10 Criminally Overlooked Batman Comics Fans Must Read

Paul Dini's magnificent 'Dark Night: A True Batman Story' isn't just a unique entry in the comics of The Caped Crusader, but in the world of comics in general.

In 1993 Dini, a writer for 'Batman: The Animated Series', was brutally beaten and robbed. Taking the pain and trauma resulting from that night, he puts it all into this one work as a way of processing it using characters from the Batman universe to symbolise different parts of his psyche. For instance, The Joker is that nihilistic give-into-your-darkest-desires part of his mind, while Scarecrow represents the part of him that wants to live in fear of everything.

By baring his soul on the page, Dini uses the comic book medium as a form of self-help. Many of the insecurities and fears he talks about are universal and can be related to in one way or another.

Like 'Creature of the Night' this is ultimately a story about mental health and recovery, showing both the highs and lows of the process. The difference is 'Dark Night' is based on a real person who went through a real tragedy, but both are very much worth your time.

Also, you'll probably find yourself tearing up at a few points so tissues are advised.