Batman
Comics
Batman (writer: Scott Snyder/artist: Greg Capullo): The mainline Batman comic has been one of the most consistently great comics since DC started the New 52. While the current ongoing arc has Jim Gordon taking up the role of the Dark Knight with a robotic suit is just as great, Bruce Wayne’s time is more than worth reading. Now’s the perfect time to read Bruce’s adventures before jumping into Jim’s story.
Grayson (writer: Tom King & Tim Seeley/artist: Mikel Janin): Dick Grayson is officially dead to the world, but to a few, he’s still alive and kicking as a secret agent for a vague spy organization called Spyral. Goofy name for sure, but Grayson manages to make its title character’s adventures consistently entertaining with a fun supporting cast and just letting him run loose.
Batman and Robin (writer: Peter Tomasi/artist: Patrick Gleason): Being Batman’s son is hard enough, but being the son of Batman and a member of the League of Assassins? Yeah, Damian Wayne’s kinda messed up for a 10-year-old kid. Damian’s upbringing changes up the typical Dynamic Duo, well, dynamic, and that (along with a beautifully done silent issue) makes this well worth reading.
Gotham Academy (writers: Becky Cloonan & Cameron Stewart/artist: Karl Kerschl): The most prestigious school in Gotham City is now home to a group of students with endless amounts of curiosity that makes them want to delve into the school’s secrets. It’s a little bit of Harry Potter and manga thrown into Batman’s universe, and it’s a lot of fun, thanks to its core cast of characters. C’mon, Maps is the best.
Batgirl of Burnside (writers: Cameron Stewart & Brenden Fletcher/artist: Babs Tarr): Being a member of the Batfamily doesn’t mean doom and gloom. Barbara Gordon’s decided to move to a new part of town and try to restart her life, but that’s easier than it sounds. If nothing else, this book deserves to be read just for being a fun breather to Bruce’s grim outings and Dick’s globetrotting espionage.
Games
Arkham Knight: The Dark Knight’s had a great run of video games over the past couple of years, and now it’s time to close it out with a bang. Rocksteady’s action stealth title manages to feel like a DC event for its title character, bringing in the biggest villains (and Arkham Knight) for Batman to punch and stealth his way through. Even if you don’t care for the Batmobile and think the ending is a bit too long, Arkham Knight is a game that deserves to be played.
Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham: Even though the Caped Crusader has top billing and this is his series, all the DC heroes and villains are out and about in this cosmic, galaxy spanning romp. Despite being mostly for kids, this is a game for all fans of Batman and DC comics, regardless of age.
