Top 15 Batman Black Label Comics Ranked: Dark, Compelling, and Must-Reads

A Dark And Compelling Look At The Bat

A division dedicated to publishing those titles that give creators more space! Black Label combines Vertigo with Elseworlds, which has led to an expansive universe full of amazing comics and new, creative opportunities!

This incredible project looks at all the classic stories as well as many beloved heroes.

• Superman
• Wonder Woman
• The Question

What’s especially interesting about these series is that the big focus on Batman seems to have never left the publisher’s minds!

It doesn't stop there. You see, there's another twist: Black Label brought these new universes that fans can lose themselves in and some of the top, award-winning talent to create a series of mind-blowing titles!

Ranking All of The Best Batman Black Label Comics

With the number of Batman titles under the Black Label imprint, you've got an array of compelling characters! Here’s a deep dive into some of those titles:

15. Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child:

• In 2024, a very special comic released.
• Fans will know about the original Dark Knight Returns that featured Batman.
• It was one of those defining stories.

And from its massive popularity came sequels and spin-offs, making it more than just one comic! What came as the next big thing in the series was this unique issue, The Golden Child.

• It took place in a dystopian Gotham City

This comic’s narrative centers around the possibility of Batman’s return after being thought to be completely retired, but we see how a brand new era has started and brought a new crew of superheroes!

• We get to see these new superhero favorites! It’s an incredible trinity.
• Carrie Kelly who is in the Batwoman role.
• There is also Jonathan Kent (he is "The Golden Child.
• It doesn't stop there! We get to meet Lara Kent.
• All of them coming together to save Gotham City in 2017.
• Fans get to see one of the best, if somewhat offbeat villains as "Darkseid" and "The Joker make a joint appearance!

14. Batman/Catwoman

• Tom King had an amazing take with this series.

Fans who loved his "Batman/Catwoman" stories had a lot of excitement, with a compelling new series of this iconic duo’s pasts, where it is revealed how they first met as well as present day! Their romance takes us through the years, showing all those key moments.

But it turns out, this special adventure also goes back in time to some of their really early relationships but that makes it more than just the cat and the bat!

It has its own interesting twist! The Joker pops in and out of the story, to remind audiences that these two great characters' pasts are intertwined and that all these years later, it just makes things even more crazy!

13. Joker: Killer Smile And Batman: The Smile Killer:

What’s an "iconic villain?" It’s The "Joker", and if you want an insight into his insane and evil "mind." This comic, "Joker: Killer Smile" will give you all the craziness you can take. The story focuses on Dr. Ben Arnell as a doctor and he looks to get into the Joker's mind! In essence, it's about getting him out of the world of psychopathy.

There's only one thing wrong, as Dr. Arnell goes further down this rabbit hole, Dr. Ben Arnell, begins questioning his own sanity. That is the powerful grip of this villain that gives us a thrilling story, showing how far the Joker's influence can reach, as the man in this comic tries to find a sense of peace and understanding in the world.

Fans get another story in this duo, "Batman: The Smile Killer," giving readers an even greater experience and a thrilling look into Batman's darkest thoughts! It is a story about "Batman as he's placed in "Arkham Asylum,". But it isn't a traditional look! Bruce Wayne, is completely surrounded by this nightmare that’s been there from his childhood! That's where a terrifying "TV show, comes into play and has a lasting impact on Bruce. This sets off his own journey, with him slipping into madness, as his mental health begins to spiral. These two amazing comic books show the most important aspect of what the "Joker is capable of!

12. Batman Vs Bigby: A Werewolf In Gotham

We have a crossover that was destined to happen! What would make this even more amazing, are those DC characters that show up and bring all these fantasy elements together. If you loved the incredible "Fables, series, this is one of those crossover moments that you’re going to want to experience!

From Bill Willingham we see how Bigby (he's also the "Big Bad Wolf."), faces down a big challenge - that's "Batman! In Gotham City these iconic characters fight against this monster, who looks to kill the city! And with "Bigby" right there, he looks to be responsible for a major spree, until "Bigby" is able to explain that he's on a quest. And this new pair team up to solve a really huge problem in this amazing new tale! It is a blend of what makes Gotham City a standout! And if you love "Fables it looks to take the magic that’s been behind this epic story to new levels, too.

11. Batman: Damned

We go back in time and bring this to the fore! Black Label starts off strong with this unforgettable classic story in 2018, when "Batman: Damned" had its big debut!

