I would like to start reading batman comic books wheres a good place to start??

Question

I have been prompted by batman films (not just The Dark Knight) and old tv series to start reading the comics of batman, i just don't know where to start!!! The characters I am mainly interested in are the joker, Harley Quinn, the riddler, Poison Ivy and The Penguin. Can anyone help thanks x*x

Answer 1

start by collecting the graphic novels. that will get you up to speed faster.

if you only want to read about specific villains, then graphic novels will help you do this as they are focused on the one story arch, which is usually concerning one villain.  so pick the ones that have your villains.

also go to your local comic book retailer, and get back-orders for the latest titles. i read Batman and Batman Detective Comics, which are both very cool. but get the back-orders so you can get a hold of whats been happening lately.

Answer 2

Here's the list that I suggest for trades:

Batman Year One - Read this first and below is a very small continuity list. There are other books that you can add but I did not want to overwhelm you.

Long Halloween (Not required but it is a fan favorite)

Batman Four of a Kind (Collection of annuals based on Year One events of The Riddler, Poison Ivy, ManBat and Scarecrow)

Batman Venon

Death in the Family

Lonely Place for Dying

Knightfall 1-3

No Man's Land 1-5

Evolution

Officer Down

Hush (While its a good read I am adding this because of the Dini's current Hush story)

From here I would move on to One Year Later.

Face the Face

Batman Detective (Paul Dini's first collected edition of Detective Comics)

Batman Death and the City (Paul Dini's second collected edition of Detective Comics)

Batman and Son (Morrison's first collected edition of Batman title)

I would skip the Ra's resurrection story.

I suggest that you get Year One and if you like it (great read by the way) then grab a few more.  If you don't care too much about the history then go on to later published books like Face the Face and Detective comics collection.

As for current comics, DC has chosen the worst possible time to start a crossover event.  Morrison is controlling the bat-titles with his story RIP that is suppose to change Batman forever.  Alot of hoopula but not a good place to start for a new reader.  If you want to start on the comics, I would suggest getting Detective Comics.  Issue 846 started a new 5 part story that has Hush in it, but his origin is nicely recapped so you do not need too much background knowledge.  http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=9...  

Answer 3

check out http://www.dccomics.com/new_to_comics/ They have a site where you can look up a local comic store in your area. and most classic comics like Batman have a large book of reprints starting in the very beginnings. Also look for "best of.." editions

Answer 4

Get Dark Knight Returns and Year One.  You can also pick up the monthly issues at your comic book store or an online comic book store.

Answer 5

The Killing Joke