelming and isn’t the most accessible entry point to typical Batman stories.

3) “Batman R.I.P.”

Okay, let me tell you about Grant Morrison’s “Batman R.I.P.” – it’s a truly iconic Batman story. It centers around the Black Hand, a villainous group determined to *finally* take down the Dark Knight. But it’s not just a physical battle; they really get inside Batman’s head, making him doubt his own sanity and confront a side of himself we’ve never seen before. What’s really clever is how Morrison brings back old, almost forgotten characters like Bat-Mite and the concept of Zur-En-Arrh, but reimagines them in a way that feels totally fresh and fits perfectly into modern Batman stories. It’s a fantastic, mind-bending ride.

This story pulls from the entire history of Batman, referencing everything from classic tales to more recent adventures. While this depth is a big part of what makes it so good, it can be tough for new readers to follow. Grant Morrison’s writing is known for being complex and packed with details, especially lesser-known parts of Batman’s past. The story is designed as a kind of ultimate conclusion to Batman’s journey, and without a strong understanding of years of previous storylines, readers might find themselves completely lost.

2) The Killing Joke

Many consider this to be one of Batman’s most significant and powerful stories. In a single issue, it brilliantly captures the dynamic between Batman and the Joker, highlighting Batman’s tireless efforts to help a Joker who seems determined to remain lost. It portrays the Joker at his most destructive and Batman at his most heroic, while also showcasing Commissioner Gordon’s unwavering strength. This story perfectly illustrates why the Batman-Joker rivalry is so compelling.

It’s not a flawless story. While its darker tone isn’t a major problem, the ending is. It strongly suggests Batman killed the Joker, which might not be the ideal introduction to their dynamic. More importantly, there are better Batman stories out there for newcomers. This story aims to depict the culmination of Batman and the Joker’s conflict, but new readers would likely benefit more from learning about their first encounter, such as in *Batman: The Man Who Laughs*. *The Killing Joke* is fine as a starting point, but there are definitely stronger options available.

1) Dark Knight Returns

“Year One” is widely considered one of Batman’s most important and impactful comic books. It essentially redefined the character, presenting a more mature and determined Batman returning to protect Gotham. Since its release, every version of Batman – in comics, movies, and television – has been influenced by the dark, resilient hero portrayed in this story, a hero willing to sacrifice everything for his city. It’s a must-read for any Batman fan.

That being said, it’s probably not the best place to start when getting into Batman stories. The main reason is that it presents a somewhat unusual portrayal of the character. In this story, Batman is depicted as much more focused on military tactics and treats even his closest allies, like Robin, as subordinates – a departure from his usual approach. While this version of Batman is only a little more fixated on the mission at hand, it’s a noticeable difference.

The main problem with starting with *The Dark Knight Returns* is that it was designed as the conclusion to Batman’s story. It depicts an older Batman attempting a final, drastic reinvention of himself and his methods to save Gotham. The story both ends Batman’s original run and sets up a completely new beginning for the character. Because it’s meant to be a final chapter, it’s not the ideal place to jump into the Batman mythos. While it’s a great story, you’ll appreciate it much more if you’re already familiar with Batman’s history.

We’ve looked at ten great classic Batman stories, but they aren’t necessarily the best for new readers. What do *you* think is the worst Batman story to start with, and which one would you recommend as the best? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-10-09 21:16