11 Essential Comics To Read If You Love Batman

1. The Dark Knight Returns

Frank Miller may be a lot of things these days, but one thing he was, back in the eighties at least, was a stellar writer. The Dark Knight Returns - the writer's first such work on Batman - stands today as his crowning achievement, with its story of a retired Batman coming out of the shadows to set straight a declining Gotham as one of the greats of modern storytelling.

It's a cynical book, that's for sure. And one that probably spends too much of its time bashing Superman, but it's also undeniably special. Indeed, TDKR is, perhaps, the most atmospheric Bat-book out there, with its neo-noir setting acting as a great analogue from which to examine eighties America and the Reagan administration in particular.

The book is also famous for the introduction of Carrie Kelley - a fan favourite Robin that has also recently made her way into the main canon of the DC Universe - and of course for its famous fight between the Man of Steel and Batman himself. Undoubtedly its best feature, however, has to be the Joker, and the way in which he responds to a resurgent Batman after years spent locked away. It's a revelation best experienced spoiler-free, so, if you've somehow managed to avoid online discussion regarding the book, you're better off for it.

It's a stellar book, and a series every Bat-fan should seek out if given the opportunity.

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Are there any books out there that you'd recommend new Bat-fans? Be sure to share them in the comments below!