COMIC CATCH-UP GUIDEAll guides

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.

Choose your format

How do you want to read?

What to read, in order

  1. For the current main series: Batman Vol. 1: Daylight, then the following Batman issues in number order.
  2. For Absolute Batman: Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo, then continue the Absolute Batman volumes and uncovered issues.
  3. For historical Batman: begin with Batman: Year One, then follow the curated chronological guide by era.

What comes next

Choose one route first. You can always explore the others later without needing to restart.

More starting points

DC Absolute Universe reading orderThe essential opening issue, individual series, collections, specials, and shared-universe reading order for DC's Absolute Universe.Open guide →Where to start reading Spider-ManA clear choice between the current main Peter Parker comic and the completed modern Ultimate Spider-Man story.Open guide →Where to start reading X-MenThe current Cyclops-led X-Men, the Rogue-led Uncanny X-Men, and the completed Ultimate X-Men are three different starting paths.Open guide →