Can somebody explain all of the Bat titles?

[Zombiezilla]

I'm interested in adding a BAT title to my pull list, but there are sooo many dang Bat-books it's ridiculous. Can somebody explain to me the difference in the titles and why one might be better than the other? Which one is the main flagship title? I thought DETECTIVE COMICS was, but from what I understand, those are stand-alone stories. I thought maybe it was BATMAN, but I see this week there are 2 or 3 different "Batman" titles coming out...but each with a different subtitle, seemingly each a mini-series.

[rick]

I can't break them all down for you because there are just so many, but traditionally, Detective is considered the "flagship" title since it is the book that has carried Batman the longest.

[DonC]

Batman is longer stories. Detective Comics is shorter stories. All the other books are about the person whose name is in the title.

[Zombiezilla]

Batman is longer stories. Detective Comics is shorter stories.

By this do mean in each book, or do you mean from issue to issue?

[Jkid099]

Currently:

Detective Comics - Batman in more mystery-oriented type stories. There are mostly "shorter story arcs," but there has been an overall sub-plot going on involving the Rogues' Gallery (such as with the Ventriloquist) since One Year Later.

Batman - Batman as more of a grand adventure super-hero with Grant Morrison's usual over-the-top-yet-entertaining story writing.

Batman: Confidential - Stories set throughout Batman continuity.

Robin - The current Boy Wonder's series. Currently with Robin more as Batman's partner again, although engaged in his own adventures around Gotham.

Nightwing - The original Boy Wonder's series. Currently has him set up in New York City.

Gotham Underground - Current mini-series involving a gang war between the members of Batman's rogues that have a tendency to be involved in organized crime, involving familiar and brand new characters.

Birds of Prey - Although not technically a "Bat-title" anymore (the Birds sort of took off from Gotham a while back), involves Barbara Gordon (the original Batgirl) and the Huntress along with an assortment of female heroes from the DC Universe on one adventure to the next.

Catwoman - Like Birds of Prey, a pseudo-"bat title" involving a character from Batman's rogues gallery.

[Batman was taken]

All Star Batman - Frank Millar's zany story. It's either a love it or hate it book.

Batman Confidential is pretty much Legends of Dark Knight replacement.

[Brack360]

Starring Batman:

Batman, written by Grant Morrison with art by Tony Daniel, is the main Batman book and the book most often read by casual Batman readers. It features adventurous, solo Batman stories that usually have a more “super hero-ish” feel than the other Batman comics.

Detective Comics, written by Paul Dini with art by Dustin Nguyen, features detective-themed Batman stories that usually emphasize mystery and crime drama over super-heroics. It has single-issue stories and is one of the two main Batman books along with Batman.

Batman Confidential is a “series within a series.” It features self-contained story arcs by different creative teams that take place in the early years of Batman’s career.

All-Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder, written by Frank Miller with art by Jim Lee, features the classic team of Batman and the original Robin, Dick Grayson. It is set in its own continuity outside of the other comics.

Batman and the Outsiders, written by Chuck Dixon with art by Julian Lopez, features Batman as the leader of a covert team of heroes who do not fit in with the mainstream super-hero community.

Superman/Batman, written by Michael Green with art by Shane Davis, features Batman and Superman team-up adventures. It contains more sci-fi and fantasy elements than the other Batman comics.

The Batman Strikes! is the Batman book designed for young children and is a companion to the animated series The Batman.


Starring Batman-related characters:

Robin, written by Chuck Dixon with art by Chris Batista, follows the solo adventures of Tim Drake, the third and current Robin.

Nightwing, written by Peter Tomasi with art by Rags Morales, features the adult Dick Grayson’s (the original Robin's) solo adventures in New York City.

Birds of Prey, written by Sean McKeever with art by Nicola Scott, teams female super-heroes Oracle (the original Batgirl), The Huntress, Lady Blackhawk, and Misfit on global espionage missions all over the DC Universe.

Catwoman, written by Will Pfeifer with art by David Lopez, focuses on Selina Kyle as an anti-hero in Gotham’s East End.

[Zombiezilla]

Just wanted to take a second and say "thanks" to you all! I think I will go ahead and add Detective Comics. I really like the past couple I have read out of that one. I also really liked the last issue of Gotham Underground, though I have little idea as to what the heck is happening. Thanks again!