Our Favorite Underrated Batman Stories
Classics like Year One, The Killing Joke, and The Dark Knight are household names among fans, there are many lesser-known gems that we think deserve attention.
When it comes to Batman comics, the sheer volume of stories can be overwhelming. While classics like Year One, The Killing Joke, and The Dark Knight are household names among fans, there are many lesser-known gems that we think deserve attention. Here are some underrated Batman comics that both new readers and longtime fans should explore. Your local comic shop can order you any of these trades, and they are worth a read.
Batman: Universe (0221DC087) by Brian Michael Bendis and Nick Derington is a refreshing departure from the typically dark and brooding Batman tales. This six-issue miniseries follows Batman as he tracks the Riddler, who has stolen a Fabergé egg. With guest appearances from characters like Green Lantern, Deathstroke, and Green Arrow; this series is notable for its fun and light-hearted tone. It’s a fun book yet still feels like a proper Batman story.
Robin and Batman (0523DC276) by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen shifts the focus to Dick Grayson’s early days as Robin and his relationship with Batman. This three-issue series highlights Bruce Wayne’s growth as he learns to treat his sidekicks as family rather than soldiers. This is a thoughtful, dare we say “quiet” series with an art style that lends a dreamy feel to the narrative. We also really like how the creative team puts the focus on the dynamics of the Batfamily.
Batman: Ego (0808DC072) by Darwyn Cooke delves into Bruce Wayne’s psyche following a particularly traumatic night. The story features an intense internal dialogue between Bruce and his Batman persona as he contemplates retiring the mantle. Known for its philosophical depth and Cooke’s iconic art style, this comic has been cited as a major influence on Matt Reeves’ The Batman film.
Other honorable mentions include Tom King’s Batman Rebirth (0517DC130) run, Scott Snyder’s Batman: The Black Mirror (0124DC171), and James Tynion IV’s Detective Comics Rebirth (0817DC150). Each story-arc offers a unique take on Batman and his supporting cast, and are all solid reads in our opinion.
Finally, Batman: War On Crime (0524DC216) by Paul Dini and Alex Ross stands out as a gorgeous and definitive Batman story. This one-shot issue explores Batman’s efforts to combat gentrification and crime in a low-income neighborhood. We love Dini’s writing and what can you say about Ross’ breathtaking artwork? These are two guys that love this character, and the combined work creates a narrative that encapsulates Batman’s dual role as a vigilante and a symbol of hope and change. This story beautifully illustrates the synergy between Bruce Wayne and Batman; and the depth comes from addressing societal issues beyond mere crime-fighting.
We could dedicate this entire issue to great Batman stories, but we think the recent gems above are great books that go beyond the well-known classics.
