Wikipedia

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight

For the animated Batman episode, seeLegends of the Dark Knight (The New Batman Adventures).For the fifth season ofGotham,seeLegend of the Dark Knight.

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight,often simply calledLegends of the Dark Knight,is the name of severalDCcomic booksfeaturingBatman.The original series launched in 1989 as the third major monthly Batman title, following the popularity ofTim Burton's1989 filmBatman.Many of the stories follow the tone ofFrank Miller'sBatman: Year One.The series differed from other Batman titles of the time. The creative team rotated with every story arc and the stories stood alone, unlike the inter-connected nature of other Batman comics. Initially the title ran stories contained to five issues, often with more mature topics and sensibilities than the other Batman titles. After issue #20, the number of issues for each story began to vary and occasionally tied into crossover events.

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight
Cover ofLegends of the Dark Knight#2 (Dec. 1989), art byEd HanniganandGeorge Pratt,cover design and logo byDean Motter.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
ScheduleMonthly, with a few biweekly runs
FormatCompletedongoing series
Publication date(Legends of the Dark Knight)
November 1989 – late August 1992
(Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight)
September 1992 – March 2007
(Legends of the Dark Knight (vol. 2))
June 2012 – December 2013
No.of issuesvol. 1: 215
(225 with sevenAnnuals, threeSpecials and one three-issueminiseries)
vol. 2: 79 weekly digital issues
Main character(s)Batman
Collected editions
ShamanISBN1-56389-083-6
GothicISBN1-56389-028-3
PreyISBN1-4012-3515-8
VenomISBN1-56389-101-8
FacesISBN1-56389-126-3
Collected Legends of the Dark KnightISBN1-56389-147-6
Other RealmsISBN1-85286-977-1
Dark LegendsISBN1-56389-266-9
Going SaneISBN1-40121-821-0
MonstersISBN1-40122-494-6
KnightsEndISBN1-56389-191-3
The Ring, The Arrow and The BatISBN1-4012-0126-1
TerrorISBN1-4012-0125-3
SnowISBN1-4012-1265-4

Most stories inBatman: Legends of the Dark Knightare set early in Batman's career, although a few are set in the present and even the future. Stories set early in Batman's career are commonly referred to as "Year One" stories, loosely meaning Bruce Wayne's first several years of crimefighting as Batman.[1]Stories in the title were initially only from beforeRobin,butDick Graysonbegan appearing sporadically in later issues. The series, for the most part, eschewed appearances by other DC Universe superheroes and focused on Batman and his closest partnersAlfred Pennyworth,Commissioner Gordon,and Batman'srogues gallery.

The title was discontinued with issue #214 (March 2007) and replaced with a new Batman anthology series,Batman Confidential,which focuses on more personal events in Batman's life (first encounters, building of new technology, etc.), rather than early crime-fighting tales.

Some of the creative talent who have worked on the series includeChuck Dixon,Alan Grant,Archie Goodwin,Dennis O'Neil,Dwayne McDuffie,Doug Moench,Grant Morrison,Mike Mignola,Bill Willingham,Matt WagnerandMarshall Rogers.

In 2012, DC Comics revived the series asLegends of the Dark Knight,a digital-first weekly series. The series was similarly composed of self-contained stories with revolving creative teams. The first issue, "The Butler Did It", byDamon LindelofandJeff Lemire,debuted in June 2012.

Publication history

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Volume 1 (1989–2007)

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The original series was published as issues #1–214 from 1989 to 2007. SevenAnnuals were also published.

Three one-issue Halloween specials,Fears,MadnessandGhosts,a fourth one-issue special based on theKnightfallstory arc,Mitefalland one three-issue miniseries,Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight - Jazz,were also published under theLegends of the Dark Knightbanner.

Volume 2 (2012–2015)

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The second volume was published in 88 weekly "digital-first" installments and subsequently collected asLegends of the Dark Knight#1-13 andLegends of the Dark Knight 100-Page Super Spectacular#1-5. The entire series was collected in fivetrade paperbackvolumes.

Hardcover collection series (2011–present)

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In 2011, DC began publishing some of its premium hardcover collections underLegends of the Dark Knightbanner. These volumes focus on historically significant Batman creators (the companion volumes were branded asTales of the Batman).

  • Legends of the Dark Knight:Jim AparoVolume 1(2012)
  • Legends of the Dark Knight: Jim Aparo Volume 2(2013)
  • Legends of the Dark Knight: Jim Aparo Volume 3(2017)
  • Legends of the Dark Knight:Norm BreyfogleVolume 1(2015)
  • Legends of the Dark Knight: Norm Breyfogle Volume 2(2018)
  • Legends of the Dark Knight:Alan DavisVolume 1(2012)
  • Legends of the Dark Knight:José Luis García-López(2023)
  • Legends of the Dark Knight:Michael Golden(2019)
  • Legends of the Dark Knight:Marshall Rogers(2011)
  • Legends of the Dark Knight:Matt Wagner(2020)

Story arcs

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1989–2007 series

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Shaman (#1–5)

ByDennis O'Neil,Ed Hannigan,andJohn Beatty[2]

Bruce Wayne and a bounty hunter climb a mountain inAlaskaas they try to capture a murderer named Thomas Woodley. Woodley quickly manages to kill the bounty hunter before falling off the cliff after a small fight with Wayne. Wayne's supplies are lost with Woodley, which nearly results in Wayne's death when a Native American with her grandfather discover him. The grandfather is able to save Wayne's life by taking Wayne to his cabin and tells him a story on how the Bat gained its wings, while wearing a mask of a bat. After he recuperates and leaves, Wayne is warned by the granddaughter never to tell anyone the story.

