I've been reading a lot more lately (which is one of the reasons you have not seen me online...ever). I'm typically a huge non-fiction reader, and never was really that big into comics. I was visiting the book store with a lady friend and shes casually into graphic novels. I figured I'd just read a Batman book to give a shot and randomly selected "the long Halloween." My god, I'm hooked. While never being a comic fan, I am very familiar with the batman universe. The art and writing of "Long Halloween" is breathtaking. I've read "The Killing Joke" which was pretty awesome as well. I've moved on "Year One" and am currently reading "The Dark Knight Returns." I'm pretty sure I'm going to fill a shelf in my book case with Batman Compilations. Does anyone have any other suggestions (with brief descriptions?).
The Dark Knight Returns is the best. I especially like his outfit. It just screams "I'M THE GODDAMN BATMAN"
Read 'Sandman.' Seriously. It's a 75 issue self-contained series, and is absolutely beautiful. It's not Batman though...
I haven't read any but I did very much enjoy Batman: Arkham Asylum and a graphic novel nerd of a friend I have suggested me that I read some. So yeah that is me saying you should try Batman:AA if you haven't already it's an ANAZING game.
Speaking of Batman:AA, Batman:AA2 is coming out real soon. I think it's going to be called Batman: Arkham City
Seems like you've hit most of the big ones. The only one that I can think of right now that you haven't read yet is Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth. As you might have guessed, it takes place in Arkham Asylum. The Joker and the rest of the inmates have staged a breakout (again), but rather than making a break for it into Gotham they have taken the staff of the Asylum hostage and demanded that Batman come in and join them. It's a much darker and more disturbing story than you'd expect from Batman, even going beyond the Joker's psychopathy in the film The Dark Knight. The art style is also very different; it's purposefully drawn to be otherworldly and disturbing. One picture of the Joker in particular is pure Nightmare Fuel:
No matter what anyone says, don't read anything by Grant Morrison. That man is a menace. Anyway, anyone who knows me well knows that I have total authority on this subject. Broken City and Joker by Brian Azzarello are both great. Mad Love for something different. Knightfall gets pretty silly, but a lot of it is essential Batman. War Games is great. City of Crime. Long Halloween should, of course, be followed by Dark Victory. Gotham Central isn't exactly Batman, but it's great. Death and the Maidens. Turning Points. The Man Who Laughs. I'm sure I've got more, but that's at least a solid start.
