While the black knight makes his great return to cinema, it is the perfect opportunity to return to the origins of Gotham's vigilante. From its first appearance at the dawn of the Second World War to the present day, Batman stopped surprising us and moving towards the darkness we know him today. Cinema like video game draws heavily from comic boards. We propose a personal selection of twenty comics and collections listed chronologically by date of first publication to better understand the universe of the hero. Classics but also some interesting curiosities. These few proposals are not meant to be exhaustive and I have many more readings to complete my collection. Batman, it is a galaxy of writers, cartoonists and writers who since 1939 reinvent the myth of the bat by crossing the fears of the time and censorship with a readership who also grew up.
Super-Vilains Anthology (1939 - 2014)
My sense of contradiction requires me to start with a collection that is not exclusively dedicated to Batman. This anthology has the merit of serving as a good introduction into the nascent universe of DC while crossing the eras from 1939 to the present. Batman made several appearances there, including the Pendard Pact by Don Cameron, Jack Burnley and Jerry Robinson in 1944. Four years after the first comics where the « Clown Prince of Crime » shared the star with Dr Strange and Catwoman, it is the Penguin's turn to honour this number.
The style is rocky with a Penguin who does not hesitate to fly with balloons like Mary Poppins. The anthology ended in 2014 with The Pantin Valley where Superman faces the Joker. You will understand, this collection aims above all to surprise its reader by drawing from different periods of the black knight under the hand of iconic artists of the American comic book. It is also an opportunity to discover Superman fighting against gangsters of The taxi protection league. Other times, other ways. It's worth the trip!
Batman the Legend - The Brave and The Bold (1955 - 1983)
Drawing: Jim Aparo - Scenario: Bob Haney
Reports of episodes of The Brave & The Bold, This series was unknown in France until the end of the 20th century.nd century. Initially the series was an anthology that presented in each issue a complete story of a hero of the past. Right in the middle money age of comics (1956-1970), Batman reinvented himself with Jim Aparo, who for more than ten years remained the star cartoonist of the avenger hero. Bob Aney will screen this original period. This collection is an opportunity to cross more contemporary themes. There is criticism of the government's attitude towards youth, militarism and the destruction of natural resources by multinationals. While the ensemble has largely aged, it is an essential step in understanding the genesis of the hero and the unique style of the 1970s comics.
The Dark night (1986)
Drawing: Frank Miller - Scenario: Frank Miller
The Dark Knight Returns is an American series of four-volume cartoons, written and designed by genius Frank Miller who will later create a more and more filthy Gotham ersatz, I named Sin City. Published for the first time in 1986 by DC Comics, these adventures were gathered in a single volume in a beautiful edition broached by Delcourt under the title « The Dark Knight Returns ». It's probably one of Batman's best comics to date. Daredevil's author was able to reinvent Batman's diet. The story is happening in Gotham in a dystopic future. The city is consumed by crime and corruption. More than just a comic, it's watermarked a media critic who throughout the adventure is presented there according to a cartoon sadly become reality today.
It is also the context of the cold war that is outlined there with the use of Superman as « weapons of mass destruction » by the white house and where the Republican Reagan is guessed. Batman is Superman's negative. Free, libertarian and indomitable. Particularly well written, it is also one of the most beautiful confrontations between Superman and Batman. The same year came out the excellent Watchmen d-Alan Moore, another dystopia with the spectrum of Vietnam and the atomic bomb. Manhattan and the 1986 Superman have many similarities in their use for political purposes by the imperialist power of the United States. Nolan will draw heavily from Miller's reading for his trilogy The Dark Knight. True centerpiece, it is the comics that will give rise to what will later be called Modern comic age (1986 to present), a period characterized by darkness, pessimism and fatality. Like the end of a world that profiles the fall of the USSR.
Batman Year One (1988)
Drawing: David Mazzucchelli - Scenario: Frank Miller
Frank Miller gives his place here as a cartoonist to the excellent David Mazzucchelli. The tones tend from purple to yellow with absolutely striking boards. By tracing Batman's beginnings, the duo again manages to abound the origins of the character. Bruce Wayne is still looking for himself and the balance of violence holds only one thread. The graphics are readily refined and David Mazzucchelli, thanks to his economy, is able to strengthen the power of the scenes. Richmond Lewis chose an aggressive colorimetry that contrasts with the designer's style. It is one of Batman's master pieces of mythology, also widely invoked by Nolan during his first phase. Batman Begins and by The Batman Matt Reeves. The story is also enriched by the presence of Commissioner Gordon, which gives him a successful polar aspect. A resolutely modern comics that explores the relationship between Justice, Police and the self-proclaimed vigilante.
The Killing Joke (1988)
Drawing: Briand Bolland - Scenario: Alan Moore
The Killing Joke is probably one of the must-sees for any Joker fan. With Alan Moore writing and Briand Bolland drawing, this one shot is one of the other choice pieces of 1988. The characters all looked more striking than each other with a Joker escaped from Arkham's l This time the Joker aims to prove the ability of any human being to sink into madness after trauma. The comics of Alan Moore also reminds that the Joker is not just a simple twisted clown, but above all a bloody and perverse psychopath.
