Batman titles are produced by DC Comics, a division of Warner Brothers. For a guide of when comics were/will be released, check out the Comic Release Guide.

There are several comics in which Batman appears as the primary protagonist:

Batman is a title usually reserved for Batman alone. Alfred and Robin make their occassionaly appearances, but for the most part this title seems to focus on Batman's solo rounds. It is considered part of the Batman continuity, meaning that whatever happens here is really "true" in the Batman world. After Prodigal, Batman decided to return to his roots. He has returned to be a darker, more intimidating kind of guy, and modified his costume to reflect that change. Gone are the grey and blues, and now he wears a suit of total black (or dark grey, depending on the colourist). Because of this, Kelly Jones, the current Batman penciller, is drawing Batman to look much darker and more sinister. I have decided that the new appearance of Batman is very appropriate, as Jones really does a mean Batman. Unfortunately, Jones can't draw a face that doesn't look frumpy, and I find that that can really take away from a scene. He has been improving in this area, though. Overall, his images of Batman in the shadows almost always scare the bejeebers out of me. This title is an excellent choice if you like spookier stories (recent stories have included Deadman and other weird ones) with exaggerated artwork.

This was the first title in which Batman appeared, nearly sixty years ago (Detective Comics #27). This title often includes Robin and the Batman supporting cast (like the various members of the Gotham City Police Department). Detective Comics is also part of the Batman continuity, so it includes parts of the ongoing saga of Jim Gordon's life, his demotion, resignation, and his running (before dropping out) for mayor of Gotham City. The election was held in January 96's titles, and Marion Grange, whom Gordon had put his support behind, won the job as mayor. Jim Gordon was reinstated as Commissioner, and Sarah Gordon became the liaison between Grange and the GCPD. Detective Comics usually has Batman playing the detective role a bit more, trying to solve mysteries or crimes that aren't all that straightforward. This title is probably the best title to read, if you could only pick one, and like good, solid, stories.

Also part of the Batman continuity, SotB often focuses on the characters Batman meets, rather than on Batman. For example, some stories have focused on the Joker, Solomon Grundy, and Anarky. This title has a harder psychological edge than the other Batman titles, and is often much darker. The artwork in this title is occasionally a vehicle for experimental artwork (almost as a trial title for upcoming artists). An example of the "psychological" edge is a recent story where Bruce Wayne was accused of murdering Madolyn Corbett. If you are looking for a Batman title that is a little non-standard, but want more normal artwork than Batman, check this one out.

LotDK is a Batman title that is not a Comics Code Authority-approved comic. This means that it is intended for mature readers, as it may contain very graphic violence or adult themes. LotDK is meant to provide authors/artists with a means to explore alternative views about the Dark Knight. This title is not part of the Batman continuity, with the one exception of KnightQuest - The Search. These stories are either from early in Batman's career (especially like the recent Clay two-parter), or in the future. They are not, per se, Elseworlds titles. The artwork can get pretty freaky at times, and sometimes the story is pretty twisted. Recent examples, such as The Sleeper, have included mind-bending topics. DC appears to be using this title as a means of establishing post-Crisis or Year One events.

Elseworlds is not the name of a title, but a label applied to alternative Batman stories. They are not part of the continuity, and are often based upon what-if? themes. They are also for alternate-reality themes. For example, Brotherhood of the Bat focused on a future where Batman has died and Ra's Al Ghul uses the Batcave to launch a band of Batmen to clean Gotham City of crime. Batman and Talia's son learns of his father's legacy and decides to reclaim the mantle of the bat from his grandfather. Scar of the Bat, a recent book, offered the idea that Elliot Ness, of The Untouchables, was Batman during Prohibition.

It should be noted that The Dark Knight Returns, is an Elseworlds story. Yes, I know that it doesn't say so on the cover, but the Elseworlds name wasn't created until after TDKR was published, and this story definitely falls under that category, due to the fact that it is a "possible future" for Batman. Read the new introduction to The Dark Knight Returns (in the 10th anniversary release) - they explain that it was the first Elseworlds story. Kingdom Come also falls under this heading.

