A look at Batman's early career by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, and a strong influence for the film The Dark Knight.

Arkham Asylum (available for both the PS3 and XBox-360) is the most realistic depiction of a superhero in a video game. Throw this on and you will believe you *are* The Batman. Loosely based on the book of the same name, but primarily written as an original story by Paul Dini, Arkham Asylum is easy to pick up for beginners, but challenging to master for gamers.

The ultimate Joker story by Watchmen/V For Vendetta writer Alan Moore.

Christopher Nolan's reboot of the Batman film franchise defies expectation and delivers the closest adaptation of the modern comic books outside of the Animated Series.

Matt Wagner's take on Batman's early career is uniquely refreshing in an era where the character's development seemed to have plateaued. It's easy to see this as an influence for the film Batman Begins.

The introductory story of Bane, a villain bent on breaking Batman both physically and psychologically. The novelization by long-time Batman writer Denny O'Neil is far superior in tone, style and detail to the comic-book trilogy.

A creepier take on the Dark Knight based on the comics of the 1990s by Tim Burton, who is far more recognizable as the creative force in this sequel to the 1989 film. (Available on both DVD & Blu ray.) Avoid follow-ups Batman Forever and Batman & Robin.

The second chapter in Grant Morrison's legendary Batman R.I.P. trilogy. Optional reading afterwards would be The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul, co-written by Paul Dini.

The conclusion to the successful Batman Beyond cartoon series, much like Mask of the Phantasm, actually bests a number of the live-action films. Make sure to pick up the uncut edition.

Tim Burton's take on the Dark Knight draws inspiration primarily from the 1940s comics and shines primarily thanks to Jack Nicholson's Joker. Available on both Blu ray and DVD.

Considered to be the greatest Batman story ever told, author Frank Miller's DKR is a bookend to his Batman Year One, telling the story of a gritty Batman who comes out of retirement to save Gotham one last time. Knowledge of DC continuity is not needed, but DKR is of a higher reading level than most superhero graphic novels. The follow-up, The Dark Knight Strikes Again, should be avoided.