One of the most recent entries in a long, long line of Batman origin tales is the 2012 graphic novel Earth One, written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Gary Frank. Following the 2010 success of Superman: Earth One, the alternate Batman beginning twists and subverts some of the most basic elements of the more famous origin tales like Miller's Year One. Still, despite many departures from the original canon, Earth One remains true to the Batman mythos at heart. Earth One is probably the most surprising inclusion on the required reading list, but the ways in which it will influence the show are already becoming obvious. The casting of Sean Pertwee as Alfred Pennyworth and the news that the usually stuffy butler will be portrayed as an ex-military soldier seem to have roots in the Geoff Johns story. Alfred is very much a part of Earth One, and the recently-confirmed second volume will likely feature him in a large role as well.
