Universe: DC | Length: Approx. 85 Issues (6 Graphic Novels) | Difficulty: Beginner Friendly
The universally agreed canon-accessible reading path following Bruce Wayne from his first rookie night to fighting the Court of Owls.
Writer/Artist: Frank Miller | Key Antagonist: Carmine Falcone & Corrupt Police
Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham at age 25. Jim Gordon arrives at the corrupt GCPD. The origin story behind Batman's first year.
Writer/Artist: Ed Brubaker | Key Antagonist: The Joker
Set directly after Year One, Batman encounters the newly emerged Joker for the very first time as poisoned victims flood Gotham.
Writer/Artist: Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale | Key Antagonist: Holiday Killer, Two-Face, Falcone Mob
A mysterious killer strikes on each calendar holiday. Explores Harvey Dent's tragic fall into Two-Face. Major inspiration for Nolan's The Dark Knight.
Writer/Artist: Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale | Key Antagonist: The Hangman
The direct sequel to Long Halloween. Introduces Dick Grayson (the first Robin) and cements the transition from mob city to costumed freaks.
Writer/Artist: Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee | Key Antagonist: Hush & Poison Ivy
A cinematic mystery orchestrating Poison Ivy, Superman, Catwoman, and a bandaged mastermind targeting Bruce Wayne's personal life.
Writer/Artist: Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo | Key Antagonist: Court of Owls & The Talons
Batman discovers a shadowy nursery-rhyme cabal of undead Talons that has secretly ruled Gotham from hidden skyscraper perches for 200 years.