Where to start reading Batman
Choose the Batman you actually mean
Three useful Batman starting points: the current main series, Absolute Batman, or a longer historical reading route.
THE SHORT ANSWERThere is no single correct Batman starting point. Choose based on whether you want the current main comic, the separate Absolute reimagining, or Batman's major historical stories.
What to buy
01
Current Batman
Start with Batman Vol. 1: Daylight by Matt Fraction, then continue with the following numbered issues.
02
Absolute Batman
Start with Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo. It is a separate universe and does not require older Batman comics.
03
Batman’s major history
Begin with Batman: Year One, then follow the curated era-by-era route through The Long Halloween, the Bat-Family, Knightfall, No Man's Land, and the New 52.
ESTIMATED PUBLISHER COVER PRICEFrom one book to a large multi-era library
Check current availability on Amazon The current and Absolute routes offer affordable single-volume starts. The historical route should be purchased one era at a time.
What to read, in order
- For the current main series: Batman Vol. 1: Daylight, then the following Batman issues in number order.
- For Absolute Batman: Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo, then continue the Absolute Batman volumes and uncovered issues.
- For historical Batman: begin with Batman: Year One, then follow the curated chronological guide by era.
What comes next