do u regret reading batman comics in chronological order? i lowkey want to do that but it feels like im setting myself up for failure there
I wouldn't say i regret it, considering the way i read batman's publication history was in a way that would soothe my ocd tendencies to know everything about a character.
HOWEVER, if you do not want to make yourself crazy or don't have insane focus, there is a much simpler way to get caught up chronologically speaking, whilst also leaving space for other comics that might interest you. So this is my unofficial guide, kind of:
At first, i would start off with reading the universe event Crisis on Infinite Earths as it sets the tone for the status quo of the Modern age of comics. This event takes place in 1985-86.
From there on out, the easiest option is to alternate between:
Detective Comics ( starting with #569 )
Batman ( starting with #400 )
Either read 5 Detective Comics issues, and then five Batman issues, whichever way you want to organize yourself. However, whenever an event or storyline begins, you can search up reading lists for them on either League of Comic Book Geeks or on the World Wide Web. It is important to research something if you don't understand it and to stay curious! The best comics are usually found by complete accident.
Once you hit the 2000s, i would also implore you to read Gotham Knights, as it usually gives glimpses into the overall Batfamily dynamics.
During these read-throughs (until you hit 2011), you can pause your main quest to either read other comics for characters like Robin, Huntress, Oracle, Nightwing, etc. since most of them belong in the same continuity. Genuinely, take your time.
Once you hit 2011, it is time for the dreaded New 52 continuity. Fair warning, none of the characters you come to love really act like themselves, and if you happened to like any legacy or female characters, brace yourself for some truly horrific characterization or straight up a wipe out from the universe.
Flashpoint is the event that starts us off into this new continuity and both the Batman and Detective Comics runs are rebooted with new #1 issues. Continue reading from there, and you can stray off the path here and there for other runs that might interest you during this time.
Now, you may be asking; riri, why the fuck are you making me read the new 52 if it's so awful?
Well, for our current continuity, which is Rebirth/Infinite Frontier, you will need knowledge of what went down in the New 52 as all the current stories are a mix of the modern age & the new 52 + rebirth exclusive details.
The comic oneshot DC Universe: Rebirth is what starts off the Rebirth continuity. Batman is relaunched with #1, BUT Detective Comics goes back to its original numbering, starting with #934. However, the true conclusion to the New 52 happens in the “Superman Reborn” arc. You follow the same pattern as before while reading Batman comics.
There are two soft reboots that happen in 2020-ish before Infinite Frontier:
And then comes Infinite Frontier. At the outset of the Infinite Frontier Era, DC publishers began stating that “everything counts, everything matters,” a vague claim that everything from prior continuities was or could be canon. However, “everything counts, everything matters” doesn’t actually mean that everything is canon. (If everything is canon, then nothing makes sense, after all.) What it really means is that everything in the past is fair game to reference.
And as always, keep up with Batman & Detective Comics ! And whichever comic you wish to read on the side, with attention to any events that may be happening during the year.
