The most memorable character in comics is by far Batman, he dominated the comic's scene since his first appearance in Detective Comics #27. Even though he has been featured in countless movies, TV shows and video games, they still haven't covered all his biggest stories that he has in the comics.
Throughout his over 80 years in pop culture Batman has had numerous huge story arcs that have forever changed the character and prove to be essential reading for any new fan. With DC's upcoming Infinite Frontier re-branding there are sure to be many more big stories coming up for the legendary Caped Crusader. But for now, reaers can stick with these stories.
10 Death In The Family
This iconic story is important for one main reason, but it is a big reason and that is the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin. He was killed at the hands of the Joker and it is a death that crushed Batman and his other allies. Jason's death was actually voted for by the readers, they chose that he was better off dead and in the end it worked out because it gave the fans the Red Hood.
9 Dark Nights: Metal
Dark Nights: Metal, by Scott Snyder and artists Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion and FCO Plascenciis, a huge storyline for Batman because it opens up a whole new world and set of villains for him. Metal introduces Batman's worst nightmare versions of himself and brings about an untold story about the legend of the Caped Crusader. It also brings one of the best new Batman villains, The Batman Who Laughs, who has dominated the comic book landscape with his evil schemes. Lastly Metal introduces the dark multiverse and a whole new range of stories for the whole DCU.
8 Batman: Hush
Batman: Hush is a modern Batman classic, it is full of mystery and fantastic twists. It introduces the amazing villain of Tommy Elliot aka Hush, as well as features the first kiss for Batman and Catwoman. Hush also gives the first hints for the return of Jason Todd, it sets the stage for the Batman that most current readers and fans love. Without Batman: Hush readers may not be getting the awesome relationship that has developed between Batman and Catwoman and is being displayed in Tom King and Clay Mann's Batman/Catwoman.Â
7 The Dark Knight Returns
The Dark Knight Returns is Frank Miller's masterpiece and will stand the test of time. It shows an older destroyed Gotham, one that is overrun with crime and gangs. Batman comes back from retirement to pull his city out of the muck and take down the criminals once and for all. This leads him to clash with Superman, who now works for the US government, and of course this is where readers get to see the Dark Knight take on the Man of Steel in a legendary clash.
6 City of Bane
Tom King and Mikel JanĂn's City of Bane is a story arc that will have lasting affects for many years of Batman stories. Not only is it because it sets Bane and Joker up as adversary's, but also because it is a time when Bane finally completed his villainous goal of ruling Gotham.
Mainly though it is because Bane killed Alfred, Batman's closest ally and biggest supporter. Without Alfred it will take awhile for Batman to adjust to the nigh time patrols without Alfreds voice to guide him.
5 Long Halloween
The Long Halloween, by by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, is a massive story for Batman that is beloved by all the readers. It is the ultimate mystery story and really showcases Batman's detective skills and shows off why he is the Worlds Greatest Detective. The story throws Batman into a mystery of the Holiday Killer, who only strikes when it is a special occasion. It has Batman in the middle of the biggest crime families and Gotham and acts as the modern origin for Harvey Dent aka Two-Face.
4 Batman: Year One
Another creation of Frank Miller's is Batman: Year One. Releasing in 1987, Year One re-invented the origin of Batman and gave him a brand new and darker first outing in Gotham City. It shows the Batman going up against GCPD and through the eyes of Jim Gordon it shows how deep the corruption of the police runs in Gotham. It is a gritty look at the first year of Batman's crime fighting career and it is a must read for any comic book fan.
3 A Lonely Place Of Dying
Another great Batman story from the 80's is A Lonely Place Of Dying. This pivotal arc that introduces Tim Drake as the new Robin. Tim is a big fan favourite for Robin so this storyline is so important because it demonstrates how Batman needed him to be Robin and his overwhelming qualifications as a detective. After Jason's death, Batman is a little unhinged and after figuring out his identity Tim sees that Batman needs Robin and is determined to fill that role.
2 Court of Owls
Coming from Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's run on Batman during the New 52, the Court of Owls is an amazing inclusion into the Batman mythos. They have ruled Gotham for centuries from the shadows and are now emerging from those shadows to rule again. The story is intriguing and full of intense action and interesting mystery, everything readers want from a great Batman story. On top of that it makes a big change for Dick Grayson, as it reveals that he was always intended to belong to the Court.
1 Under The Red Hood
The first outing of the Red Hood are what make this storyline so important. Under the Red Hood—written by Judd Winick and with art by Doug Mahnke—sees Jason Todd returned to life with a new purpose to end the lives of the Gotham criminals. This story puts Batman face to face with his biggest failures and has him re-examine his moral code about not killing the lunatics that haunt Gotham's streets.