I'm looking to finally pick up Death of The Family and actually read it for myself. Looking on Amazon though, I'm a bit confused.

There are two collections of the story. The Joker: Death of the Family, and Batman Vol. 3: Death of the Family. I know that before the actual event, there were a bunch of issues detailing Joker's encounters with the other members of the Bat Family. I'm thinking that the former book is about that, then the latter is the actual Death of The Family book where he confronts Batman. Is that correct, or do I have it wrong? If so, are both of them worth reading? Or just the main story?

That is correct.

Thanks.

So would y'all say the side stories are worth reading?

@nickzambuto: Nope.

Really now? Do you feel this way about the whole story too? I know many fans weren't pleased with Death of The Family, but I enjoy the whole "Joker is sorta in love with Batman" angle, so I thought I would like the story.

@nickzambuto: No I love Death of the Family. If you like the joker being in love with Batman, then you will love this story just as I did. The way Batman reacts to everything and the way Scott Snyder presents it all is amazing. Death of the family is awesome. The side stories however are just OK. You can if you want to but you don't really need to read them.

@nickzambuto: A few months back I basically asked the same question regarding the side stories. And the general consensus was that they weren't recommended reading. After reading the story itself I will say the story itself offers more than enough weight without having to go read the side stories.

@mrdecepticonleader: Thanks for the info. In the end curiosity got the better of me and I ordered them both. Here's hoping it wasn't a waste of money.

@nickzambuto: The only side story that was good was the Batman and Robin Tie-In. The others were meh.

In the end though, it's a good thing you ordered both.

Cool.

Makes a more complete story right?