For his demonstration, he captured Commissioner Gordon whom he subjected to the worst torture and humiliation after having attacked his daughter, Barbara. A descent to hell in a fair and a labyrinth ice palace. A whole picture that refers to the carnival of Gotham criminals, reflections of a sick society. The Killing Joke was republished in the black and white version for its thirty years. Another way to discover this classic by Alan Moore.
Family grief (1988)
Drawing: Jim Aparo - Scenario: Jim Starlin
Also in 1988, decidedly a prolific year, DC Comics publishes mourning in the family written by Jim Starlin and illustrated by Jim Apparo. Mike Mignola will also illustrate each cover. This episode had shaken the comics industry by leaving the choice to the public on Robin's future. After a telephone vote, the big mower won... A death vote that led to Robin's death and Batman's life trauma. The comics thirty years later is the subject of a very good anime. This bow is part of the puzzle leading to the psychological destruction of the vigilante, which makes him an indispensable to understand the neurosis of a broken hero.
Batman Worship (1988)
Drawing: Bernie Wrightson - Scenario: Jim Starlin
Well known to the public, The Cult However, it is worth a great deal of detour and a must for me. The bat is a prisoner of a Machiavellic sect, led by a guru and unworked tramps. The leader of souls will not hesitate to drug and torture Batman. A psychological test that confronts the hero with his old demons. It is also one of the few comics where Bruce Wayne's distress and visceral fear are read. It was the excellent Jim Starlin who screened and wrote The Cult. According to her author, this is a direct response to the return of censorship in the 1990s. The author says that « "born-again" teleevangelists devoted entire broadcasts to the misfortunes brought by comic books. » This threat translates into a Batman on his knees, powerless and plagued by this sect dictated by a religious leader hiding behind his moral righteousness.
« When the comics code cutter fell on Batman, the Black Knight found himself deprived of his inflexible anger, forced to become what he was not: a smiling father figure, chasing aliens in a rainbow Gotham City. It will take years before specific writers bring back the detective we all love »
True plea for freedom of expression, Worship is also one of Batman's most hallucinating and violent adventures. More than an acid trip, The Cult is an attempt to safeguard the Batman that we know today. The drawings give an impression of moisturizer and oppression with a palette of colours as vivid as it is violent. A treat and a guilty pleasure for me!
The lunatics of Arkham (1990)
Drawing: Dave McKean - Scenario: Grant Morrison
Another founding piece, Batman Arkahm Asylum will be the inspiration of the excellent video game of the same name. The Joker provokes a riot in Arkham's Asyle and threatens to kill all staff if Batman does not join them. This invitation to join the psychopaths and criminals who are camisolated is a reminder of Batman's madness, finally much closer to his opponents than he imagines. This powerful one-shot tends towards horror and Batman wanders there like a ghost. The Joker, like a puppeteer, guides every step of the hero, who despite him participates in his own psychoanalysis. It is more of a graphic novel than a comics, and Dava McKean's plastic work is remarkable.
Like the Frenchman Philippe Druillet who reversed the grammar of the comic book in 1976 with Night, Arkham's fools exhaust all the rules of the genre. Each board is renewed on each page, the squares tremble, the writing bave and the graphic techniques sequence at all speed. Worked writing by Grant Morrison who also draws from the novel Alice in Wonderland de Carroll is transcended by the power of Dave McKean's unique style. To (re)read urgently!
Batman Knightfall (1993)
Drawing: Jim Aparo, Norm Breyfogle, Jim Balent, Graham Nolan - Scenario: Doug Moench, Chuck Dixon
After the Joker who frees the criminals from Arkham, it is Bane's turn to take over the torch. Knightfall directly inspired The Dark Knight Rises Nolan, who preferred a sweetened version of the 1993 comedy bodybuild wrestler. In this arc, Bane will physically and psychologically destroy Batman. Five volumes that will lead Batman to review his ethic as a vigilante in an escalation to violence. True path of the cross for Batman, this arc deserves the detour and will lead to original regencies pending the recovery of the fallen hero.
Punisher Batman (1994)
Drawing: John Romita Jr. and Barry Kitson - Scenario: Chuck Dixon and Dennis O'Neil
This comics is as its name indicates the encounter between Punisher and Batman. If this episode does not make in lace and does not necessarily shine by its originality, this spin-off still leads to an unlikely alliance and perched boards where Batman's brute strength is backed by the firepower of the Punisher. A curiosity that can be read.
Long Halloween (1996)
Drawing: Tim Sale - Scenario: Jeph Loeb
Direct Batman Year one, A long Halloween is an investigation into a series of murders committed during the holidays. We find Batman's detective side with this bow that recalls the excellent movie Se7en Finder. Batman will investigate with young prosecutor Harvey Dent and Lieutenant James Gordon, before he becomes each Double-Face and the famous commissioner. This arc enjoys a successful writing and is one of those who best transcribe Batman's relations with the police and justice. There we find all the atmosphere of the underworld with the families Falcone, Viti and Maroni and among the greatest figures of Gotham's crime: the Joker of course but also the Almanac, the Sphinx, Poison Ivy, the Scarecrow, the Mad Chapeller or even Solomon Grundy. An excellent pick that is still a reference for its gangster side that recalls Gotham's sonage with the city of Chicago of the 1930s. Evidence of this is one of Matt Reeves' main inspirations for his latest film The Batman.
