James Gunn’s DC Universe is on the method, and this time, Batman isn’t flying solo. The Courageous and the Daring will introduce a brand new Caped Crusader alongside his son, Damian Wayne — a blade-wielding, League of Assassins-trained Robin.
Whether or not you’ve by no means cracked open a Batman comedian or simply need to brush up earlier than the subsequent film drops, these tales supply the finest blueprint for what’s probably to come. Let’s dive into seven must-reads that would form the subsequent chapter of Gotham on display.
1. Batman and Son
By Grant Morrison & Andy Kubert
That is floor zero for Damian Wayne. Morrison’s wild, high-energy arc reveals Bruce’s secret son: Raised by assassins and dropped into Gotham like a tiny wrecking ball. The strain between a cold-blooded child and a rule-bound dad is *precisely* what The Courageous and the Daring guarantees to discover.
The place to learn: Paperback, Comixology, or DC Universe Infinite.
2. Batman: The Black Mirror
By Scott Snyder, Jock & Francesco Francavilla
This one’s underrated and haunting. Whereas Bruce is off the grid, Dick Grayson dons the cowl. The story dives deep into Gotham’s underbelly with a homicide thriller stuffed with psychological horror. It’s gritty, grounded, and an absolute temper.
The place to learn: Deluxe version or digital codecs.
3. Batman: The Court docket of Owls
By Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo
One among Gotham’s creepiest secret societies — and a fan-favorite for the DCU.
What if Gotham’s elite have been controlling the metropolis from the shadows for hundreds of years? That’s the terrifying concept behind the Court docket of Owls, a fan-favorite villain faction that would simply headline a DCU movie. This e-book is trendy Batman at its finest: suspenseful, mysterious, and visually gorgeous.
The place to learn: Commerce paperback or included in DC Universe Infinite.
4. Batman: Hush
By Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee
Consider this as a “biggest hits” of Batman characters — with a psychological twist. Somebody’s pulling the strings behind a wave of assaults, and Batman’s pressured to revisit each relationship he’s ever had. There’s a rooftop combat with Superman, a significant betrayal, and Jim Lee’s pencils are top-tier.
The place to learn: Collected editions or digital format.
5. Batman: 12 months One
By Frank Miller & David Mazzucchelli
That is the definitive Batman origin story. If you’d like to perceive what drives Bruce Wayne — not simply the trauma, however the willpower and limits — that is important studying. It’s noir, it’s gritty, and it’s aged higher than most.
The place to learn: Each comedian store on Earth. Additionally on DC Universe Infinite.
6. Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn
By Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely
That is the place the dynamic actually shifts. Bruce is “out of city,” and Dick Grayson fills in as Batman with Damian as his reluctant, stab-happy sidekick. The reversal creates rigidity, coronary heart, and surprisingly enjoyable banter. If the DCU expands the Bat-Household, anticipate this vibe.
The place to learn: Commerce paperback or digital collections.
7. Batman: The Lengthy Halloween
By Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale
A slow-burn homicide thriller set over a complete yr, this arc reveals Batman in full detective mode. You’ll see Gotham’s shift from mob households to supervillains, and all of it unfolds like against the law thriller. This e-book influenced The Batman (2022) closely, and it’s not performed inspiring motion pictures but.
The place to learn: Anniversary version, digital, or omnibuses.
New to Batman comics? Begin with Batman and Son if you happen to’re interested by Damian, or dive into Court docket of Owls for one thing trendy and mysterious. Each are tremendous accessible and excellent for first-time readers.
Remaining Ideas
The DCU is rebooting with a Batman we’ve by no means seen on display — a father. These comics aren’t simply nice reads, they’re probably the basis for what’s coming subsequent. Whether or not it’s the uncooked emotional rigidity of Batman and Son or the chilling thriller of The Court docket of Owls, these tales provide you with a front-row seat to what’s brewing in Gotham.
So get studying. The DCU reboot is coming quick, and if these tales are any clue, issues are about to get a complete lot darker — and a complete lot extra fascinating.
What’s your favourite Batman story that wants a live-action second? Drop your picks in the feedback — we’re all ears (and cowls).
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