Caped Crusader's Wild Ride
Batman comics have always been a gamble. Sometimes you get stories that keep you glued. Other times, you get bizarre experiments that make you wonder how they survived the editorial process. Let’s look at a few unprecedented disasters and some highly celebrated triumphs.
1. The Dark Knight Strikes Again (2001–2002)
Due to massive hype, DC Comics forced reviewers to examine advance copies under guard in their New York offices. The reality was crushing as reviewers called Miller's artwork "hastily drawn" and Lynn Varley's colors "green, flavored mouthwash." It felt like Miller mocking his own mythology.
The Dark Knight Strikes Again Review | Flix and Comix by Flix and Comix
2. Batman Beyond 2.0 (2013–2014)
Batman Beyond was all about a fresh cyberpunk future concept. However, this sequel soon doubled on controversial elements, revealing that Barbara Gordon miscarried Bruce Wayne's child. The age gap between them and her relationship with Grayson caused uncomfortable soap opera implications.
BATMAN BEYOND is Back, BABY! ("Rebirth" Review + Giveaway) by Watchtower Database
3. All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder (2005–2008)
Issue #10 was recalled from stores as a result of uncensored profanities that slipped past DC's editors. This embarrassing printing error symbolized everything wrong with Frank Miller and Jim Lee's collaboration. The series became notorious for Batman's cruel treatment of Grayson.
ALL-STAR BATMAN & ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER | Preview by Deviant.fun by Deviant Fun
4. Batman: The Widening Gyre (2009–2010)
Unfortunately, Kevin Smith’s signature crude humor felt wildly out of place in Gotham City. The Widening Gyre gained negative attention when the hero confesses to wetting himself during the iconic Year One scene. It retroactively ruined one of Batman's most mythic moments.
Batman: The Widening Gyre (REVIEW) (SPOILERS!!) by Gotham Central
5. Batman: Odyssey (2010–2011)
Readers found the storytelling so bewildering that it defied comprehension. The plot involved Batman falling into underground caverns, encountering dinosaurs, and engaging with characters whose motivations randomly shifted. Adams' technically proficient artwork couldn't save abstract storytelling, leaving readers questioning whether pages were missing.
Batman Odyssey # 1 2011 series DC comic review by comic book reviewer
6. Gotham High (2020)
DC's young adult graphic novel reimagined Batman characters as high school students, turning Wayne into a typical moody teenager. One Goodreads reviewer wrote, “the story's nothing short of trash, with cardboard-cutout characters.” The Joker literally became a class clown, reducing iconic characters to stereotypes.
Everything is Not Right at Gotham High | Vulsker Does Comics by Vulsker
7. Batman: The Dark Knight (New 52 Series) (2011–2014)
Batman: The Dark Knight struggled despite David Finch's impressive artwork. The series started with potential, aiming to capitalize on the "Dark Knight" brand during the Nolan film craze, but it failed to capture the core values. Instead, it became a series lacking realism.
Unboxing Batman The Dark Knight #1 - (DC Comics - New 52) - GrowlersWorld.com by The New-Normals
8. Batman: The Joker’s Daughter (2014)
Here, the main character, Joker’s Daughter, is seen as uninteresting and lacking the charisma and complexity of the Joker himself. The character’s motivations, which are to be taken seriously as a villain and to find the Joker, are unfortunately seen as thin and poorly developed.
"Joker's Daughter" 1 Shot Comic Book Review Released 2/5/14 by Armaret
9. Batman: Damned (2018–2019)
Black Label launched with this supernatural noir by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo. It featured Batman investigating Joker's apparent death with help from John Constantine. The series soon generated controversy for explicit content, which led to censorship and recall of the first issue.
DC Comics Review: Batman: Damned #1 by Graphic Policy
10. Batman: Reptilian (2021–2022)
Garth Ennis built his reputation on dark, violent storytelling through The Punisher. His Batman opportunity through Black Label seemed great for his deconstructive approach. Sadly, this "creature feature" involving a reptilian monster terrorizing Gotham suffered from pacing issues and forced cynicism.
Batman Reptilian Overview by Organicpricedbooks
Well, enough doom and gloom. Let’s now focus on stories that remind us why we love this superhero.
1. Batman: Year One (1987)
Conceived initially as a prestige format graphic novel, DC turned it into a four-issue Batman story arc to boost sales. Collecting Batman #404-407, this reinterpretation of Batman's origin focused equally on Wayne and Lieutenant Gordon's parallel journeys in their first year fighting Gotham's corruption.
2. Batman: The Long Halloween (1996–1997)
Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's thirteen-issue masterpiece ranks as IGN's fourth greatest Batman graphic novel. This holiday-themed murder mystery follows the "Holiday Killer," who strikes only on special occasions. Christopher Nolan even cited it as a major inspiration for The Dark Knight trilogy.
Batman: The Long Halloween Comic Book Review by TheRoughCuts
3. The Dark Knight Returns (1986)
Set in a dystopian future, this piece displays a fifty-five-year-old protagonist who emerges from retirement to reclaim Gotham City from mutant gangs and government corruption. The story culminated in an epic confrontation between Batman and Superman, subverting their traditional friendship bond.
Batman The Dark Knight Returns #1 First Printing 1986 by Marcus Lim
4. Batman: The Killing Joke (1988)
Moore's psychological examination of the thin line between sanity and madness became the definitive Joker plot. It brought us the concept that "one bad day" separates normal people from complete madness. IGN has called it “easily the greatest Joker story ever told”.
5. Batman: Hush (2002–2003)
Loeb reunited with superstar artist Jim Lee following their successful collaboration on Superman/Batman. This twelve-issue storyline introduced the bandaged villain Hush while featuring virtually every major character in Batman's universe. Loeb's mystery kept longtime fans guessing about the titular villain's identity.
Batman: Hush - Comic Book Review by TheMinnickCritic
6. Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On Serious Earth (1989)
When the Joker takes control of Arkham Asylum, our hero must enter the madhouse to stop him, confronting his greatest enemies and psychological demons. The story explores themes of madness, identity, and the psychological toll of Batman's crusade. Its visuals complement the story’s surreal tone well.
Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth by Grant Morrison by NERDXCORE
7. Batman: The Court Of Owls (2011–2012)
Here, we see the Court of Owls, a secret society that had controlled Gotham for centuries, challenging Batman’s belief that he knew his city thoroughly. The Talon assassins and their resurrection abilities brought to life genuinely threatening new adversaries.
Batman The Court of Owls Vol. 1 - Comic Review by Slap House
8. Batman: Knightfall (1993–1994)
This massive crossover event spanned multiple Batman titles for over a year. The iconic image of Bane breaking Batman's back became one of comics' most memorable moments. While Wayne recovered, the violent vigilante Azrael temporarily replaced him, showing readers what Batman without moral restraint looked like.
9. Batman: No Man's Land (1999)
Following a devastating earthquake, the government declared Gotham City uninhabitable and cut it off from the outside world. This led to Gotham becoming a post-apocalyptic wasteland divided between various factions, including Batman's allies and enemies. He had to rebuild his city and mission from scratch.
Batman No Man's Land Omnibus Volume 1 Overview by Near Mint Condition
10. Whatever Happened To the Caped Crusader? (2009)
Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? is widely regarded as a bold, ambitious, and moving tribute to Batman's legacy. The narrative is set at the hero’s funeral, attended by friends and foes. It resonated with fans, offering moments of humor, sorrow, and reflection.
Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader Deluxe Edition by Marcus Lim
