Grant Morrison’s Masterpiece Batman Run: Full Reading Order Explained

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Grant Morrison’s seven-year run on Batman, often called the “Bat-Epic,” is considered one of the best modern stories featuring the character. While it’s a fantastic read (and a personal favorite!), it can be confusing for new readers because it’s spread across several different comic book series and includes connections to larger DC events. If you’re interested in diving into this epic story, here’s a guide to help you find all the collected editions you’ll need.

14. “Batman and Son”

If you’re new to this storyline, a great place to start is the graphic novel Batman and Son. It includes the main story of that name, plus a few standalone issues, including the excellent Batman #666. This collection introduces Damian Wayne, Batman’s son, and also sets up other important characters and plot points, like Bruce Wayne’s new love interest, Jezebel Jet, and the mysterious Three Ghosts of Batman. If you enjoy this, you’re in for a treat – the story only gets more exciting!

13. “The Black Glove”

The Batman: The Black Glove collection includes a couple of key storylines. In one, Batman reconnects with his former allies, the International Club of Heroes, while investigating a murder. The other focuses on Bruce Wayne being tormented by visions of his past – the Three Ghosts of Batman. These events begin to reveal a larger, more dangerous plot against Bruce Wayne and his life.

12. “The Resurrection of Ra’s al Ghul”

The storyline “The Resurrection of Ra’s al Ghul” wasn’t essential to the main Batman saga, but Grant Morrison did write a few issues that tie into it. This arc also reintroduces the character Damian Wayne. Although you don’t need to read it, it can add a lot to your overall experience.

11. “Batman: R.I.P.”

“Batman: R.I.P.” wraps up the initial storyline of Grant Morrison’s Batman run. The villain known as the Black Glove attempts to completely destroy Bruce Wayne – mentally, physically, and emotionally – forcing Batman to his absolute limit. This story is important because it sets the stage for “Final Crisis,” although it’s written in a way that you could also jump directly into “Batman and Robin” if you chose.

10. Final Crisis

Final Crisis is a very complicated story, but it clearly lays the groundwork for what happens next with Bruce Wayne, more so than Batman: R.I.P. which is more open to interpretation. There are also some related issues written by Morrison that show Batman’s difficulties during this event, and while they aren’t essential, I recommend reading them if you have the time.

9. “Batman Reborn”

“Batman Reborn” kicks off the Batman and Robin series, introducing the new Batman and Robin team while Bruce Wayne is recovering after the events of Final Crisis. It’s a strange story that features bizarre new enemies, including Professor Pyg and the Circus of the Strange, but it sets the stage for an exciting and unconventional continuation of the Batman saga.

8. “Revenge of the Red Hood”

As a Batman fan, I always enjoyed seeing Jason Todd, the second Robin, get a chance to prove himself. This storyline really focuses on him stepping out of Batman’s shadow – he gets a cool new look, even takes on a sidekick! He starts cracking down on Gotham’s criminals, but things quickly escalate, and he accidentally unleashes an even bigger problem for the city. It’s a straightforward story, but it keeps the momentum of the Batman saga going really well.

7. “Blackest Knight”

While not connecting to the Blackest Night storyline, this arc explores similar themes by having the Bat-Family try to bring Bruce Wayne back to life. Their attempt doesn’t go as planned, and they accidentally create a terrifying new threat. The story maintains the unsettling atmosphere of the previous arc and effectively sets the stage for the concluding Batman and Robin stories.

6. “Time and the Batman”

The collection Batman: Time and the Batman includes the significant 700th issue, along with the two-part story “Batman R.I.P. The Missing Chapter.” Although it doesn’t perfectly fit the established timeline, it helps explain how Batman R.I.P. connects to Final Crisis. Plus, the 700th issue itself is a fantastic standalone story that explores the lasting impact of Batman.

5. “Batman vs. Robin”

The partnership between Batman and Robin faces a major challenge when Robin’s mother, Talia al Ghul, takes control of his body. “Batman vs. Robin” is a thrilling story, and its ending is particularly significant as it marks a turning point in the series and sets the stage for the next phase of the larger Batman saga.

4. “Batman and Robin Must Die”

Chaos erupts in Gotham City with the return of Simon Hurt, the leader of the Black Glove, who aims to corrupt the city and dismantle Batman’s legacy. This final story arc of Grant Morrison’s Batman and Robin pushes Gotham’s heroes to their limits, but it’s not quite the end – one important story remains to be told.

3. Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne

Ever wondered what happened to Batman after the events of Final Crisis? Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne explains it all. The story follows Bruce Wayne as he journeys through different time periods, trying to get back to the present day. However, his difficult journey is only a prelude to a much larger conflict that’s coming.

2. Batman Incorporated Vol. 1

After working on Batman and Robin, Morrison launched a new series called Batman Incorporated, where Batman expanded his crime-fighting operation worldwide by creating a global franchise. Now, a dangerous group called Leviathan is emerging, led by someone determined to destroy everything Batman has built. The story ends with a shocking twist that will leave readers eager to find out what happens next.

1. Batman Incorporated Vol. 2

The Batman Incorporated comic series was revived as part of the New 52, and collected into two volumes. This continuation of the conflict between Batman Inc. and Leviathan brings Grant Morrison’s long-running story to a dramatic conclusion, packed with action, emotional moments, and plenty of obscure references for dedicated fans.

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2026-03-06 17:44