Batfamily basic reading list
I have noticed (and experienced myself) how overwhelming it actually is to start reading comics as a bat family fan, since we all basically know the main events but not in which comic did each happen.
Here's my (in progress) Bat family reading list. I have ONLY included comics I have read, but its pretty complete up to the point I have reached. Each with a short description of what it is about so you can find the events you're interested in.
Fundamentals (important character's main plot points):
-Start of Batman and showcase of his main motives.
-Mainly a James Gordon story.
Batman: The Man Who Laughs
-Joker's first appearance.
Batman: The Long Halloween
- Two-face origin story, good insight on Catwoman and generally good Batman story.
-Direct continuation of the long halloween
-Dick Grayson's origin story
-First moments of Dick as Robin.
(Dick's age is different from what is said in most comics.)
-Barbara Gordon's Batgirl origin.
-Good display of Bruce's and Talia's relationship.
-Dick stops being Robin and goes solo as nightwing
(Jason appears here, his introduction is kinda weird and not for everyone)
Batman: second chances (Batman (1940) #401, #402, #408-#416 y Batman: anual #11)
-The way Dick leaving robin was originally portrayed
-Jason's introduction and start as Robin
(some people would say you need to read the killing joke first, but really all you need to know is she is shot and paralyzed) (the killing joke is kinda disgusting)
Batman: A death in the family
-Jason's death and its direct aftermath
Batman: A lonely place of Dying
-Tim's introduction and start as Robin
Detective comics #618-#621
-Tim's father is paralyzed
-direct continuation of Knightfall
-Jean Paul Valley takes over Batman as Bruce heals
-Direct continuation of Knightquest
-Dispute between Jean Paul Valley and Bruce for the Batman mantle
-Direct continuation of Knightsend
-Dick Grayson takes the Batman mantle temporaryly
(in progress, will be edited as I read more)
-Riddler as main villain story
-Slightly off temporarily
-Duke Thomas appearance, as a 7 year old
-Good story of Batman's relationship and views of victims (TW: CSA as a main topic)
-Bruce wayne mental introspection, focusing on his relationship with Batman
Batman and Robin: Year one (2024)
-Modern retelling of Dick's early years as Robin
Robin and Batman: Year one (2021)
-Other modern retelling of Dick's early years as Robin
-Tim's period of training around the world before being Robin oficially
-Interesting introspection of Tim's relationship with his father