Matt Reeves's The Batman promises a fresh new take on the Dark Knight mythos, introducing Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne and alter ego the Batman, facing off against the sinister machinations of Paul Dano's Riddler. To many, The Batman is the latest incarnation of a cinematic and comic book legend. But to some, it will be their first introduction to the character and his world.
This also marks the first live-action appearances of characters like the Riddler and the Penguin since Batman Forever and Batman Returns, respectively. To mark the occasion, CBR is breaking down some of their best stories for readers who want to get more familiar with Batman and his rogues' gallery after seeing The Batman.
Batman: Year One By Frank Miller
The most obvious jumping-off point for new readers is this classic origin story by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli (with letters by Todd Klein and colors from Richmond Lewis). First published by DC Comics in 1987, Year One shows the journey of Bruce Wayne from an angry young man to a costumed vigilante, finding his strength and confidence in the guise of Batman. While Batman's usual rogues gallery is absent, the book gives a powerful depiction of young Wayne's drive, dedication, and pain.
At the same time, Miller's story also serves as an origin for the friendship and budding partnership between Batman and honest cop Lieutenant James Gordon. There's also the presence of Selina Kyle in her pre-Catwoman days though she doesn't play a central role in the story. In Batman: Year One, there is no better introduction to Batman and the grimmer, darker Gotham City in which he resides.
Batman: Zero Year By Scott Snyder
An alternative version of Batman's early years can be found in this prequel series by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Greg Capullo, Rafael Albuquerque, Danny Miki, Nick J. Napolitano, Taylor Esposito, Dezi Sienty, Dave McCaig, and FCO Plascencia. Set during the early days of Batman's war on crime, Zero Year finds Gotham City destroyed by a catastrophic flood, completely without power, and under the control of the Riddler.
As Gotham crumbles under the Riddler's sadistic games, a rookie Batman must learn to trust and work with Lieutenant Jim Gordon to bring the supervillain down. While Snyder's Riddler isn't quite as scary nor as grounded as that of The Batman, this is still a darker, more realistic version of the character than readers may be accustomed to.
Batman: Ego By Darwyn Cooke
Cited as a direct influence on The Batman by director Matt Reeves, Batman: Ego finds Batman struggling with his own guilt after a low-level crook commits suicide before his eyes. Blaming himself for the criminal's death, Batman contemplates giving up the cape and cowl. Alone in the Batcave, Bruce Wayne is confronted by his worst enemy - his own inner darkness.
With The Batman offering a more cerebral, emotionally-centered take on the Batman, Ego is a smart reconciliation of Batman's essential humanity with the character's more overt comic book roots.
Joker's Asylum: Penguin By Jason Aaron
As told by the Joker, this one-shot comic book - by Jason Aaron, Jason Pearson, Dave McCraig, and Rob Leigh - tells of the life and times of Oswald Cobblepot, from awkward lovelorn teenager to monstrous crimelord of Gotham City. As the Penguin rescues a young woman from sexual slavery, he becomes smitten, but, at the same time, she begins to recognize the depths of the Penguin's cruelty and insecurity.
Joker's Asylum: Penguin doesn't shy away from the inherent ludicrousness of the character (including his comical appearance and obsession with birds), but nor does it flinch away from the things it knows him to be capable of. With The Batman bringing a more realistic portrayal of the character, Joker's Asylum makes for a good primer to his comic book counterpart.
Batman: Imposter By Mattson Tomlin
Fans of Matt Reeves's more grounded, down-to-earth approach to Batman should appreciate this DC Black Label miniseries by Mattson Tomlin and Andrea Sorrentino. Set in the early days of Batman's crimefighting career, Imposter tells of Bruce Wayne's conversations with Doctor Leslie Thompkins - having saved his life, now trying desperately to understand why he does what he does. At the same time, another vigilante is on the loose in Gotham City, dressed up as Batman, murdering his enemies.
Visually, Sorrentino's Batsuit is a clear match-up for that of Robert Pattinson, while Tomlin depicts a younger Batman, very much struggling with his own pain and trauma. With the release of the collected trade paperback coinciding with that of the film, Batman: Imposter is a natural progression for those who enjoyed the movie and want to read more.