Best Batman Storylines

""Seven working defenses exist from this spot. Three disarm with little contact. Three kill. The rest --hurts"
-Batman, The Dark Knight Returns

Frank Miller and Klaus Janson wrote the greatest Batman story. This story is widely considered the best ever told.The Dark Knight ReturnsThe Dark Knight Returns cements Batman as the number one Badass in pop culture. Neal Adams and Dennis O'Neil built the groundwork in the 1970s. The 1986 story shows an old, retired Batman returning at night to fight mutant gangs, the Joker, and Superman.

Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's The Killing Joke remains one of Batman's most discussed stories ever.The Killing JokeThis story became an instant classic upon its 1988 release.

"I believe in Jim Gordon. I believe in Harvey Dent. I believe in Gotham City"
- Batman, The Long Halloween

“Ladies. Gentlemen. You have eaten well. You've eaten Gotham's wealth. Its spirit. Your feast is nearly over. From this moment on...none of you are safe.”
-Batman, Batman: Year One

"Some men [...] can't be bought, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn"
-Alfred, The Dark Knight

"I'm not talking about killing Penguin or Scarecrow or Dent. I'm talking about him. Just him. And doing it because... Because he took me away from you."
- Jason Todd

"Think of it, Batman. Never again walk on a summer's day with the hot wind in your face and a warm hand to hold. I'd kill for that!
-Mr. Freeze, Heart of Ice

Although the Arkham games use similar story ground. Batman: Arkham City This game puts the audience deep inside Batman's world. It is a full, popular take on Gotham City and Batman's life, letting the audience move around and write the story for Batman.Arkham Cityproperly (we're looking at you, Batman: Return of the Joker) brings a new format to Batman fans, letting them learn about this character's life in an interactive way.

A group of Batman writers pushes Batman to his limit... and then pushes him a bit more.

Batman is always ten steps ahead of everyone. That's his biggest strength. That strategy backfired hard in Mark Waid's JLA: Tower of Babel (JLA #43-46).

Batman keeps files on how to defeat every superhuman member if they go rogue. Ra's al Ghul steals these files and uses them against the Justice League. This shows Tower of BabelBatman's extreme plans show how much he goes for. It also shows the strained trust between Batman and the rest of the Justice League.

The best part about Justice League UnlimitedJustice League Unlimited: Epilogue lets smaller heroes shine while keeping big guns in the background. Characters like Vigilante and Shining Knight reflect on what Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman mean while operating in their shadow. These heroes are legends; their exploits are epic. Batman's most powerful, gut-wrenching moment came from holding a scared girl's hand as she died. Amanda Waller, aged, tells Terry McGinnis the story, explaining that Bruce's actions as Batman do not matter; the man under the cowl always matters.

Marv Wolfman wrote this.A Lonely Place of Dying.This shows the flip side of Batman's existence, both on paper and in culture. After Jason Todd dies, Batman is traumatized and rejects help from allies. As the hero pulls away emotionally, his actions become harsher and more violent. Tim Drake proves Batman needs a Robin. This symbolizes the character. Every view of Batman as a dark, vengeful night creature has a bright, colorful view too.

"Criminals are a superstitious, cowardly group. My disguise must strike terror into their hearts. I must be a creature of the night, black, terrible... a...A Bat! That is it! It is an Omen. I will become a BAT!
- Bruce Wayne.Detective Comics #33.

It all begins here, ladies and gentlemen.

Detective Comics.Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson launched the third title under his National Comics publication company. The periodical featured pulpy detective stories, sometimes including occult elements. Bob Kane, inspired by Superman, brought in a similar character, which Bill Finger later refined and improved.

Grant Morrison kills Batman, something an entire rogues gallery could not do for 75 years.

The actual death, courtesy of Darkseid (all hail Darkseid!), happens in the pages ofFinal Crisis.Morrison tears down Batman as The Black Glove cabal drives Bruce to madness. The core of the story shows Batman is always mind over matter; even in death, there is always a Batman.

The Secret of the Waiting Graves.Neal Adam, Dennis O'Neil, and Julius Schwartz wrote this landmark. It matters not for its content but because it started Batman's return to Gothic roots after years of silly color.Batman.TV series and comic stories were run over bythe Comics Code.Adams and O'Neil used the original Bob Kane and Bill Finger Batman stories for inspiration for their take on the Caped Crusader as a foreboding detective.The Dark Knight Returns.? The 1989.Batman.film?Batman The Animated Series.? It all started here, folks.

The 1966.Batman.The TV series became a huge 1960s cultural event. It shaped the public's view of the character for decades. The pilot episode, "Hi Diddle Riddle," captured the whole show. The pilot showed Adam West's Batman, featured Frank Gorshin as The Riddler, and included the Batusi power. The series aimed for satire, but the silly jokes and goofy ideas made it famous for its over-the-top comedy. Many groups mocked it.BatmanThe TV series marks a major point in Batman's long popularity.

Paul Pope, a rockstar artist and writer, puts Batman into a dystopian future. This future looks unlike anything seen in superhero comics.Pope's artwork is original compared to old character and setting interpretations. He uses a jerky motion and film-like direction. Viewers feel Batman's caged energy moving in his muscles and flesh.It has seen before. Pope's artwork is original compared to traditional character and surroundings interpretations. It features a jerky motion and film-like direction. The audience feels Batman's caged energy churning in his muscles and flesh.Batman: Year 100This is different, strange, unusual, and a remarkable Batman story.