The Best Batman Reading Order: Which Comics To Start With Today

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With so many new people discovering Batman and the DC Universe, figuring out where to begin with the comics can be really tough. There are over 87 years of Batman stories, and DC frequently changes and revises the character’s history, making the vast collection of comics overwhelming for newcomers. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you!

As a huge Batman fan, I often hear people talking about classics like The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: The Long Halloween – and rightfully so, they’re amazing. But if you’re new to Batman comics, or haven’t read them in a while, it can be tough knowing where to start now. So, I’ve put together a list of series that I think are essential reads, not just because of where Batman’s story is at in the DC Universe today, but also because they’re the most exciting and talked-about recent runs.

“Batman: Zero Year” by Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo

Scott Snyder has been a major force in Batman comics for years, and is largely credited with revitalizing the character with the New 52 relaunch – a significant success despite DC’s overall reboot being uneven. While stories like The Court of Owls and Death of the Family often get more attention, Snyder’s Zero Year was also incredibly important in bringing Batman back to prominence, and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Zero Year reimagines Batman’s origin story for a new generation, borrowing classic elements from past iterations while also introducing fresh ideas. While Batman: Year One remains a timeless classic, Zero Year is an excellent starting point for readers interested in the current version of Bruce Wayne and his beginnings in the modern DC Universe. It’s a truly compelling read.

“Absolute Batman” by Scott Snyder & Nick Dragotta

With the first part of the current Batman storyline complete, Absolute Batman is a must-read for anyone new to the character. Not only has the series been a huge commercial success, helping DC outperform Marvel recently, but it’s quickly becoming a landmark Batman story for the ages. Best of all, you don’t need any prior knowledge of Batman comics to enjoy it.

With the launch of DC’s “Absolute Universe,” writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Dragotta have completely reinvented Batman. They’ve taken everything fans think they know about the character—his wealth, orphaned past, and international training—and flipped it on its head. Instead of a privileged orphan, this Bruce Wayne is raised by a single mother in a working-class neighborhood of Gotham, and he battles terrifying creatures with fierce weaponry. Absolute Batman is a groundbreaking series that’s sure to be discussed for years to come.

“Batman” (Current) by Matt Fraction & Jorge JimĂ©nez

Good news for anyone getting into Batman comics: DC is starting a fresh chapter with a new creative team! Writer Matt Fraction and artist Jorge Jiménez are taking over the main Batman series, and their goal is to move away from the grittier stories of the last ten years and focus on the heroic side of the character.

Batman is getting a fresh start in September 2025 with a new look, including a redesigned suit and logo, plus updated gadgets and takes on familiar characters. Even those new to Batman’s recent storylines can easily jump into this relaunch. While things in Gotham City rarely stay the same for long, the first few issues of this new series show it’s definitely worth checking out for any fan.

“Batman: The Imposter” by Mattson Tomlin & Andrea Sorrentino

While Batman is known for his fantastical adventures, his more realistic portrayals in movies are also important. The success of Matt Reeves’ The Batman showed that audiences around the world enjoy seeing a more down-to-earth version of Bruce Wayne. If you’re looking forward to the next Robert Pattinson Batman film, Batman: The Imposter is a great comic to read beforehand.

Mattson Tomlin, who co-wrote The Batman with Matt Reeves, teams up with artist Andrea Sorrentino for a bold new Batman story. Though not officially part of the movie’s continuity, this three-issue miniseries shares the same creative spirit and impact as the film. The Imposter offers a unique and compelling take on the Dark Knight, and many fans will likely consider it a standout Batman story.

“Batman/Superman: World’s Finest” by Mark Waid & Dan Mora

Before it came out, a series like Batman/Superman: World’s Finest from acclaimed creators Mark Waid and Dan Mora felt like an impossible idea. While no single comic can perfectly represent everything great about DC, World’s Finest comes remarkably close with its exciting mix of compelling stories and action-packed moments.

This series expertly combines Batman and Superman, featuring numerous versions of each character and a wide array of other heroes. It’s comprehensive enough to satisfy any DC Universe enthusiast, but thankfully, it doesn’t replace the need for other stories. If you prefer a Batman who’s energetic, playful, and capable of matching Superman’s grand scale, this is the best comic book available right now.

“Batman: White Knight” by Sean Murphy & Matt Hollingsworth

While DC Comics has seen many creators contribute to its vast universe, Sean Murphy’s work stands out. Everyone knew Murphy was talented, but his idea for Batman: White Knight—a fresh take on the DC world where The Joker is cured and becomes a political candidate—seemed incredibly ambitious. He not only pulled it off, but created something truly exceptional.

Beyond being one of the most creative reimaginings of the Batman world since Batman Beyond, White Knight quickly grew into a full-fledged, interconnected series – what fans call the ‘Murphyverse.’ As someone who loves the DC Animated Universe, this series is ideal for those who enjoyed Batman: The Animated Series or Beyond. However, you don’t need to be a fan of those shows to find White Knight among your favorite comics.

“Batman ’89” by Sam Hamm & Joe Quinones

Some comic book continuations are expected, but Batman ’89 is truly unexpected. It successfully revives the planned sequels to Tim Burton and Michael Keaton’s Batman Returns, bringing those ideas to life in a way never before seen. Penned by screenwriter Sam Hamm and featuring the actors’ likenesses, this series – and its follow-up, Batman ’89: Echoes – is essential reading for anyone who loved the original movies.

Fans can finally stop imagining what could have been with this canceled Batman project. They’ll get to see how Marlon Wayans’ Robin, Madonna’s Harley Quinn, and Winona Ryder’s Batgirl would have fit into the story. This book is a real treasure for DC fans, and it’s also a great way for movie lovers to get into comics – we’re confident it will find a wide audience.

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2026-03-07 06:13