Batman The New 52 Graphic Novel Order
Introduction
Batman is one of the most iconic characters in the history of comics. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. Over the years, Batman has become a cultural phenomenon, starring in countless comic books, movies, TV shows, and video games. In 2011, DC Comics launched The New 52, a major relaunch of their entire comic book line. This included a new Batman series, which introduced a new continuity and a new graphic novel reading order.
The New 52 Batman Series
The New 52 Batman series was written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Greg Capullo. The series began with Batman #1 in 2011 and ran for 52 issues, ending with Batman #52 in 2016. The series introduced new storylines, characters, and villains to the Batman mythos, including the Court of Owls, the Joker's Daughter, and the Riddler's return.
The New 52 Batman Graphic Novel Reading Order
The New 52 Batman graphic novel reading order is as follows:
Batman Vol. 1: The Court of Owls
Batman Vol. 1: The Court of Owls collects Batman #1-7. In this storyline, Batman discovers a secret society called the Court of Owls that has been controlling Gotham City for centuries. The Court of Owls sends their assassins, known as Talons, to attack Batman and his allies. This storyline introduces the new villain the Court of Owls and sets up the overarching story for the New 52 Batman series.
Batman Vol. 2: The City of Owls
Batman Vol. 2: The City of Owls collects Batman #8-12 and Batman Annual #1. In this storyline, Batman faces off against the Court of Owls and their army of Talons. This storyline also introduces the character Harper Row, who becomes a major supporting character in the New 52 Batman series.
Batman Vol. 3: Death of the Family
Batman Vol. 3: Death of the Family collects Batman #13-17, Detective Comics #15-16, and the Joker: Death of the Family one-shot. In this storyline, the Joker returns to Gotham City and sets his sights on Batman's allies. The Joker kidnaps and tortures several of Batman's allies, including Robin, Batgirl, and Nightwing. This storyline introduces the new Joker design and sets up the relationship between Batman and the Joker for the rest of the New 52 Batman series.
Batman Vol. 4: Zero Year - Secret City
Batman Vol. 4: Zero Year - Secret City collects Batman #21-24 and Batman Annual #2. In this storyline, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo retell Batman's origin story for the New 52 continuity. This storyline introduces new versions of classic Batman villains, including the Riddler, and sets up the next storyline for the New 52 Batman series.
Batman Vol. 5: Zero Year - Dark City
Batman Vol. 5: Zero Year - Dark City collects Batman #25-27, 29-33. In this storyline, Batman faces off against the Riddler and his plan to destroy Gotham City. This storyline also introduces the character Lucius Fox, who becomes a major supporting character in the New 52 Batman series.
Batman Vol. 6: Graveyard Shift
Batman Vol. 6: Graveyard Shift collects Batman #0, 18-20, 28, and 34. In this storyline, Batman faces off against new villains, including the Joker's Daughter and the Anarky. This storyline also explores the relationship between Batman and his allies, including Commissioner Gordon and Alfred.
Batman Vol. 7: Endgame
Batman Vol. 7: Endgame collects Batman #35-40. In this storyline, the Joker returns to Gotham City with a new plan to destroy Batman and his allies. This storyline also explores the relationship between Batman and the Joker and sets up the next major storyline for the New 52 Batman series.
Batman Vol. 8: Superheavy
Batman Vol. 8: Superheavy collects Batman #41-46. In this storyline, Bruce Wayne is no longer Batman, and Jim Gordon takes up the mantle of the Dark Knight. This storyline introduces new villains, including Mr. Bloom, and sets up the final storyline for the New 52 Batman series.
Batman Vol. 9: Bloom
Batman Vol. 9: Bloom collects Batman #46-50 and the Batman: Rebirth one-shot. In this storyline, Batman faces off against Mr. Bloom and his plan to destroy Gotham City. This storyline also sets up the next phase of the Batman comics, including the new series Batman: Rebirth.
Conclusion
The New 52 Batman graphic novel order is a great way to read one of the most iconic comic book characters of all time. With new storylines, characters, and villains, the New 52 Batman series is a fresh take on the Dark Knight. Whether you're a longtime Batman fan or new to the character, the New 52 Batman series is a must-read for any comic book fan.