Upon his return toGotham Cityshortly after, Wayne attempts to fight crime, but fails miserably. That night after he fails, a bat flies into the room and reminds Wayne of the Native American's story from years earlier and so he decides to create a costume for himself and become Batman.

Note:Legend of the Dark Knight#1 (the first issue of the "Shaman" storyline) was printed with several different colored covers as collector's items.

Gothic (#6–10)
Main article:Batman: Gothic

ByGrant MorrisonandKlaus Janson

A man known as "Mr. Whisper" is killing off mob bosses one by one. The mobsters explain to Batman that he was a child killer over 30 years ago, and (similar to the filmM) the mobsters had found and killed him when there was too much pressure from the cops over them. At the same time, Batman's investigation links Mr. Whisper with a hideous event in Bruce Wayne's school days, a bargain reminiscent ofDon Giovanni,and theGotham CityCathedral.

Note: Grant Morrison's second Batman story and first non-graphic novel Batman story.

Prey (#11–15)
Main article:Batman: Prey

ByDoug Moench,Paul Gulacy,andTerry Austin

Batman must contend with the brilliant but deranged psychiatristHugo Strange,who foments a massive smear campaign against him and attempts to uncover his secret identity.

Note: Retells the second meeting, in Post-Crisiscontinuity, between Batman and Hugo Strange (the first meeting would be told, years later, inDark Moon Rising: Batman and the Monster Men).

Venom (#16–20)

By Dennis O'Neil, Russell Braun,Trevor Von Eeden,andJosé Luis García-López

When Batman fails to save the life of a young girl held for ransom, he decides to try a new experimental steroid-drug designed by her father called Venom.

Note: First appearance of the "Venom" drug-steroid, later used by Bane. FirstLegends of the Dark Knightstory to be referenced in-canon in the main Batman titles duringKnightfall.

Faith (#21–23)

ByMike W. Barr,Bart Sears,and Randy Elliott

A drug addict is rescued from a fatal beating by Batman, which inspires him to organize a group of neighborhood vigilantes to take up Batman's cause. However, his addled dreams convince him that he must supplant Batman. Meanwhile, Dr.Leslie Thompkinsdiscovers Bruce Wayne's secret identity.

Note: Tells the previously-unseen story of Leslie Thompkins discovering that Bruce Wayne is Batman. Also, it is the firstLegends of the Dark Knightstory to not consist of the original five issue one story format.

Flyer (#24–26)

ByHoward ChaykinandGil Kane

One of the officers who was injured during the siege against Batman inBatman: Year Oneresurfaces in a mechanized combat suit, targeting Batman for death.

Note: An unofficial sequel toBatman: Year One.

Destroyer (Part 2 of 3) (#27)

By Dennis O'Neil,Chris Sprouse,and Bruce Patterson

A miscreant is blowing up Gotham's newer buildings which, according to him, have overshadowed the old Gotham and his destruction leads to Art.

Note: Part of a three-part crossover involvingLegends of the Dark Knight,Batman,andDetective Comics.First issue of the series to be set in the then-present day continuity and the first issue to crossover with the other Batman titles.

Faces (#28–30)

ByMatt Wagner

Two-Face takes over a small island with plans to create a society in his own scarred image.

Family (#31)

ByJames D. HudnallandBrent Anderson

After Bruce forces Alfred to take a vacation toCorto Maltese,he must rescue him from kidnappers.

Note: First regular DC Universe appearance of the island nation of Corto Maltese, which was introduced in the pages of the out-of-continuityBatman: The Dark Knight Returnsminiseries.

Blades (#32–34)

ByJames RobinsonandTim Sale

While Batman is distracted with a serial killer who targets senior citizens, a new vigilante, the swashbucklingCavalier,begins his own war on crime.

Note: The Cavalier who appears in the story is a new character, previously never seen before, and has no ties with the more commonly known version of the character.

Destiny (#35–36)

ByBo Hamptonand Mark Kneece

Batman meets another costumed vigilante from Norway who dresses like aViking,and learns an ancient tale of a Norse hero known as the Bat Man.

Mercy (#37)

ByDan Abnett,Andy Lanning,andColin MacNeil

In his early days, Batman trained a female rookie cop, Mercedes "Mercy" Stone, to fight in hand-to-hand combat. Five years later, he must rescue her from a pit-fighting ring.

