A New Reader's Guide to the Batman Franchise: Where to Start
You don't need to read Batman from the first issue. Start with one well-known origin story, then branch out to films or shows if you like what you find.
In this article
This batman franchise reader's guide gives you one simple first step: pick one comic, one film or one show and start there. You don't have to begin with the very first comic. Many comic books are written so that they could be a reader's first, so you can jump in and still follow the story [1]. You may also find this useful: Avengers Franchise Guide.
Batman has many entry points across comics, films and shows, and that is why a simple path helps. Without one, it's easy to feel you have to catch up on everything before you begin. Choose one entry, enjoy it, and then decide what to try next.
The rest of this guide walks you through that path, from choosing a comic to deciding on your next step.
Do you have to read Batman comics from the beginning?
You don't need to start with the first comic. DC's guide advises against worrying about starting from the beginning [1]. Comics don't work like TV, so you can pick up a story without reading what came before it.
In fact, you could skip the first forty years of Batman's publishing history and still understand what you need to know [1]. Many comics are written with the assumption that they could be someone's first [1]. A modern comic might mention Batman's romance with Catwoman, but it's written so you can follow that history without the older issues [1].
Pick the Batman you want to meet
A better question than "where do I start?" is "what kind of Batman do I like?" Batman stories vary a lot in tone. Some focus on a careful detective working through a mystery, while others lean into big action and colorful villains.
If you like puzzles and slow-burn suspense, look for a story built around an investigation. If you want fast fights and memorable rogues, choose a story centered on a famous villain. Reading a short description of each book before you buy helps you match the tone to your taste.
Jump in at a well-known story
A well-known story is a reasonable first step. It gives you a clear entry point, and it shows you the core of the character without asking you to learn decades of continuity first.
Read one complete storyline from start to finish. Then decide whether you want more of that version of Batman or something different. Each new story you finish makes the next one easier to choose.
Which Batman comics are best to read first?
Start with Year One if you want the classic Batman origin. Year One is the definitive Batman origin story [2]. That makes it the clearest first comic, because it shows how Bruce Wayne becomes the hero, and you learn the basics without any prior knowledge. If you read only one comic first, make it this one.
Add Dark Moon as your second read
Once you finish Year One, pick up Dark Moon. It is also recommended for readers new to the character [2]. Reading it second keeps the path short: one origin story, then one more entry point that does not ask for a long commitment.
If you want a longer run, follow Grant Morrison's Batman in order
Grant Morrison's Batman run is ordered in sequence, and it starts with "Batman and Son." A reader's guide lists the opening stories this way: "1: “Batman and Son” · 2: “The Black Glove” · 3: “Batman R.I.P.”" [3]. Read them in that order, because each story builds on the one before. Related reading: X-Men Messiah Complex Guide.
Here is a practical way to use the order:
- Read Year One for the origin.
- Read Dark Moon as a second entry point.
- Move to Morrison's run with "Batman and Son" when you want a longer story.
Each step gives you a finished story before you move on. If one story does not grab you, you can switch to a film and come back to the comics later.
Why this order works
Starting with the origin gives you the character's basic setup. A second recommended title shows you another side of Batman before you commit to a long series. Morrison's run is the longer commitment, so it works best once the origin and a second title have already given you a feel for the character.
Should you watch the movies and shows first?
Yes, watching a film or show first is a good starting point. It gives you a reference point, so the comics feel familiar when you open them. Start with one screen entry, not both.
Two screen entries to choose from
It is a good pick if you enjoy animation and want a classic take on the character.
The Batman was released in 2022 and starred Robert Pattinson [1]. If you prefer a live-action version, this is the one to start with.
Pick one, not both. Two screen versions at once can blur which Batman you are following.
Why a screen version helps
Watching first gives you a reference point. When a comic brings up a character or a past relationship, you already have a sense of who they are and how they deal with Batman. You can spend your attention on the new story instead of the background.
Say you watched The Batman and then pick up a comic where Bruce Wayne and Alfred share a scene. You will recognize the tone of their conversations, so the scene lands faster.
The screen entry also shows you which version of Batman you like. That makes it easier to choose a comic that matches it, rather than guessing.
How to match the comic
Look for a comic that feels close to your screen pick. If you started with the animated series, a comic with a similar tone suits you.
A simple path
- Watch one screen entry, either Batman: The Animated Series or The Batman.
- Pick one comic that feels like the same version of Batman.
- Read it, then decide what to try next.
Keep the path short. One show, one comic and one follow-up is enough to get comfortable with the character before you branch out.
How do you choose between comics, films and shows?
Comics suit readers who like long story arcs and a deeper dive, while films and shows suit readers who want a faster, self-contained story. If you are unsure, mixing one screen entry with one comic is an easy way to start, because you can try both formats before committing to either.
Option | Story structure | Where to start | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Comics | Stories run across issues and runs | Any well-known story, not issue #1 | Long arcs and a deeper dive |
Films | One complete story | Any single film | A faster, self-contained story |
Shows | Episodes built across a season | Any episode or season | A steady, episodic pace |
The table shows the basic difference. Comics build stories over many issues, but the pattern is looser than TV. There is some serialization within specific runs and storylines, but not the same way you typically see with TV. [1] That means you can enjoy a comic arc without tracking every episode in order.
Films and shows are the quicker route. A film gives you one complete story in one sitting, and a show usually asks you to watch episodes in order. If you want something you can finish in an evening, start with a film.
The mixed approach works well for most newcomers. Watch one film, then read one comic with a similar mood or villain. You will quickly see which format keeps you turning pages or pressing play.
If a comic arc appeals to you, a good next step is Grant Morrison's Batman run, which is ordered in sequence. The reading order begins with "Batman and Son," followed by "The Black Glove" and "Batman R.I.P." [3] Working through those in order gives you a clear path into the deeper material.
If you find that the film or episode is enough, that is a fine answer too. Batman has room for both kinds of fans.
What is your next step?
Pick one starting point from the guide and stick with it for a while. Choosing one comic, one film or one show gives you a simple path into the franchise, and that is enough to get going.
Read or watch that entry all the way through before you move on to the next one. Finishing one story gives you the characters and tone you need, so the next entry will make more sense. For example, if you start with a film, you can move to a comic that covers the same version of Batman.
Once you know what you enjoy, come back to the wider franchise. You might find you like the long story arcs of the comics, or you might prefer the faster, self-contained stories of the screen versions. Either way, you will be choosing your next step from a position of knowing what works for you.