Batman Aliens (1998)
Drawing: Berni Wrightson - Scenario: Ron Marz
In the guilty and unlikely pleasure series, who ever dreamed of seeing Batman taraner aliens? Somewhat difficult to find today, this spin-off is frankly funny. Seeing Batman lead a team of mercenaries against the Giger aliens and fighting with bare hands against crocodiles from the first pages makes smiles. It's a bit of a nanny you need when you've exhausted the classics. At the crossing of Predator andAliens, this episode is to take second degree. We find the artist Berni Wrightson who had already worked on The Cult And just for that, Batman Aliens this selection. Having read the first volume, I would be curious to get the following.
Batman Silence (2002)
Drawing: Jim Lee - Scenario: Jeph Loeb
BAtman Silence is the other major work by Jeoh Loeb after One Long Halloween. In drawing, it is Jim Lee who produces a work in a realistic controlled style. Batman is attacked by all his enemies and faces a mysterious character who hides his face under strips like the invisible Man. It's one of the comics that best transcribes the Justicier's relationship with Catwoman. Many of Gotham's criminals are found there, including Ras al Ghul, Double Face, Killer Croc, Gueule d'Argile and many others. An effective arc, both in the script and in the drawing.
Batman's son (2007)
Drawing: Andy Kubert - Scenario: Grant Morrison
The first part of the album, Batman & Son, served as the basis for the friendly animated film directed by Ethan Spaulding. This episode is a bit of the Gotham family life where Batman is confronted with the joys of fatherhood. If the vigilante has already faced Talia Al Ghul and his crime empire several times, « their struggle takes a much more personal turn when she presents to the hero the son from their union: Damian! » as in the DC synopsis. Despite his young age, Damian is already an outstanding murderer in addition to being unbearable. Tim Drake, alias Robin, is quick to make the most of it. As long as you join the Robins Fair, Batman's son is a reading that opens the way to the succession of the black knight. More consensual, this episode remains pleasant without being Grant Morrison's most subtle arch. The action scenes do their job very well with some original encounters that we will keep here.
Joker (2008)
Drawing: Lee Bermejo – Scenario: Brian Azzarello
It's my favorite comics from the Joker. Brian Azzarello's inimitable style is for many. It's black, trash and sometimes very pulp like when introducing Harley Quinn to the pole dance before skinning a customer alive. The drawings are really sublime and every appearance of naughty ones does its little effect. Special mention to penguin and Joker, both particularly successful. Batman is just episodic in this one shot and it is the Joker who leads the boat. A frank success in Gotham's lowlands. Sensitive, abstain!
Batman Christmas (2011)
Drawing and scenario: Lee Bermejo
It is again Lee Bermejo who signs the drawings of Batman Christmas. One recognizes his realistic style with its brilliant effect applied to the characters. Always very inspired in the construction of the boards, Batman Christmas offers striking whole pages. The scenario is also quite original since Batman will start a chase that will lead the hero to question about his crusade against crime. Three visions of the past, present and future that intertwine in the same controlled narrative.
Dark reflections (2011)
Drawing: Jock, Francesco Francavilla - Scenario: Scott Snyder
BAtman Dark reflections is an opportunity to discover Commissioner Gordon from another angle. While Batman investigates an odd auction in the middle of the underworld, the psychtic son of the commiassaire makes his own. Dark reflections brings another stone to the Gotham myth building. An original bow signed Scott Snyder.
A bitter victory (2012)
Drawing: Tim Sale - Scenario: Jeph Loeb
Sixteen years later A long Halloween, the duo formed by Tilm Sale and Jeph Loeb presents the cover with a high-flying collaboration. After the Holiday case, Gotham City is still the scene of settling accounts between Mafia families and Arkham asylum patients. In addition to a halleting scenario, A bitter victory cultivates a palette of punchy colors that immediately flies.
Shadows in the Night (2014)
Drawing: Tim Sale - Scenario: Jeph Loeb
In the vein of the work carried out on A Long Hallloween and A bitter victory, Shadows in the night Can introduce Gotham's bad guys with panache. This arc illustrates the passage between the Al Capone gravy gangsters and the degenerates of Gotham which imply a new moral code for the black knight. Some scenes with the crazy rosary remind if it was still necessary the filiation of Batman with Alice in Wonderland. A formidable efficiency.
The owls court (2019)
Drawing: Greg Capullo - Scenario: Scott Snyder
La owls court is probably one of the most modern versions of Batman, the result of a long gestation of readings and rereadings of the masked vigilante throughout the eras. Scott Snyder here signs his best Batman story, faced with a secret society that will set in motion the principles of the Black Knight. It's probably one of the best Batman comics in recent years and the promise of a video game Gotham Knight that we hope to be just as successful. The Owls Court is easily raised among the best comics of the hero. Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood and Robin are also present, and all the conspiracy obsessions of our time are watermarked.
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