Legend of the Dark Mite (#38)

ByAlan GrantandKevin O'Neill

A junkie criminal turned Arkham Asylum inmate, Bob Overdog, claims that the events leading up to his imprisonment were orchestrated by an imp from another dimension (the titular Bat-Mite) who idolizes and attempts to emulate Batman.

Note: The first Post-Crisisappearance ofBat-Mite.

Mask (#39–40)

ByBryan Talbot

Batman wakes up in a hospital bed surrounded by doctors who tell him that he is an alcoholic tramp who dresses in abatsuitmade of garbage. He wonders whether it is some sort of hallucination, or is his life as Batman the real illusion.

Sunset (#41)

ByTom Joyner,Keith S. Wilson, and Jim Fern

While fleeing the police, Batman encounters an actress-turned-vampire who was thought to have died 40 years ago and Batman is hypnotized into doing her will.

Note: Inspired by early Batman stories involving Batman facing vampires in the 1930s. The plotline also deliberately parallels the classic filmSunset Boulevard.

Hothouse (#42–43)

ByJohn Francis MooreandP. Craig Russell

Pamela Isleyis out of theasylumafter her first encounter with Batman. But when one of her colleagues dies under mysterious circumstances, her rehabilitation is called into question.

Note: First story to feature Poison Ivy attempting to reform. It was later loosely adapted into theBatman: The Animated Seriesepisode "House and Garden".

Turf (#44–45)

BySteven GrantandShawn McManus

Batman and Captain James Gordon go after racist cops who are brutalizing and murdering African Americans.

Heat (#46–49)

By Doug Moench andRuss Heath

WhenThomas Blakestarts murdering young women, Batman andCatwomanform an uneasy alliance to stop him.

Note: The story features an alternate origin/take on the Catman, portraying him as a serial killer driven by memories of an abusive mother. The story was one of several Batman/Catwoman stories that were officially declared non-canon following the events ofZero Hour.[3]

Images (#50)

By Dennis O'Neil andBret Blevins

A young Batman meets his match when he encounters a murderous villain known as theJoker.

Note: The story is a retelling of the first encounter between Batman and the Joker, fromBatman#1, with elements fromBatman: Year Oneadded as part of the retelling.

Snitch (#51)

ByRobert Loren Flemingand David G. Klein

A highly skilled hitman whose rule is to only fire a single shot targets Batman and Gotham's other defender, theRagman.

Tao (#52–53)

By Alan Grant andArthur Ranson

A man from Batman's past comes to Gotham seeking vengeance.

Sanctum (#54)

ByDan RasplerandMike Mignola

While hunting a serial killer, Batman discovers an undead man who attempts to kill him in order to live again.

Watchtower (#55–57)

ByChuck DixonandMike McMahon

A tale of an alternate future Batman.

Storm (#58)

By Andrew Donkin, Graham Brand, andJohn Higgins

A foreign diplomat whose country is guilty of violating human rights is targeted by a group of terrorists.

Quarry (#59–61)
Main article:Batman: Knightfall § The Search

By Dennis O'Neil,Ron Wagner,Eduardo Barreto,and Ron McCain

Bruce Wayne, confined to a wheelchair after having his back broken by Bane, attempts to rescue Jack Drake and Shondra Kinsolving from Shondra's evil brother, the Asp.

Note: Set in the then-present day continuity of the Batman titles and a part of the "Knightquest: The Search" crossover.

KnightsEnd (#62–63)
Main article:Batman: Knightfall § KnightsEnd

By Chuck Dixon,Barry Kitson,Ron Wagner, and Ron McCain

Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham to reclaim the mantle of Batman from an out-of-controlAzrael.To combat Azrael, Bruce makes a dangerous alliance withLady Shivato train him to fight the assassin.

Note: Set in the then-present day continuity and a part of the "KnightsEnd" crossover.

Terminus (#64)

ByJamie Delano,Chris Bachalo,and Mark Pennington

Batman tracks a drug addict to a hotel filled with lost souls.

Going Sane (#65–68)

ByJ. M. DeMatteis,Joe Staton,and Steve Mitchell

When theJokertraps Batman in an explosion, he believes that he is finally rid of his arch-foe. As a result, his insane mind returns to sanity and the Ace of Knaves forgets his bloodstained past, starting a new life as the average citizen "Joseph Kerr". Batman, however, is still alive, and his return to Gotham means the end to the Joker's newfound happiness.

Note: The plot for this story had originally been submitted to DC by J. M. DeMatteis in the mid-1980s, but was rejected because it was too similar to another Batman story in production at that time,Batman: The Killing Joke.DeMatteis reworked the original draft into theSpider-Manstoryline "Kraven's Last Hunt".[4]

Criminals (#69–70)

By Steven Grant andMike Zeck

Batman goes undercover as a prison inmate.

Werewolf (#71–73)

By James Robinson andJohn Watkiss

A series of murders connected to Wayne Enterprises leads Batman to London. While there, he discovers a supernatural mystery.

Engines (#74–75)

ByTed McKeever

A story told from the perspective of Gotham's newest serial killer, a slaughterhouse employee who covets the aging and decaying process.

