on Jul 28th, 2009Best Batman Graphic Novels
Here is a list of the five best Batman graphic novels of all time.
5 – Batman: The Long Halloween – Written by Jeph Loeb. Art by Tim Sale.
This novel is one of the best DC novels released in the 1990s. The story shows the horrific transformation of hardened District Attorney, Harvey Dent, into the psychotic criminal, Two-Face. The second part of the story opens up with change of the rule of Gotham moving over to supervillains. With this change, Gotham is a ripe breeding ground for evil and corruption. Three sharply different views are portrayed between Dent, Commissioner Gordon, and Batman. Overall, The Long Halloween is very well done and highly recommended.
4 – Batman: Arkham Asylum – Written by Grant Morrison. Art by Dave McKean.
This graphic novel is a groundbreaking one. It chronicles a story that unfolds on April Fools’ Day, where the inmates of Arkham Asylum have taken over Gotham’s detention center for the criminally insane. Batman is forced to battle the personal hells of the Joker, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Two-Face, and many other super villains in order to save innocent lives and retake the prison.
3 – Batman: The Killing Joke – Written by Alan Moore. Art by Brian Bolland.
This story is long-considered to be the end-all of Joker stories. This story somewhat reveals the origin of the Joker, why he is what he is, and attempts to humanize him in a way that readers can associate with. This comic goes deeply into the true relationship between Batman and the Joker. It shows how Batman, by accident, created his greatest foe. This book is a must read for anyone who is a fan of Batman… or the Joker.
2 – Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – Written by Frank Miller. Art by Frank Miller.
Frank Miller reinvented a comic book character and has truly reinvigorated not only this series, but the genre with The Dark Knight Returns. The story is responsible for the re-emergence of Batman as a tortured anti-hero with flaws that make him no less obsessed than the supervillains he hunts. It portrays Batman as a retired vigilante who just can’t take it anymore. This novel truly is one of the greatest Batman graphic novels ever written.
1 – Batman: Year One – Written by Frank Miller. Art by Dave Mazzucchelli.
Year One re-interprets and sometimes redefines the roots of Bruce Wayne and Batman. Frank Miller lays the foundation for the modern day, Batman. Gotham City is a corrupt and festering cesspool of violence. James Gordan and Bryce Wayne both look to clean up the city, but in very different ways. The writing of this book is mature and gritty; much like many of Frank Miller’s other graphic novels. This is widely considered by many to be the greatest Batman graphic novel of all time.