Help A Batfan!

[Jimbojones88]

Hi,

Im a lifelong Fan, raised on BTAS and classic batman detective stories. However in the new century i've been mostly turned off because DC went away from "streetlevel" Batman, which is what I prefer almost exclusively, to Bruce wayne traveling time and Intergalactic Mumbo-Jumbo. Now I feel the same about the Joker. Going from a homicidal-maniacal-genius clown prince to some Cultish Gorefiend more into fortune telling and dismemberment than doing what he's best at, giving gotham/batman hell.

Now I know the Joker has returned, and I would like to know:

A) what do i need to collect to start the joker's return arc
B) Is it worth my time/money to start reading any Batman books? Is the detective put back in the narrative? Are there good, well written stories out there? Batman #700 was the most recent story I thought was excellent.

Thank you Batman community

[dntfeedthemnkys]

Hi,

Im a lifelong Fan, raised on BTAS and classic batman detective stories. However in the new century i've been mostly turned off because DC went away from "streetlevel" Batman, which is what I prefer almost exclusively, to Bruce wayne traveling time and Intergalactic Mumbo-Jumbo. Now I feel the same about the Joker. Going from a homicidal-maniacal-genius clown prince to some Cultish Gorefiend more into fortune telling and dismemberment than doing what he's best at, giving gotham/batman hell.

Now I know the Joker has returned, and I would like to know:

A) what do i need to collect to start the joker's return arc
B) Is it worth my time/money to start reading any Batman books? Is the detective put back in the narrative? Are there good, well written stories out there? Batman #700 was the most recent story I thought was excellent.

Thank you Batman community

It's hard mate - because it's such a subjective thing. But I can easily answer (A) and give you my opinion on (B).

(A), in terms of the "New 52", you'd want to read:

- Detective Comics #1 (2011);
- Batman #013 (2012);
- Batman #014 (2012).

And you could choose to read cross-over titles:
- Batgirl #013 (2012);
- Catwoman #013 (2012);
- Batgirl #014 (2012);
- Suicide Squad #014 (2012);
- Catwoman #014 (2012);

This week, Detective Comics #014 (2012) will launch, which is also part of the "Death of the Family" Arc.

My $0.02 is that the first three are the unmissable. The cross-overs you could take or leave.

Regarding question (B):

In my opinion Detective Comics #871 - 881 is brilliant. It's the run that you could argue got Snyder the gig for Batman in the reboot. Plus the artwork is phenomenal.

Additionally, I believe the new 52 Batman #0 - current are also fantastic. Loved the Court of Owls arc and Death of the Family is on track to become a definitive Joker story.

I concur with you that the title got a bit crazy. I couldn't really follow it or the spin offs. But for me, that Tec run (871 - 881) and the reboot are totally worth reading and following.

[PsychoGoatee]

A) what do i need to collect to start the joker's return arc
B) Is it worth my time/money to start reading any Batman books? Is the detective put back in the narrative? Are there good, well written stories out there? Batman #700 was the most recent story I thought was excellent.

Thank you Batman community

The Joker story is only two issues in, starting in Batman #13. Though you could also read Detective Comics #1, which is Joker's only appearance in the new 52 before this.

I recommend reading the Batman series, it stands on it's own without needing to read anything else. It's only 14 issues in, and you can read the first 12 issues in two graphic novels with Owls in the titles, though the second volume isn't out until March.

[dubbauw]

Hi,

Im a lifelong Fan, raised on BTAS and classic batman detective stories. However in the new century i've been mostly turned off because DC went away from "streetlevel" Batman, which is what I prefer almost exclusively, to Bruce wayne traveling time and Intergalactic Mumbo-Jumbo. Now I feel the same about the Joker. Going from a homicidal-maniacal-genius clown prince to some Cultish Gorefiend more into fortune telling and dismemberment than doing what he's best at, giving gotham/batman hell.

Now I know the Joker has returned, and I would like to know:

A) what do i need to collect to start the joker's return arc
B) Is it worth my time/money to start reading any Batman books? Is the detective put back in the narrative? Are there good, well written stories out there? Batman #700 was the most recent story I thought was excellent.

Thank you Batman community

The current Joker arc is called Death of the Family, and it begins in Batman #13.
Here are all the issues it contains:



I've never read many older Batman stories, but I am really enjoying the current Batman series. It is probably the best Bat book right now, almost every issue has gotten solid reviews on almost every site. HOWEVER, there have been a decent number of people who do not like this arc, and I'm sure they'll let you know
Personally, I think it's totally worth it, and I would not hesitate to pick up the whole current series.

[nepenthes]

Batman 700, if that is indeed the last issue you read, is actually part of the huge and ongoing Grant Morrion run which is where all the recent time traveling and other mumbo jumbo actually originated from. Only a small part involves time travel. It IS a widely celebrated and acclaimed run for good reason, and has bought alot of new and/or lapsed readers back to Batman. Dont let preconceptions of what Batman "is supposed to be" get in the way of giving it a shot. You can find a breakdown of the run a in sticky thread at top of the board. As for Death of the Family, all you need is Batman 13-17.

In current monthlies I'd suggest looking at Detective, just started a new arc and it feels very similar to the old Animated Series.