Celebrate Batman Day with the very best of The Dark Knight’s most underrated adventures.
On Batman Day, it seemed appropriate to bring you some of the Caped Crusader’s more underrated stories from Tom King.
Batman Day is a date comic book fans celebrate the Dark Knight. Considering that he remains one of the premier characters in comics, a juggernaut money maker in movies and television, and possibly DC Comics’ highest seller, it makes sense he’d be highlighted on a day of his own. And on this day, you will no doubt see a lot of Bat symbols in a lot of places. Bam Smack Pow is no different. When Batman Day comes around, it only seems right that we showcase the Caped Crusader.
He’s beloved by most and respected by all. The genius intellect, supreme fighting prowess, and underrated compassion continuously make Bruce Wayne a popular, compelling and intriguing character. He also has a plethora of unforgettable moments in every medium. Some of them spotlight his victories, others show his defeats; both are important when you’re creating a classic character.
This writer thought now would be a good time to highlight some of the Dark Knight’s most underrated comics, specifically the ones in recent memory from none other than Tom King.
Let’s start with one that involves two Justice League members and two of Bruce’s closest friends.
9. Super Friends
Comic book: Batman: Super Friends (issues No. 36-39)
After Bruce Wayne proposed to Selina Kyle his closest friends had thoughts. Those thoughts weren’t just for who he was going to marry, but whether or not Bruce was ready. Both Wonder Woman and Superman discovered that, not only was Bruce ready for this big step, it was the best thing for him.
On one side, you had Superman and Lois Lane on a double date with Bruce and Selina. The ladies laughed and smiled about how the two of them ended up with their guys. Meanwhile, Clark asked why Bruce proposed to Selina since she’s a criminal named Catwoman.
On the other side, you have Wonder Woman and Batman fighting a never ending battle. While less than a day passed on Earth, over two decades went by for Diana and Bruce. During their never ending fight, neither of them gave in to physical temptation.
Why this series?
It seemed appropriate to start with something with less fighting. These particular issues show a side of Batman we don’t often see – a part of him that has to listen to others and be unlike himself. With Wonder Woman, he was forced to ask for help. With Lois and Clark, he had to leave his comfort zone. So much so that he put on Superman’s actual costume to make Selina happy and get into a carnival.
8. Everyone loves Ivy
People underestimate how powerful Poison Ivy is. The control of plant life alone should be enough to showcase how formidable she is. However, there’s also her doctorate in botany that led to her vast knowledge on how to use vegetation as toxins. Add all of that together and she could easily take over the world if she wanted to. In fact, she did that in this series.
Bruce wakes up and finds out that Poison Ivy is in his and Catwoman’s head. He leaves his bedroom and sees that this goes further than just his household. Yes, Poison Ivy has control over everyone in the world. That’s including the greatest heroes and villains like Superman, the Flashes, and Gorilla Grodd.
Though Batman and Catwoman inevitably win in the end, they don’t do so with with a lot of punches. They use compassion instead.
Why this series
Here’s where we see Bruce’s compassion and how much Catwoman has helped him in his life. When Ivy was in control, he noticed Ivy and Harley were more than friends. That helped him formulate a plan to get them together since Harley only wanted what’s best for her love.
One particular part sticks out here. Batman said that Ivy wasn’t a villain. He knows her heart and made it a point to get her the help she needed. He could’ve just sent her to Arkham, but that wouldn’t have solved anything.
7. Batman No. 78
Here, Batman was beaten as bad as we’ve seen to date. Bane used his father from the Flashpoint universe to help him do it. The part of the plan that really sent him over the edge, though, was losing Selina Kyle.
Catwoman left him with Alfred standing at the altar. That blow hurt him in a way that having his back broken couldn’t. Thankfully, Selina was there to help pick up the broken pieces and it was done in an issue that has to be mentioned.
Why this issue
This issue is part of the City of Bane series, but the issue itself is about so much more than the story the series was telling. Instead, it’s about Bruce and Selina finding the love that they thought was gone.
Let’s call it like it is. Bane and Bruce’s alternate reality father broke Batman physically and emotionally. The latter of the two doesn’t heal easily. Bruce needed to resolve his issues with Selina before he could be completely healed. Seeing the two of them come together and repair their broken hearts was beautiful. It was done exactly how you’d imagine it would be: With stubbornness but ultimately a passionate kiss.
6. Batman: Bride or Burglar
A wedding isn’t complete without the attire. The tuxedos, suits, and gowns are a tradition in the wedding ceremony. Times have changed. Now, people are breaking away from customary garbs. That’s not a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s beautiful. Having the freedom to wear what makes you comfortable on your special day should be the focus.
In this issue, Selina Kyle breaks into a store afterhours to find her dress. While she’s there, she sees a bunch of conventional dresses. None of them fit her. So much that she turns her nose up at some of them. Then, she comes across a dress that makes her mischievously smile.
Why this issue
Catwoman picking out a dress made for some great moments, but that’s only part of the story. Throughout the issue, we witness different moments of the Batman and Catwoman saga. The best part about it is that it wasn’t all good. We see a lot of the hardship that they’ve gone through. Those moments are part of what makes them work so well together.
At the end of the issue, Selina Kyle walks into Wayne Manor. Alfred sees her walk in with the dress and he smiles. When she gets back in bed, Bruce wraps his arm around her. Both of those moments were sweet and they made the issue even better than it already was. Not everything with Batman needs to be punches and kicks and this story highlighted that.
