I'm thinking of getting into Batman comics. I've always liked Batman and watched all the movies animated and otherwise. In fact I think the last three movies were some of the best superhero movies period. Anyway I haven't really been into any of the comics since the Knightfall stuff way back in the day. So I'm thinking of trying to catch up going the graphic novel and trade paperback route. I've been told to start with Frank Miller's Year One or the zero year stuff. Either way can someone give me a list of stories that I should read that are essential.

@hawk2916: On this page, you should see that there's a tab underneath the 'cover' photo of Batman that says 'Recommended Reading'

@hawk2916: what is the kind of tone you like for batman. For very detective based stuff read long Halloween. If you want to read some events that will give you a great taste of the batman mythos read no mans land (its all over the place so don't start with it) or war games. For a run to read you should get grant Morrisons run or Scott Snyders run.

@sinestro_gl: Thanks. Does the recommended list go past the knightfall saga though?

@hawk2916: Here's an article from a few months back (when Batman was the character of the month) that might help you: http://www.comicvine.com/articles/batmans-must-read-stories/1100-149611/

My personal favorites from this list were Hush, The Black Mirror, Public Enemies, and Arkham Asylum.

@hawk2916: Well Miller's Year One is good for start since you get to read his origin in pre-flashpoint and go for Snyder's Zero Year for his New 52 Origin. For the New 52 The Court of Owls by Snyder is also one of the best modern Batman stories written as well as the fairly recent Icarus story arc for a more detective tone.

@vandersexxx: @xwraith: thanks!!

I would consider all of Scott Snyder's Run (Black Mirror, Court of Owls, City of Owls, Death of the Family, Zero Year Secret City and Zero Year Dark City) essential. Further books include Year One, The Dark Knight Returns, The Long Halloween, Dark Victory, The Killing Joke, Hush, The Man Who Laughs, Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth just to list a few

KILLLLLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNGGGGG JOOOOOKKKKKKKKEEEEE.

As a gigantaliscioustacular Batman fan, I can easily say it was and still is one of my favorites.

Here.... Read all my posts on this thread (there's only 3 so don't be lazy). It's all you need for New52 stuff and some recommended reading for Pre52