Sleeping (#76–78)

ByScott Hampton

When a car accident leaves Bruce Wayne comatose, Batman must travel through the Underworld back to the land of the living. On the way, Batman meets another coma victim in need of assistance. Before returning to the real world, he must unravel the connection between himself and his evil "soul twin", all while being pursued by an Underworld demon.

Favorite Things (#79)

ByMark Millar,Steve Yeowell,andDick Giordano

OnChristmas Eve,Batman combs the city for a gang known as "the Chessmen", who have been stealing presents from a multitude of wealthy households, including Wayne Manor.

Idols (#80–82)

ByJames Vance,Dougie Braithwaite,and Sean Hardy

A new boutique is cashing in on the Bat-craze sweeping Gotham. Captain Gordon must cooperate with the FBI when a serial killer strikes in Gotham. Meanwhile, Batman is on the trail of a copycat vigilante in a bat-mask, while trying to stop the violence his publicity might cause.

Infected (#83–84)

ByWarren EllisandJohn McCrea

Two escaped super-soldier experiments wreak havoc in Gotham. Batman intervenes, as all of Gotham might be the next victim.

Citadel (#85)

By James Robinson andTony Salmons

Batman ascends a heavily guarded tower, laced with death traps, to reach his quarry on the top floor.

Conspiracy (#86–88)

By Doug Moench,J. H. Williams III,and Mick Gray

A series of ritual murders in Gotham leads Batman to Los Angeles. As the stakes get higher, Batman and a new ally work together to unravel a conspiracy that reaches from drug-peddling biker gangs to the CIA and a mysterious religious order.

Clay (#89–90)

By Alan Grant andQuique Alcatena

Batman faces his slipperiest foe to date in the form of the newClayface,Matt Hagen.

Notes: A retelling of the story "The Challenge of Clay-Face" inDetective Comics#298.

Freakout (#91–93)

ByGarth EnnisandWill Simpson

Batman investigates a new designer drug, an enhanced form of LSD.

Stories (#94)

ByMichael T. Gilbert

A writer by the name of Saul Fisher finds himself the target of an assassination attempt by a group of religious fundamentalists known as "the Enlightened". As a result, Fisher finds himself trapped in a powerless elevator, panicking as the gunmen get closer. To help calm him, the elevator's other passengers, from an agedJulie Madisonto a retired policeman and his grandson, share with him tales of their encounters with Batman.

Note: This story features homages to the Batman of theGolden Age,Silver Age,Bronze Age,andDark Age.It was later adapted (with different framing sequences/stories) forBatman: The Animated Seriesas "Legends of the Dark Knight".

Dirty Tricks (#95–97)

By Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, andAnthony Williams

An assassin known as the Magician, who seems unstoppable, is in Gotham. Bruce Wayne ran across him in Eastern Europe before becoming Batman and barely survived.

Steps (#98–99)

ByPaul JenkinsandSean Phillips

Batman must track down a new serial killer on the street who murders prostitutes with a crossbow, with the only witness to the case anautisticteenager.

Choices (#100)

By Dennis O'Neil andDave Taylor

When a married acrobatic couple are killed during a performance, Batman adopts their son, Dick, and trains him to become his sidekick, Robin the Boy Wonder.

Note: A retelling of the origin of the first Robin (Dick Grayson) fromDetective Comics#38.

The Incredible Adventures of Batman (#101)

ByJohn WagnerandCarlos Ezquerra

In 2099, Batman has become a figure of legend. A vigilante is inspired to imitate Batman, obtaining his costume from the recently closed Museum of Gotham.

Spook (#102–104)

By James Robinson andPaul Johnson

The Modern Age debut of the supervillain known as theSpook.Bruce Wayne attends a weekend business retreat at a secluded ski resort. When the power goes out and one of the guests winds up dead, Bruce switches into Batman mode. The Dark Knight fights the Spook and his henchman Darwin. Eventually, the Spook blows up the house, sending the few survivors fleeing on a private jet. When the Spook shows up aboard the plane, Batman fights him again, but the new villain disappears. Batman then exposes one of the survivors as the Spook's accomplice.[5]

Duty (#105–106)

ByC.J. Henderson,Trevor Von Eeden, andJosef Rubenstein

When the Joker is broken out of Arkham by a terrorist group while Batman is working on a case in theMiddle East,Captain James Gordon and Sergeant Harvey Bullock must find a way to stop the madman without the help of the Caped Crusader.

Note: This story is set in the days before Gordon achieved the rank of police commissioner and Bullock the rank of detective. In addition, Batman does not appear in a single panel of the story.

Stalking (#107–108)

ByLee Marrsand Eddy Newell

The Primal Riddle (#109–111)

BySteve Englehart,Dusty Abell, and Drew Geraci

A battle with theRiddlerresults in Batman being badly electrocuted, resulting in a near death experience that separates his "spirit" from his body. As the soulless Batman struggles to foil the Riddler's latest scheme, his "spirit" wanders around Gotham possessing a wide variety of "hosts", from a small boy to the Riddler himself.