5. The Rules of Engagement
After Selina agrees to marry Bruce, there’s something that has to be done. Selina took the wrap for a bunch of murders her friend committed. In order to get those charges expunged from her record, they had to get the real killer. As you could probably assume, this wasn’t going to be an easy job.
The pair had to venture into a forbidden part of the world. If that wasn’t bad enough, it’s somewhere run by one of the most dangerous people on the planet and Bruce’s ex-girlfriend: Talia al Ghul.
Why this issue
Not, not everything has to be all punches and kicks in a Batman story, but, sometimes it’s great. That is the case here. We get to see Batman and Catwoman dismantle a lot of people. We also see them tested as they go up against some of the best fighters in the world. Then, Selina has to fight Talia.
During their fight, Talia and Selina have a talk about who they are as people, what they were and weren’t given in life. Selina goes on to say why she loves Bruce and why she adores him for all of his flaws.
The B-side of this story is great too. Alfred tells Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Damian Wayne, Thomas Duke of Bruce’s engagement and none of them take it well. Damian takes it especially hard, feeling as if he should have done something to prevent it. In the end, he realizes that his father is happy. That, in turn, makes him happy.
4. Batman Annual No. 1 Good Boy
Batman spends a good portion of his life being attacked by animal themed villains. Sometimes even actual animals. This story showcases one of the latter.
The Joker puts toxin into one of the dogs, who’s named Ace, and it goes mad. Later, the dog is sent to be put down but before that could happen, Alfred buys the facility, has it renamed, “Martha and Thomas Wayne Humane Society” and walks out with Ace. The next day, Bruce wakes up expecting breakfast. Only to be met face to face with a growling dog.
Alfred spends the next couple of months training the dog. Ace doesn’t make it easy for him, attacking him for weeks on end. Then, out of nowhere, he becomes a loyal companion.
Why this issue
This was a very short story in an issue of a few. Nonetheless, this story alone is worth the purchase. Alfred’s determination is always a sight to see. The last couple of pages made it all worth it. Batman coming home after getting stabbed and Ace coming to him showed that Ace completely changed. Then, it was Christmas morning. Alfred’s gift to Bruce was Ace and he didn’t realize it. Alfred walking away and saying, “World’s greatest detective. Indeed” ended the tale perfectly.
3. Ballad of Kite Man
This isn’t a Batman story per se. It does have a lot to do with Batman and a mistake that he considers one of the biggest in his life. Yes, Kite Man had a major influence on Batman’s legacy and life.
Charles Brown (yes, Kite Man’s name is Charlie Brown) was just another goon. He wasn’t important, just another guy making money as a henchman. To some, he was a loser. Batman used Charlie’s unassuming nature to get him information to help stop the War of Jokes and Riddles (we’ll get to that later). But as the series continues, we see the birth of Kite Man (Hell yeah).
Why this issue
Everyone makes fun of Kite Man. He’s called a loser, a nobody, and his theme is ridiculous. Some of that may be true. The part that people don’t realize is how he ended up in this situation. His child’s mother talked bad about him to anyone who’d listen and his son overheard all of it. He’s smarter than people know and isn’t given the credit. Then at the end of it all, you find out he was a pawn in a game that got his son killed. Kite Man was doomed and didn’t know it.
2. Some of these Days
We know the story of how Bruce and Selina met on the street when Bruce first started fighting crime. They’ve also told the story of how they met on a boat. There are plenty of stories in between. One of those stories involved Catwoman continuously breaking into the Bat-Cave and Wayne Manor and leaving a mouse – a game that Batman let go on much longer than he needed to. Bruce explained why, saying, “Because sometimes I like being alone. And then I hate everything because I like it.”
Later, we see a much older Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. Both have retired from their glory days and have a daughter named Helena who is the new protector of Gotham. Bruce gets a worrying diagnosis and prepares for the end. His and Selina’s last day together sees him peacefully passing away in his home, in bed, and around his family.
Why this issue
These two stories explained Bruce and Selina’s relationship perfectly. First, we got to see a tale of how they enjoyed the games they would play with each other. It all set the stage for an ending that was sad. In some ways, however, it wasn’t as sad as you think. Bruce actually had a good life. He stayed with Selina, they had a daughter, he retired, and left the world around the people he loved.
This also seems to lead into Tom King’s Batman/Catwoman series – a mini-series that this writer recommends getting into while it’s ongoing.
1. The War of Jokes and Riddles
This is easily one of the best Batman stories of the last two decades. After Bruce proposes to Selina, he says he has a story to tell and that after he finishes telling it, she can decide if he’s the man she wants to spend her life with. That story is the War of Jokes and Riddles.
It all begins with The Joker not being able to laugh. He spends time kidnapping comedians and killing them after they fail to make him smile or even chuckle. The Riddler then formulates a plan to ensure that he laughs again: They have to kill Batman together. However, Joker declines Riddler’s offer by stabbing him, beginning an all-out war between the two.
The Riddler recruits some villains and The Joker does the same, leaving everyone in Gotham caught in the crossfire.
Why this issue
Batman fought this war after only being in costume a year. It ends up being one of his toughest challenges. Having to pick a side in order to stop the killing couldn’t have been an easy decision. Nor was inviting Joker and Riddler over for a nine course dinner as Bruce Wayne.
As predicted, Batman stops the killing spree and saves the day. Although, there was a cost. This writer won’t say what happens because it’ll spoil an incredible ending but it features a moment where Batman has to truly think about who he really is. Thankfully, Selina is there to guide him in the right direction.
Also, this is a story that will have you see Kite Man in a whole new light.
What do you think? What are your favorite Tom King Batman stories? How will you be celebrating Batman Day? Let us know in the comments below.