Welcome to Gotham

Whether you’re new to Batman or just trying to make sense of his decades-long timeline, this hub is your complete roadmap.

We’ll show you where to start, what to skip, and which Batman comics are essential for both beginners and collectors.

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Where to Start With Batman

New to comics? These are the easiest and most rewarding places to begin:

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Want the most iconic and critically acclaimed stories?

Check out our curated essentials list:
Must-Read Batman Comics

Includes:

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Explore key characters and spin-off series:

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Start with Batman: Year One or Batman: The Long Halloween. These are essential origin stories that require no prior reading.

We’ve outlined a complete Batman reading order—starting from early origins to modern arcs like Court of Owls and Joker War.

Not at all. You can enjoy many Batman stories as standalones. Our guide shows which arcs are beginner-friendly and which build on continuity.

Batman appears in many timelines (like Flashpoint or Elseworlds). We separate main continuity from alternate takes in our guides.

Some are—like Batman Adventures or Batman ’66. Others are darker and better for teens or adults. We help you pick age-appropriate arcs.