This book marks a perfect introduction to the caped crusader, especially if you are a fan of the movies and/or TV shows and wish to explore the comic book adventures of the superhero. For those of us who have read more than a few Batman comics, it is still a very fun and engaging read. The book consists of some of the best and most historically important Batman comics ranging from 1939 to 2014. Many of these stories are a blast to read and give one a full understanding of who Batman is as a character. This book also contains text giving an historical overview of each different era of Batman's comic history. While many comic book buffs will find this information very basic, newcomers and causal fans will find it very informative.
Here are my thoughts on each of the individual stories.
The Case of the Chemical Syndicate (1939) A very impressive start for the Dark Knight. This first Batman story is still a gem today. Action packed and very atmospheric this is a pure delight.
The Legend of the Batman - Who He Is and How He Came to Be (1940) This comic was the first time Batman's infamous origin story had been told. It is told very quickly, basically but effectively here.
Accidentally on Purpose (1944) A fun golden age romp. This story features an early version of Alfred, when the character was still a comedy relief. He is delightful here and steals the show from our heroes. Despite this, the story has rather weak villains.
The Scoop of the Century (1948) A fun little golden age story about Vicki Vale (girl photographer) believing she has found out Batman's true identity.
The Jungle Cat-Queen (1954) A very silly but fun story with Batman and Robin fighting Cat Woman in the jungle.
The Batman of Tomorrow (1955) An over-the-top story about Batman getting help from a Batman from the future. The story has little logic to it but the future Batman's gadgets are a lot of fun.
The Origin of the Superman-Batman Team (1958) Through a flash back in another story, we get told how Batman and Superman first teamed up. The surrounding story is a bit rushed, and the ending seems a bit forced. However, the actual story of how Superman and Batman teamed up is a lot of fun.
The Mystery of the Menacing Mask (1964) A well done story featuring quite a good one-shot villain with a mind control gimmick.
Beware of Poison Ivy (1966) The introduction of Poison Ivy is a bit underwhelming (as the villainess is underdeveloped), but it still has its silver age charms.
The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl (1967) A fun introduction to Batgirl with great artwork.
The Secret of the Waiting Graves (1970) A dark and atmospheric horror-adject story that still works very well.
Death Flies the Haunted Skies (1974) A airborne Batman story involving a ghostly World War One plane. There is a lot to enjoy about this very atmospheric story, even if it can feel a bit rushed.
The Deadshot Ricochet (1977) A well-made and action-packed reinvention of the villain, Deadshot.
Wanted: Santa Claus -- Dead or Alive (1980) A not wholly successful Christmas story that has its moments but is an uneasy mix of dark and corny.
...The Player on the Other Side (1984) I find the evil mirror version of Batman, kind of boring honestly, but the drama about Batman facing his past is very well done.
My Beginning ... And My Probable End (1987) A top notch Batman story in every respect. Batman facing what he has become when Robin has been shot by the Mad Hatter is an incredibly heartfelt and thought-provoking. Probably my favorite comic in this book.
Identity Crisis (1991) A very well-made page turner about Bruce Wayne waking up to find out that he is no longer Batman but someone else is. The ending is a bit of a cop-out, but everything else is so good you may not care.
The Broken Bat (1993) This comic was a part of one of the greatest and most important Batman stories of all time, with Batman finally meeting his better in Bane. Unfortunately, reading this comic without reading the rest of the story can feel like reading a single chapter of a great novel.
Knight Out (1997) After the darker stories that precede it, this is a welcome change of a pace. Just a humorous and fun story about a woman trying to get a date with Bruce Wayne.
Air Time (2001) A simple story of Batman saving a family in a car that has went into the ocean, proves to be a great examination of what the character is all about.
The Beautiful People (2006) A very well written story about Batman fighting a new and dangerous villain, who gives him not clue what to expect.
Trust Fall (2011) A overly bloody story of Batman fighting someone who has a vendetta against the Wayne family. A well told story but the gore seems excessive and unnecessary.
The Case of the Chemical Syndicate (2014) A retelling of the first Batman story with new vintage style artwork. The new artwork is great, and the story is still a delight.
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