My Top 5 Batman Graphic Novels

My latest post on The Dark Knight Returns got me thinking of my favorite Batman graphic novels. While I am certain most of these would be on any hardcore fans top 5, I don’t quite share the same order. I guess my criteria here would be the story, the art, and my overall enjoyment of the book. If you have never read any of these, they all come highly recommended. Maybe it will give you an idea or two on where to start in the Batman universe.

Honorable Mention: Batman: Arkham Asylum (Morrison, McKean)

It is so hard to make the cut at only 5 books. This novel most definitely belongs in the top 5. It just goes to show the quality of graphic novels in the Batman universe. The thing that really sticks out about this one is the art. The chaotic painting really brings a crazy sense to this book. It examines Batman’s inner psyche and shows that there is a fine line between him his enemies. That is some deep stuff. This might be the only book that has ever given me goosebumps. I just love the ending. Why is this an honorable mention again?

5: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – (Miller)

This one is surely #1 on many fans lists. And it definitely deserves to be. This was the second graphic novel that I had ever read. For the sake of not being cliche, I am going to put here at #5. Personally, I am not the biggest fan of the art in this novel. It still was an awesome book that kept me reading non-stop. It explores Bruce Wayne and Gotham 20 years or so after Batman has retired. It shows the effect that Batman has on Gotham and the effect that Batman has on Bruce. Every character you could possibly want is in this: Superman, Joker, Two-Face, Green Arrow, and ROBIN. If you want to see the fate of many of these characters and an epic fight between Batman and Superman, this one is for you. I think it is time that I bust it out again for a reading.

4: Batman: The Long Halloween (Loeb, Sale)

This one is the most recently released book in this list. It gives me hope for another epic. I was hesitant when I started reading this one because the art just seemed too “cartoony”. However, I got used to it quickly and it ends up really working well with the story. Every significant antagonist that Batman has ever had is featured in this as he tries to solve the crime. One page in particular should serve as a directory of his rogue gallery. Fans of Harvey Dent should read this one immediately. Huge twists and so much mystery make this one a classic.

3: Batman: Year One (Miller, Mazzucchelli)

I absolutely love this graphic novel. It explores the origin of Batman and the rise of Jim Gordon. You have to love Batman battling typical criminals instead of psychopaths. The story just flows so well. The art and color scheme are kind of like a dark and murky representation of the city. You can see where Batman Begins got most of its inspiration from. This book and my number one choice are by far my favorite sources of art in the genre. Year One just looks so bad ass. Even the cover is probably one of the coolest things I have ever seen. If you want to start from the beginning than I would start with this one.

2: Batman: The Cult (Starlin, Wrightson)

I know that this is a bold choice for number 2 considering the ones above it. I came across this one while I was pretty deep into the Batman catalog. I had no idea what this book could be about. I had never heard of either the writer or artist before. I also wasn’t that crazy about the art because it reminded me a lot of The Dark Knight Returns. However, it works perfectly for this story. This has to be one of the darkest stories in the Batman universe. It gets pretty rough at times for Batman. I don’t want to ruin the story, but this book has Batman’s best beat down of all time (in my opinion). Jason Todd as Robin should be the only acceptable way that Robin should exist. For some reason when I think of my favorite Batman graphic novels this one pops in my head first. That has to mean something.

1: Batman: The Killing Joke (Moore, Bolland)

This is my favorite graphic novel for several of reasons. First being the story; we get to see the origin of the Joker. In the end you really feel bad for the guy. We also see the Joker push Gordon to the brink. I am not going to spoil it, but the Joker really pushes the limit. This is also one of the best endings that I have ever read. Not only does it have one of the best stories; it has my favorite art. Something about it just makes it perfect. There are so many iconic shots of the Joker. I could see Heath Ledger with a copy this with him on set of The Dark Knight. I’m sure he tried to channel the Joker from this novel. If you want to see the Joker at his best read this. I love everything about this graphic novel.

I am curious to know what others think. Do you agree with my list? What would you change? Leave some comments.

Dark Knight Returns

Zach Snyder was recently talking about his desire to direct a film version of Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns. I like his enthusiasm over the possibility of making it happen. He has an interesting scenario as stated in an MTV interview:

“So for me, I’ll probably be in my twilight years directing one movie every now and then — made-for-TV movies and stuff like that. And I then will have a chance, maybe…It will be only 20 years from now, and it’ll be Christian Bale in his 50s. And by then, Chris will be over it and I’ll roll up and be like, ‘Let’s make a ‘Dark Knight’ movie!’

While its all speculative and has probably no chance of happening, it is a pretty cool idea. It would be awesome seeing all these major characters (Superman, Green Arrow, etc) come together for this movie. Casting the Joker would obviously pose a huge problem if Snyder is hoping to stick with the same actors.

The thing that makes these new Batman movies awesome is Christopher Nolan’s style. I am curious if Snyder could keep the same atmosphere in his own Batman movie. This graphic novel is probably the closest thing to Watchmen. And while the Watchmen movie wasn’t horrible, it was far from being as good as Nolan’s Batman movies. I guess check back in 20 years and we will see what happens.