Crisis Of Infinite Batmen, When's That Happening? (Part 1 Of 2)

Even though my review of The Dark Knight Rises will be up later in the week, I'm still in the mood to talk about Batman. One of my first comics, and the first hero/superhero trade I ever bought, was A Death In The Family, back when I wasn't even into comics. I knew a little about them, but I still knew who Batman was due to the films. Eventually, I started collecting comics and I discovered the larger DC universe, as well as comics from other companies. In spite of the wonderful stories I've read through all those companies, I've probably read more comics relating to Batman than anyone else (well, maybe with the exception of Spider-Man).

I've read different eras of Batman, different universes with Batmen, his interactions with the rest of the superhero community, stories about the Bat Family and how they truly connect with him. While I haven't always enjoyed everything I've read, I am always eager to read (and re-read) stories about the Dark Knight.

So, I've decided to do a top ten list on my absolute favourite Batman stories (to this point), just for some variety. It's not that I'm sick of reviewing movies, it's just that I haven't done much outside of them for the past few weeks, so a change of pace is nice.

And remember, these are my favourite stories, not the classic stories, not the ones that new fans should start with (though some will show up).

First up, some honourable mentions, listed by writer first, artist second:

• Batman: Year One (Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli)
• Batman: R.I.P (Grant Morrison, Tony Daniel, but also Alex Ross for the covers)
• Batman: The Long Halloween (Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale)
• Batman: Dark Victory (see above, sequel book)
• Slayride (Paul Dini, Don Kramer/Wayne Faucher, and notable not just for actually having a lack of Batman until the end, but also a one-shot. For anyone interested, it's Detective Comics #826 [Vol. 1] and it's such a great story. But then, it's Dini writing, you should already be scrambling to find it)

With those mentioned, let's get to the list, starting with #10 and working our way down. Though, like most lists, they aren't in any real particular order (with the exception of #1 and #2). 

Also, due to length, this will be cut into two blog posts, with #10-#6 today, #5-#1 tomorrow.

#10: Knightfall (various writers and artists)

One of the earliest stories I knew about, the idea of Batman being defeated in combat seemed unfathomable. But part of what makes it a great story is the message I gained from it: you can break the man, but you cannot break the Bat. Not to mention, the genesis of the events is a stroke of genius: break out EVERY Arkham inmate and let them loose so that Batman can be weakened trying to round them all up. Also, this was the story that put Bane on the map, and made him one of Batman's greatest foes. I haven't read the follow-up, KnightQuest, but it's Knightfall you should be trying to locate.

#9: Face The Face (James Robinson, various artists)

The first Batman story after Infinite Crisis (a discussion for another time), and a year after those events, it's still business as usual for the Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder. What I like, though, is how it addresses what Bruce has thought of during his year away from Gotham, mostly concerning the welfare of Tim Drake, the at-the-time Robin. The fact that he believes Tim will one day become the world's greatest detective speaks volumes of his respect for the teen, and is a sign that the trip around the world has done him a world of good.

But the best thing about it, it gave Harvey Dent (yes, Harvey Dent, not Two-Face) a chance to shine again, since he was the protector of Gotham during Batman's absence. His conflict with himself (that's Two-Face for you) is the highlight of the story, showcasing how Harvey really does want to redeem himself. Sadly, he succumbs to becoming Two-Face again, restoring the status quo. I'd love it if a few more villains actually stayed on the straight and narrow. Despite that, fantastic story.

#8: Long Shadows (Judd Winick, Mark Bagley)

After Final Crisis (that won't be for another blog, at least not right now, as I have yet to read it), Bruce Wayne was trapped in the past (see the great mini-series The Return Of Bruce Wayne, another honourable mention) and Dick Grayson puts aside his Nightwing costume and dons the mantle of the Bat. I haven't read much of Dick as Batman, which is a pity because he's an excellent Batman, and his relationship with the new Robin, Damian Wayne (yes, Bruce's biological son. Comics are weird.) is a reversal of the whole “Grim and stoic Batman, happy-go-lucky Robin”, which makes for interesting new story opportunities.

Also, it features a villain trying a new approach (or rather, an old approach for him but he's smart enough to take advantage of the current situation) with trying to teleport into the Batcave (for the record, our old friend Two-Face shows up for this story and while I do lament losing Harvey again, at least Two-Face here is written as being smart and with actual humanity. I do like scenes where the villain speaks with one of his smarter henchmen with a hint of respect, and this story has that).

Like Face The Face, it's business as usual with that the Caped Crusader has to deal with, but the inner monologues help us address and adjust to the changes and is a wonderful blend of the classic style of Batman stories with the new perspective. And like Face The Face, it's a shame that the status quo would be restored (though taking much, much longer in terms of how many issues it took), but at least we have this.

#7: To Kill A Legend (Alan Brennert, Dick Giordano/Adrienne Joy)

The only pre-Crisis (another time, comics confusing, blah blah) story on this list and the only one-shot (not counting two upcoming entries, due to their length) and is one of many stories in issue #500 of Detective Comics (Vol. 1). The first time I had ever heard of Phantom Stranger, and enough to pique my curiosity, but the main reason I love this story is twofold (insert your own Two-Face joke here, even though he's not in this story).

First, the way Robin is written. Y'see, in this story, the Phantom Stranger has granted the Dynamic Duo a chance to save Bruce's parents on another Earth. While Batman gains all the information he can before the night of the shooting, Robin finds out there are no other heroes on the Earth, and no Krypton either. Upon observing that the young Bruce Wayne is a spoilt brat, Robin wonders if what they're doing is right. I love the fact that in this story, Robin is playing the clinical detective who thinks things through, while Batman is thinking too emotionally, wanting to save “his” parents above all else.

The other is the ending, which is so heartwarming. Batman does indeed save this universe's Thomas and Martha Wayne, and he and Robin return to their own, wondering what will become of this Bruce Wayne. As it turns out, this Bruce changes his attitude, becoming a lot more studious. It is revealed he will still become Batman, but this will be a Batman that won't be fueled by grief and vengeance, but of gratitude. He will honour the masked man who saved his parents that night, he will be a positive Batman. And really, that just warms the cockles of my heart.

#6: The Man Who Laughs (Ed Brubaker, Doug Mahnke)

With Batman: Year Two out of continuity, this is now considered the canonical events of Batman's second year, primarily his first encounter with The Joker. While I haven't spoken much about the art in previous stories, none of it is terrible (save for one section of Knightfall, but that's for another time. Possibly) but here, The Joker is marvelously drawn (the cover of the comic is simply beautiful too) and the rest of it is great too. While it doesn't always neatly fit with Year One (the setting looks a little more modern than Year One, maybe that's just me) it's a great Joker story and demonstrates an important revelation for Batman: it will only get worse from here.

Part 2 of my personal fave Batman stories will be posted tomorrow. Until then, hope this has inspired you to look for a good Batman story to read.