What to know what Bats was up to before Flashpoint? Here are stories you need to read (or at least should read) to be a Batman expert. While DC hasn't told us exactly what has/hasn't happened, we know these stories do matter.
Silver Age stories from the 1950s. Not great, but if you want to understand Grant Morrison's run, you better read this or you'll be saying, "What the heck?" Also, if you watched "Batman: The Brave and the Bold," you'll totally get where these comics are coming from.
The introduction of Ra's al Ghul and his daughter, Talia. Most of the important scenes get retold in the New 52 Batman, Incorporated #2.
Poor Babs . . .
. . . and then Jason. The new reprint includes the Batman/New Titans crossover "A Lonely Place of Dying," the introduction of Tim Drake.
This trade includes "Son of the Demon," (Damien's "original" appearance), "Bride of the Demon," (ugh!) and "Birth of the Demon" (Ra's al Ghul's origin).
He's baacckk!
Grant Morrison kicks things off with Damian Wayne's introduction.
Batmen of all Nations and the run-up to "Batman RIP." You did read "The Black Casebook" already, right?
Zombie Batman, anyone?
Grant fills in some holes all along the way.
This includes all the issues of the pre-52 series plus the "Leviathan Strikes" one-shot. If you haven't read this, don't even try to read the New 52 series.
Dick is still Batman while Bruce is world-hopping. James, Jr. also shows up here I am told (I haven't read it yet).
Scott Snyder goes into Gotham's history. Great tie-in for "Court of the Owls" and New 52 "All-Star Western."