Shipwreck (#112–113)

ByDan Vado,Norman Felchle, andFrank Cirocco

After Batman foils a group of mercenaries in their attempt to free an imprisoned national, the group attempts to hold a cruise ship full of wealthy Gothamites hostage. Batman must fight his way through the bowels of the ship to confront the mercenary leader and save the passengers.

Playground (#114)

By James Robinson,Dan Brereton,andTim Bradstreet

Batman makes the foolish mistake of blindly confronting a professional mob assassin fromChicagoon the latter's home turf, resulting in him suffering multiple wounds and becoming trapped in the slums of the Windy City. A cat-and-mouse game with the assassin ensues, as the Dark Knight struggles, and interacts, with the homeless men and women that populate the slums.

The Darkness (#115)

By Darren Vincenzo andLuke McDonnell

No Man's Land (#116–126)
Main article:No Man's Land (comics)

Following a devastating earthquake and the manipulations of Lex Luthor, Gotham City is disowned by the United States government. Batman and his allies must try to keep what is left of civilization intact in the madness, while solving the mystery of who the new Batgirl is.

Note: For the course of nearly an entire year (11 issues)Legends of the Dark Knightabandoned its anthology format and became a regular continuity Batman book, crossing over with its fellow Batman titles (Batman,Detective ComicsandShadow of the Bat) and spin-offs (Azrael,Catwoman,Robin,andNightwing) for the duration of theNo Man's Landstoryline.

The Arrow and the Bat (#127–131)

By Dennis O'Neil,Sergio Cariello,and Matt Ryan

Siege (#132–136)

ByArchie Goodwin,James RobinsonMarshall Rogers,andBob Wiacek

Silver St. Cloudand an aging mercenary with ties to Bruce's grandfather return to Gotham as the mercenary and his allies attempt to destroy Wayne Manor and Gotham City.

Note: The story is set during the timeframe in which Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth lived in a downtown penthouse, instead of Wayne Manor. The story is also one of the final stories written byArchie Goodwinbefore his death.

Terror (#137–141)

By Doug Moench, Paul Gulacy, andJimmy Palmiotti

Professor Hugo Strange resurfaces and breaks Dr. Jonathan Crane (theScarecrow) out of Arkham Asylum to terrorize Batman andCatwoman.Strange enhances Crane's fear toxin with ahallucinogenand gives him a subconscious hatred of Batman, in addition to a "haunted" house as a base of operations.

Note: A spiritual sequel to the earlier MoenchLegends of the Dark Knightstory "Prey".

The Demon Laughs (#142–145)

By Chuck Dixon,Jim Aparo,and John Cebollero

Ra's al Ghulrecruits the Joker in his latest scheme to kill off 95% of the world's population and the Ace of Knaves is all too happy to accept. An attempted double-crossing on the Joker's part, however, results in him being gunned down by Ra's' followers, and if Batman is to have a hope of stopping Ra's from spreading the Joker's virus, he must save the life of his deadliest foe.

Note: Elements from this story, in particular the Joker being recruited by Ra's al Ghul, were later used in the animated filmBatman: Under the Red Hood,instead of the plot from "A Death in the Family", to explain how the Joker killed Jason Todd.

Bad (#146–148)

By Doug Moench and Barry Kitson

Grimm (#149–153)

By J. M. DeMatteis, Trevor Von Eeden, and José Luis García-López

Colossus (#154–155)

ByMike BaronandBill Reinhold

Blink (#156–158)

ByDwayne McDuffie,Val Semeiks,andDan Green

Batman teams up with a man who can see through the eyes of others in order to track down the leader of an underground snuff film ring.

Loyalties (#159–161)

ByJohn Ostrander,David Lopez,and Dan Green

Captain James Gordon has been kidnapped and brought back to his hometown of Chicago to be tortured into revealing the name of the last surviving eyewitness to a grisly murder. That witness was his young niece,Barbara.

Auteurism (#162–163)

ByJohn ArcudiandRoger Langridge

The Joker, deeming Gotham's newspapers inadequate to represent his "true self", enlists the help of Buddy Kantor, a highly eccentric comedian/filmmaker, to chronicle his exploits. In the end, however, Buddy's inflated ego and tenuous grasp on reality may prove to be too much even for the Clown Prince of Crime.

Don't Blink (#164–167)

By Dwayne McDuffie, Val Semeiks, and Dan Green

Urban Legend (#168)

ByBill WillinghamandTom Fowler

Irresistible (#169–171)

ByTom Peyer,Tony Harris,andWade von Grawbadger

Testament (#172–176)

By John Wagner and Chris Brunner

Lost Cargo (#177–178)

ByDevin Grayson,Jean-Jacques Dzialowski, and George Rodriguez

Full Circle (#179)

By A. J. Lieberman and Greg Scott

The Secret City (#180–181)

ByDylan Horrocks,Ramon Bachs, and Jon Holdredge

Oracle enters a virtual world to investigate a series of murders.

War Games (#182–184)

Stephanie Brown and Orpheus are savagely murdered by the returning Black Mask, when a violent gang war erupts within Gotham.

Note: As it was with "No Man's Land",Legends of the Dark Knightstepped away from the usual self-contained story-arc structure for a few issues to cross over with the other Batman books for theWar Gamesstoryline.

