Batman: Essential Reading

"Batman Begins," brings Batman away from the camp world of Adam West and bat nipples, and back to the world of gritty Gotham as depicted in the graphic novels of late.

It's about time.

Ironic isn't it? Even though Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" revitalized the Batman universe, it was the campy 60's show that influenced the visualization of Batman onto the big screen, espeically movies three and four.

So, graphic novel readers rejoice because Batman is back as the Dark Knight, a creature on the verge of insanity, and yet still capable of drawing that fine line between him and the criminals he battles.

Here we go.

Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" gives us Batman as an aging force still to be reckoned.

Frank Miller's "Year One" tells the tale of origins for Gordon, Catwoman, and Batman.

Jeff Loeb's "The Long Halloween" is a more playful, less ominous depiction of Batman.

"Black and White" is an interesting collection of what Batman looks like to various artists and writers.

And, right now, I am in the middle of reading Jeff Loeb's "Hush". It's the same story-telling technique that Jeff Loeb used in "The Long Halloween" and "Dark Victory," but it is enjoyable nonetheless. At least, it is enjoyable if you enjoy seeing Batman duke it out with a new celebrity villain each episode!