FORSGREN: Hungry for more Superman and Batman? Check these out!
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In case you haven’t heard, there’s a new Batman/Superman movie coming in a week. Comic book movies typically pack folks into the seats, but unfortunately they don’t really drive fans to check out the source material. People buy plenty of toys, T-shirts and other merchandise, but comic sales don’t really see much of a boost, if they see one at all. And it’s a shame, because there’s a lot of really great storytelling going on in between the covers of comic books.
Take Superman and Batman, for example. Dozens of iconic stories have emerged from the pages chronically the travails of Supes and Batsy. I’m talking stories that have become woven into the fabric of American culture. Why do you think they’re making movies based on these characters now? Because they have powerful stories, and film is just another way of storytelling.
With that in mind, I decided to list some of my favorite Superman and Batman stories. These can all be found collected into graphic novel form so you don’t need to chase down single issues. If you haven’t checked these out, you’re in for a treat. I you have read them, they’re worth checking out again.
“BATMAN: YEAR ONE”
Frank Miller wrote some of the best Batman stories ever committed to paper, but for my money, “Year One” is the best. That’s partially because it’s as much James Gordon’s story as it is Batman’s. “Year One” shows the growth of Gordon’s relationship with Batman, and we witness them becoming a determined crime-fighting team. This story heavily influenced Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins” and is the perfect primer for someone looking to get into reading Batman comics.
“SUPERMAN: FOR ALL SEASONS”
“For All Seasons” examines the different seasons of Superman’s life. From his teen years in Smallville to his feats in the massive city of Metropolis, “For All Seasons” examines themes like finding your place in the world through stories told by those closest to Superman. And Lex Luthor. Can’t forget about him. Tim Sale’s beautiful artwork is a feast for the eyes, and the underlying messages put for in the story are relatable to just about anyone.
“BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS”
With a story penned by Greg Rucka, “Death and the Maidens” explores themes of death and unfinished business. The villainous Ra’s al Ghul is dying with his life’s work incomplete. He has little choice but to turn to Batman to help save him. In exchange, al Ghul promises to grant Batman the ability to speak with his dead parents. This is hard-hitting stuff that gives evil a personal toll.
“SUPERMAN: TRUE BRIT” AND “SUPERMAN: RED SON”
Both of these stories reimagine Supes, changing him from the American icon he is and transforming him under the influence he would have received under British or Russian culture. “Red Son” sees Supes become a world-policing automaton, with little feeling for anything or anyone around him. “True Brit” looks at Supes as a nuisance to his parents who put a lot of stock in what their neighbors think. “Red Son” is an unsettling tale about power, while “True Brit” is a funny lampooning of British society. Both are worth your time.
“BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE”
OK, so this one is cheating a little, since it’s more of a Joker story than a Batman or Superman story. But it’s a GREAT story. It tells the origin of The Joker, originally a failed comedian and family man who suffers one seriously unfortunate day that kicks him over the cliff into insanity. Meanwhile, he’s trying to drive Commissioner Gordon out of his mind, while Batman fights to stop the plot. Written by the great Alan Moore, with striking art by Brian Bolland, “The Killing Joke” takes the character of The Joker in unexpected directions and is a seminal Batman story. Check it out!
I’ve always been a much bigger fan of Marvel Comics (Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-men, etc) than D.C. (Batsy, Supes, Wonder Woman), but these stories are ones that I’ll return to again and again. Good storytelling is good storytelling, no matter where you find it. Do yourself a favor and read through these arcs, or read them again. I guarantee you’ll discover new things. And maybe, just maybe, knowing a little more about Batman and Superman will help you enjoy the “Superman v Batman” movie more.