Riddle Me That (#185–189)

ByShane McCarthy,Tommy Castillo, and Rodney Ramos

Cold Snap (#190–191)

ByJ. Torres,David Lopez, andFernando Blanco

Mr. Freezeis acting strangely and Batman fears he may be preparing for suicide.

Snow (#192–196)

By J. H. Williams III,Dan Curtis Johnson,andSeth Fisher

When Captain Gordon refuses to give him access to GCPD files on a major criminal, Batman takes things into his own hands and assembles a private team of investigators. At the same time, researcher Victor Fries suffers tragedy and goes on a rampage against his employers.

Note: A retelling of the origin of Mr. Freeze, using the origin established for the character inBatman: The Animated Series.

Blaze of Glory (#197–199)

ByWill PfeiferandChris Weston

Emergency (#200)

ByEddie Campbell,Daren White, andBart Sears

During his latest battle with Batman, the Joker is inadvertently exposed to his own Joker venom.

Cold Case (#201–203)

ByChristos N. Gage,Ron Wagner, and Bill Reinhold

Madmen of Gotham (#204–206)

ByJustin GrayandSteven Cummings

Darker than Death (#207–211)

ByBruce JonesandAriel Olivetti

Chicks Dig the Bat (#212)

ByAdam Beechen,Steve Scott,andNathan Massengill

A socially awkward high school student gets more than he bargained for when he invites a date to watch Batman from a local rooftop.

Otaku (#213)

ByMatt Wayneand Steven Cummings

The murder of a black market dealer who specializes in authentic Batman-related memorabilia (lost Batarangs, cowls, etc.) leads Batman toAkihabara,where he must comb the Electric City's variousthemed establishmentsto find a Yakuza leader that has a rather disturbing fetish for costumed heroes.

Superstitious and Cowardly (#214)

By Christos N. Gage andPhil Winslade

Famed assassinDeadshotreturns to Gotham, following the events ofInfinity Crisis,to kill a witness who is set to testify against a corrupt businessman. Knowing of his recent heroic actions during the crossover as part of the Secret Six, Batman must find a way to convince Deadshot to abandon the contract to kill the witness.

Viewpoint (#0)

A preview of upcoming stories published during the Post-Zero Hour"Zero Month" event.

Note:Vince Giarranoproduced the framing sequences between the previews. Two of the preview stories featured here were never published.

Duel (Annual#1)

By Dennis O'Neil, Jim Aparo,Keith Giffen,Malcolm Jones III,Joe Quesada,Josef Rubenstein,Tom Lyle,Ty TempletonDan Spiegle,James Blackburn, andMichael Golden;cover artist:Mike Mignola

Batman has illusions about the metaphorical "burden" he has to carry.

Vows (Annual#2)

By Dennis O'Neil,Michael Netzer,andLuke McDonnell

Transformation (Annual#3)

By Dennis O'Neil,Mike Manley,Luke McDonnell,Gray Morrow,andRicardo Villagran

Azrael, who is replacing the injured Bruce Wayne as Batman, must help a disillusioned priest who has recently gained superpowers fight an army of alien creatures feeding on humans in Gotham.

Notes: Part of the 1993 "Bloodlines" DCAnnualcrossover.

Citizen Wayne (Annual#4)

ByBrian Augustyn,Mark Waid,Joe Staton,and Horacio Ottolini

Note: Part of the 1994ElseworldsAnnualevent, featuring DC characters in various Elseworlds scenarios.

Wings (Annual#5)

By Chuck Dixon and Quique Alcatena

Batman and the Man-Bat's first encounter is retold through the point-of-view of the Man-Bat.

Note: Part of the 1995 "Year One" banner event involving that year's DCAnnuals. Features a retelling of the origin of theMan-Bat,originally fromDetective Comics#400.

Executioner (Annual#6)

By Alan Grant, Barry Kitson, and Vince Giarrano

I Am A Gun (Annual#7)

By James Robinson, Steve Yeowell, andRuss Heath

2012–2015 series

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The Butler Did It (#1)

ByDamon LindelofandJeff Lemire

All of the Above (#1)

By Jonathan Larsen andJ.G. Jones

The Crime Never Committed (#1)

ByTom TaylorandNicola Scott

Crisis in Identity (#2)

ByB. Clay MooreandBen Templesmith

Letters to Batman (#3)

BySteve NilesandTrevor Hairsine

A Game to Die for (#4)

By T. J. Fixman and Christopher Mitten

Batman: The Movie (#4)

ByAndrew Dabband Giorgio Pontrelli

Together (#4)

By Jonathan Larsen andTan Eng Huat

Slam! (#5)

ByJoshua Hale FialkovandPhil Hester

Gotham Spirit (#6)

ByJeff Parkerand Gabriel Hardman

Dungeons and Dragons (#6)

ByMichael Avon Oeming

Look Inside (#6)

ByRob WilliamsandJuan Jose Ryp

Haunted Arkham (#7)

ByJoe Harrisand Jason Masters

Continuity

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Technically, most of the stories inBatman: Legends of the Dark Knightare in the accepted Batman continuity, albeit with a number of exceptions. These include stories set in the year 3000, Batman being a cyborg, certain Joker or Clayface stories that just do not fit chronologically and many more. Many of the stories share a lot of elements with the regularBatmanandDetective Comicsand have often been referenced in modern continuity, notablyLeslie Thompkins' discovery of Batman's identity, the origin ofBane's drug Venom, the characterization of Hugo Strange, the origin of theBatcave,and others. Whereas most comic book titles move forward chronologically,Legendstells stories in random order, mainly focusing on Years One through Five, but sometimes including canonical stories after that time as well.[1]Batman Confidentialwas a series with which the originalLegendsutilized a similar literary format.

