Top 20 Batman Graphic Novels

batman as he really is

DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER! MANY OF THE SUMMERIES OF THESE GRAPHIC NOVELS CONTAIN MAJOR SPOILERS IN THE DESCRIPTIONS!!!!!

great art

I liked the graphic novel HUSH. However, alot of this missing parts get filled in at the end which in my opinion is a mistake. The author should have explained throughout the story why or how each villian was involved. Either batman deduces why or Hush is seen paying off the villians throughout each chapter. The story would have flowed much better. For example, they should have shown how Scarecrow does the pysche tests on each person and then gives the folder to Hush. IMO This novel gets its ass kicked when compared to Knightfall where every detail is explained! I still liked it though!

The reason why this is so controversial is because of the story. As a whole the story is dumb. The author tries to squeeze in as many cameos as he can, tries to be epic with all the "twists", and the ending is insultingly stupid and predictable. However, the artwork is very attractive, and there are some good scenes. I'd say about 60% of it was good, but the other 40% is unforgiving to the point that I would never recommend this to someone who likes Batman stories. If you're the kind of person that thinks the movie "Avatar" is the best thing ever, then you'd probably like this book.

I hadn't read the 2nd one yet... thanks for ruining the surprises :(

I may be a little late to the article (5 years late), but Dark Victory should not be #6 on this list. It is a recycled version of The Long Halloween, with subtle difference and the inclusion of Robin.

I picked this graphic novel up, flicked through it an put it back on the shelf maybe 5 times over 3 years and then, one day, almost out of desperation, I picked it up and bought it. I was completely gobsmacked by it. It is now my favorite Batman GN and I recommend it to anyone that likes a mixture of the darker side of the bat with incredible graphics. To be read to be believed.

people complain about this book but if you stop at issue 9 it is a complete story. frank miller proves his greatness.

Although not initially published as such, Gotham by Gaslight was retroactively designated the first title in the Elseworlds imprint and is the book which laid the foundations for the concept. Reimagining the Batman in the Victorian era, this novel depicts Jack the Ripper re-emerging in Gotham to continue his murdrous career, and squaring off against the cities self-appointed dark protector. Though not especially long, Gotham by Gaslight is a well-rounded and cleverly executed subversion of an immensely popular character and which laid the groundworks for years of imagination and reinvention. Mike Mignola's artwork also deserves a special mention; understated, dark and emotive, it is the perfect companion to the story.