TB&RA is a comic in the style of Batman: The Animated Series. This title is not part of the Batman continuity, but it does continue the continuity laid out in Batman: The Animated Series and The Adventures of Batman & Robin. The stories in this title occur only within a single issue - no crossovers or multi-part stories here! This title is very suitable for children: if they watch the cartoon, this title is suitable. I'm sure that any child who avidly watches the cartoon, and can read, would enjoy this comic (hey - it could also be fun for parents to read this to the really young ones....).

There are several comics in which Batman does appear, but not as the primary protagonist:

Thus does Azrael, the Avenging Angel of the secret Order of Saint Dumas, speak as he prepares to assassinate an enemy of the Order. The title of Azrael is hereditary, passed from father to son. Azrael's job was to assassinate rogue members of the Order of Saint Dumas, an ultra-secret order founded by rogue members of the Knights Templar.

This title is all about Azrael, the avenging angel, who is really Jean Paul Valley. Azrael was introduced in a four part Batman special, Sword of Azrael. For more info on Azrael comic storylines, check out the Azrael Comic Guide. The Azrael title has focused on Jean Paul's search for the secrets of The System. The System is the method of training that future Azraels undergo to prepare themselves for their role in the Order. This title is truly amazing. I hated Jean Paul as Batman, but he has a certain appeal when he is filling the role for which he was designed.

Azrael has two "friends" to help him along with his growing humanity - Sister Lily, a member of The Order, and Brian Brian, a former psychiatrist and former alcoholic. Azrael has also been developing his own Rogue's Gallery.

The Batman Chronicles is a very new title devoted to those characters involved with Batman, but not about Batman himself. Each issue is composed of three smaller stories. This gives the supporting cast of characters a chance to develop and have their own adventures. Of the issues that have come out, they have dealt with: Huntress, Anarky, Harold, Sarah Gordon, Riddler, Mr. Zsasz, Killer Croc, and Ra's Al Ghul. The first three titles included one "silent story," or a story with no words.

Catwoman is all about Selina Kyle, who is the villain Catwoman. I have only read several issues of this title, those associated with KnightFall, so I really can't say too much about it. I haven't particularly enjoyed the Catwoman issues, so I'll leave it to others to speak about this title. Check out the Catwoman web sites listed on the Links page.

Dick Grayson (the first Robin) is now Nightwing. Nightwing, formerly called Robin, was a member of the Teen Titans, and now has a monthly title to himself. The first Nightwing issue released was one in which Alfred, who Dick considers his best friend, undergoes some adventure and decides to return to Gotham. Following this, a four issue miniseries was released, in which Dick tried to find out the truth behind his parents' deaths at the Haly Circus.

Dick has now moved to Blüdhaven, a whaling town just down the coast from Gotham. While it is difficult to believe, Blüdhaven is even worse than Gotham. This new title will be interesting, to see how they write Dick being in a different town, with new possibilities for villains.

The existence of Robin is an attempt by the Dark Knight to provide a balance for Batman between his dark side and his human side. Tim Drake is the current Robin in this title. This title is just amazing. I have really gotten into reading Robin, and find it to be a refreshing approach to the crime-fighting life, as seen by a young man rather than a veteran vigilante like Batman. Batman often appears in this title, due to his association with Robin, although such appearances are very brief. Tim's girlfriend, Ariana, makes her appearances here, as do his father Jack and his father's girlfriend.

The main focus of this title is Robin's attempts to mesh his two sides - protege of Gotham City's protector (and a pretty good protector on his own) and a fifteen year-old teen trying to get through school and have some semblance to a social life. Sometimes Robin does his duties solo, sometimes he is doing work for Batman. Either way, this title is way too cool.

The Justice League of America is comprised of: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and the Martian Manhunter. This title has just been restarted as of January 1997, thanks to Grant Morrisson's proposal to revamp this title. Additional characters will be recruited over the course of the title (starting with #5).

The first story in the title is about the Hyperclan, a group of aliens that appear to the people of the world as benefactors, helping solve problems such as famine, global warming, and so on. However, they quickly meet the JLA's suspicions when they start enacting their real agenda.

This file was last modified on November 28, 1997

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