DC has stated that the stories released between 2012-2015 are not set in the current Batman continuity.[6]However, over the years several issues from this series, such as "Dr. Quinn's Diagnosis", had been integrated and collected as part of the canon Batman mythos.[7]

Specials

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In the 1990s, writerJeph Loeband artistTim Salecollaborated on three Halloween specials[8]collected asBatman: Haunted Knightthat led them to createBatman: The Long Halloweenas stated in the introduction to the book by Jeph Loeb. The three specials are titled "Fears" (1993), "Madness" (1994) and "Ghosts" (1995). In the third and last one, based onCharles Dickens' novelA Christmas Carol,Bruce is visited by three spirits on Halloween, that ofPoison Ivy(the Spirit of Halloween Past), theJoker(the Spirit of Halloween Present), and a cloaked, skeletal version of Batman (the Spirit of Halloween Yet To Come). Having been immersed so much in stopping crime for nearly two years (the time being Year Two in which the story takes place), Bruce undergoes a change, much likeEbenezer Scrooge,in which he is reminded what it is to be human.

Another special released wasBatman: Jazz(1995), a three-issue miniseries written byGerard JonesandMark Badger.

Crossover issues

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  • Destroyer- #27
  • Knightquest- #59-61
  • KnightsEnd- #62-63
  • No Man's Land- #116-126
  • War Games- #182-184

Writers

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  • Dennis O'Neil (#1-5, 16-20, 27, 50, 59-61, 63, 100, 127-131,Annual#1-3)
  • Grant Morrison (#6-10)
  • Doug Moench (#11-15, 46-49, 86-88, 137-141, 146-148)
  • Mike W. Barr (#21-23)
  • Howard Chaykin (#24-26)
  • Matt Wagner (#28-30)
  • James Hudnall (#31)
  • James Robinson (#32-34, 71-73, 85, 102-104, 114,Annual#7)
  • Bo Hampton & Mark Kneece (#35-36)
  • Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (#37, 95-97)
  • Alan Grant (#38, 52-53, 89-90,Annual#6)
  • Bryan Talbot (#39-40)
  • Tom Joyner (#41)
  • John Francis Moore (#42-43)
  • Steven Grant (#44-45, 69-70)
  • Robert Loren Fleming (#51)
  • Mike Mignola (#54)
  • Chuck Dixon (#55–57, 62, 124, 142–145,Annual#5)
  • Graham Brand (#58)
  • Jamie Delano (#64)
  • J. M. DeMatteis (#65-68, 149-153)
  • Ted McKeever (#74-75)
  • Scott Hampton (#76-78)
  • Mark Millar (#79)
  • James Vance (#80-82)
  • Warren Ellis (#83-84)
  • Garth Ennis (#91-93)
  • Michael T. Gilbert (#94)
  • Paul Jenkins (#98–99)
  • C.J. Henderson (#105-106)
  • Archie Goodwin (#0, 132-136)
  • Dwayne McDuffie (#156-158, 164-167)
  • Bill Willingham (#168)
  • Lee Marrs (#107–108)
  • Steve Englehart (#109–111)
  • Dan Vado (#112–113)
  • Darren Vincenzo (#115)
  • Mike Baron (#154-155)
  • John Ostrander (#159-161)
  • John Arcudi (#152-153)
  • Tom Peyer (#169-171)
  • John Wagner (#101, 172-176)
  • Devin K. Grayson (#177-178)
  • A. J. Lieberman (#179)
  • Dylan Horrocks (#180-181)
  • Shane McCarthy (#185-189)
  • J. Torres (#190-191)
  • Dan Curtis Johnson (#192-196)
  • Will Pfeifer (#197-199)
  • Eddie Campbell (#200)
  • Christos Gage (#201-203, 214)
  • Justin Gray (#204-206)
  • Bruce Jones (#207-211)
  • Adam Beechen (#212)
  • Matt Wayne (#213)

