COMICS • COLLECTOR GUIDES
Created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, Batman debuted in 1939 as Bruce Wayne, a Gotham City vigilante who relies on training, detective work, technology and intimidation rather than super-powers. His screen history spans colourful adventure, gothic fantasy, grounded crime drama and modern shared-universe interpretations, making Batman one of DC’s most frequently reinvented film characters.
Start with the essential comics, follow the character through the movie library, then continue into related stories and live shop inventory.
Bruce Wayne witnesses the murder of his parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne, as a child and dedicates his life to preventing others from suffering the same kind of loss. He trains his body and mind to exceptional levels, adopts the frightening symbol of a bat and becomes Gotham City's Batman, relying on detective work, preparation, technology and determination rather than superhuman powers.
Important comic-book milestones for the character and why each issue or story matters.
Major key · 1939Detective Comics #27Major key — first appearance of Batman.Read collector guide →
Major key · 1939Detective Comics #33Major key — first telling of Batman's origin.Read collector guide →
Major key · 1940Batman #1Major key — first Batman solo title; introduces Joker and Catwoman.Read collector guide →
Major key · 1987Batman #404Major key — beginning of Batman: Year One.Read collector guide →Additional source-material touchpoints from the movie guides below. Essential character keys already shown above are not repeated here.
Batman and Robin battle four united villains who plan to dehydrate world leaders. Its comic connection is a synthesis: familiar characters and ideas are combined into a new…
Batman confronts the Joker while Gotham learns of its mysterious vigilante. In comic terms, its closest relationship is golden age plus 1980s tonal influence.
Batman faces the Penguin’s political revenge and Catwoman’s campaign against Max Shreck. The film uses the comics chiefly as a foundation for its screen version of the character…
Batman battles Two-Face and the Riddler while taking orphaned Dick Grayson as Robin. The film uses the comics chiefly as a foundation for its screen version of the…
Batman, Robin and Batgirl oppose Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy and Bane. Its comic connection is a synthesis: familiar characters and ideas are combined into a new cinematic story.
Bruce Wayne trains abroad, becomes Batman and confronts Ra’s al Ghul’s attack on Gotham. The film uses the comics chiefly as a foundation for its screen version of…
Batman, Gordon and Harvey Dent face the Joker’s campaign to corrupt Gotham. Its comic connection is a synthesis: familiar characters and ideas are combined into a new cinematic…
A broken Bruce Wayne returns when Bane seizes Gotham and exposes its buried lies. Its closest comic relationship is major batman arcs synthesized, with the feature reshaping that…
Batman targets Superman as Lex Luthor engineers their conflict and unleashes Doomsday. Its closest comic relationship is multiple landmark arcs synthesized, with the feature reshaping that material for…
Batman and Wonder Woman assemble heroes to stop Steppenwolf after Superman’s death. Its comic connection is a synthesis: familiar characters and ideas are combined into a new cinematic…
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