Artists

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  • Ed Hannigan (#1-5)
  • Klaus Janson (#6-10)
  • Paul Gulacy (#11-15, 137-141)
  • Trevor Von Eeden (#16-20, 105-106, 149-153)
  • Bart Sears (#21-23)
  • Gil Kane (#24-26)
  • Chris Sprouse (#27)
  • Matt Wagner (28-30)
  • Brent Anderson (#31)
  • Tim Sale (#32-34)
  • Bo Hampton (#35-36)
  • Colin MacNeil (#37)
  • Kevin O'Neill (#38)
  • Bryan Talbot (#39-40)
  • Keith S. Wilson (#41)
  • P. Craig Russell (#42-43)
  • Shawn McManus (#44-45)
  • Russ Heath (#46-49)
  • Bret Blevins (#50)
  • David G. Klein (#51)
  • Arthur Ranson (#52-53)
  • Mike Mignola (#54)
  • Mike McMahon (#55-57)
  • John Higgins (#58)
  • Ron Wagner (#59, 62, 201-203)
  • Barry Kitson (#63, 146-148)
  • Eduardo Barreto (#60-61)
  • Chris Bachalo (#64)
  • Joe Staton (#65-68)
  • Mike Zeck (#69-70)
  • John Watkiss (#71-73)
  • Ted McKeever (#74-75)
  • Scott Hampton (#76-78)
  • Steve Yeowell (#79)
  • Doug Braithwaite (#80-82)
  • John McCrea (#83-84)
  • Tony Salmons (#85)
  • J. H. Williams III (#86-88, 192-196)
  • Quique Alcatena (#89-90)
  • Will Simpson (#91-93)
  • Michael T. Gilbert (#94)
  • Anthony Williams (#95-97)
  • Sean Phillips (#98-99)
  • Dave Taylor (#100)
  • Carlos Ezquerra (#101)
  • Paul Johnson (#102-104)
  • Eddy Newell (#107-108)
  • Dusty Abell (#109-111)
  • Norman Felchle (#112-113)
  • Dan Brereton (#114)
  • Luke McDonnell (#115)
  • Sergio Cariello (#127-131)
  • Marshall Rogers (#132-136)
  • Jim Aparo (#142-145)
  • Bill Reinhold (#154-155)
  • Val Semeiks (#156-158, 164-167)
  • David Lopez (#159-161, 190-191)
  • Roger Langridge (#162-163)
  • Tom Fowler (#168)
  • Tony Harris (#169-171)
  • Chris Brunner (#172-176)
  • Jean-Jacques Dzialowski (#177-178)
  • Greg Scott (#179)
  • Ramon Bachs (#180-181)
  • Tommy Castillo (#185-189)
  • Chris Weston (#197-199)
  • Steven Cummings (#204-206, 213)
  • Ariel Olivetti (#207-211)
  • Steve Scott(#212)
  • Phil Winslade (#214)

Collected editions

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Several of the stories from the title have been collected intotrade paperbacks,including the following:

Awards

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Issues #116-126 of the series were part of theNo Man's Landstoryline, which won theComics Buyer's Guide Fan Awardfor Favorite Story for 2000.

Specials and spin-offs

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There are three annualBatman: Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Specials written byJeph Loebwith art byTim Sale,which were reprinted inBatman: Haunted Knight;the popularity of these led to the threeminiseriesBatman: The Long Halloween#1-13,Batman: Dark Victory#0-13 andCatwoman: When in Rome#1-6.

The short-lived seriesLegends of the DC Universewas based on the concept ofBatman: Legends of the Dark Knight,but instead of Batman, it featured a rotating roster of other DCsuperheroes.

TheBatman: Mitefallspecial used the modern version ofBat-Mite,who first appeared inBatman: Legends of the Dark Knight#38, to parody theKnightfallstoryline.

The trade paperbackBatman: Four of a Kindchronicles Batman's four first meetings with the Batman villains the Riddler, the Scarecrow, the Man-Bat and Poison Ivy. These stories were printed in the 1995 "Year One"Annuals of the four Batman comic book series of the time:Detective Comics,Batman,Batman: Legends of the Dark KnightandBatman: Shadow of the Bat,respectively.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ab"The Real Batman Chronology Project".Therealbatmanchronoproject.blogspot.com. 2006-09-02.Retrieved2010-12-30.
  2. ^Manning, Matthew K. (2010). "1980s". In Dolan, Hannah (ed.).DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle.Dorling Kindersley.p. 241.ISBN978-0-7566-6742-9.Written by Dennis O'Neil with art by Edward Hannigan, 'Shaman' helped jump-start this popular new title.
  3. ^Wizard Magazine: Beyond Zero Hourpg. 46
  4. ^Johnson, Dan (August 2009). "In Our Sights: Kraven's Last Hunt".Back Issue!(#35).TwoMorrows Publishing:3–4.
  5. ^"The Real Batman Chronology Project: Modern Age (Year Five)".therealbatmanchronologyproject.com.Retrieved2015-01-04.
  6. ^Phillips, Brandy (April 13, 2012)."DC Comics Announces Two New Digital First Comic Series, Will Offer New Digital Content Five-Days-A-Week".DC Comics.RetrievedJune 19,2012.
  7. ^Almond, J. (17 May 2024)."The Problematic Continuity of Modern DC Comics".Gonevis.Retrieved17 May2024.
  8. ^Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 261: "Editor Archie Goodwin was on to something when he paired Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale on the first holiday special of the popularBatman: Legends of the Dark Knightseries ".
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