If you thought "Batman" was already at his limit. It's even more impressive to find out how Batman really comes face to face with those challenging moments, after he gets a major injury! There’s also the tragedy, the death of "Joker", which is so surprising for many fans and those who've been keeping up with the series! But he tries to uncover this secret, if it truly is a secret! What's also added to this incredible story is "John Constantine who joins the journey. It’s as if you need extra guidance from this epic wizard. As they head back into Batman's past, they get into a confrontation with Enchantress.

• The relationship that they formed may impact Batman! He has this new outlook that may cause some new thoughts.
• The comic will give readers more information.
• This series, Batman: Damned, explores the depths of "Batman’s" story!
• This will make the readers really think about how the characters' morals can impact the choices made.

And for fans of art?

• "Bermejo did an awesome job, with an artistic approach that captures the intense and haunting mood that the story had. This makes the story one you can’t ignore!

10. Batman: Reptilian

In this amazing adventure the "Batman" rogue gallery faces their end. Those bad guys? They’re not as popular.

• Joker, Riddler, Penguin they’re all victims!

But here's where the mystery begins to unfold! A real villain comes into play.

• What is the connection to "Killer Croc and "Batman?" It's the start to something monstrous.

This series makes those of you who think that this villain is just another one you've seen! Think again.

• This monster turns out to be an offshoot of "Killer Croc
• This is a must-read that will give audiences chills and a dark humor that is pretty incredible!

9. Batman: The Imposter

The comic gives fans who have loved this series a chance to take another trip. You get to step back into time! This takes place back when "Batman" was first hitting the scene!

• The Batman (in the movie, "The Batman."). You get to see a side of "Batman that many may have never experienced.
• The Batman who is out there and commits murders, not the crime-fighting, hero!

Fans also have an epic twist as Bruce Wayne makes an appearance in this amazing Batman, and meets with the "GCPD" to unravel this mystery.

Those who read the comic will also remember, and fans of the movie are going to see something unique.

• The story gives a real look into the story behind Bruce Wayne.
• It makes audiences question who Batman really is!

Fans of "The Batman." are going to want to take another look!

8. Batman: City Of Madness

• "Gotham City", has become an important character.

But this city also gets its own sinister version in a realm of chaos!

The Batman comic has these truly unique features.

• This incredible journey, "Batman" faces this mirror, it’s almost like a city he could lose himself in as well. There’s the evil side, full of those most twisted, twisted and dangerous moments!

And those that take a look will know that it’s based on the work of "HP Lovecraft" and adds an interesting, cosmic touch. It has a unique element with "Batman going up against a version of himself, who has been shaped by these horrifying forces! But, he's ready to make a choice that is not easy to grasp!

Fans are really going to want to see the amazing story unfold, as "Gotham City" becomes something terrifying!

7. Batman: One Dark Knight

• You know "Batman" has amazing battles!
• This story goes beyond what is familiar! It features EMP as he's going to cause this awesome and treacherous blackout! It is a special addition to those who've always been fans of a unique challenge!

It gives Batman the incredible mission of transporting this villain through Gotham, but he finds an even bigger challenge. The city has gone through a super crazy change. With those dangerous criminals, as this new era unfolds for Batman. This shows us a side to Batman fans may not have seen, especially during his trek in Gotham City and shows that he may not even be able to pull off this intense feat. There’s more to Batman and just how many criminals he is going up against, in a way that those who read this series may really feel his journey in "Gotham City". A place that has become more treacherous. But even as Batman tries his best, he's put in a position that's challenging, giving us one of the most intense Batman stories ever.

6. Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham

The next stop brings an intense look into Gotham history and there’s an evil side!

Those who love "Batman", get a story where the classic vampire myth comes to life in the comics, as the "Gargoyle is here to wreak havoc! The caped crusader gets involved, making it an amazing mystery!

You've got this story, as it takes an incredibly special path that will surprise fans with the dark twist that these cults from Gotham's past have!

As a special note for readers, the story is going to give audiences some incredible reminders of Batman! He becomes super, super dangerous. But this is a part of what the writer explores- the influence he’s had on the city he’s sworn to protect!

5. The Bat-Man: First Knight:

"Gotham City" is one of the most notable elements of any Batman story and if you want to go back in time, and into the past. Then make sure you give this one a try.

Those that have enjoyed "Batman: Year One. will be enticed! This comic tells the story from the early years of "Batman and has this very special element of a 1930s era for those who may have wanted to see a darker perspective of Gotham City during that period. We also see a look at the turmoil that existed with tensions and a country on the brink of World War II!

• It has those cool, crime drama and mystery elements.
• What stands out most is "Bruce Wayne" in Gotham City!

But in a time that makes audiences appreciate his beginnings. There's a lot to discover in Gotham's dark underbelly.

It's not just any regular villain that he goes up against.

• The First Knight makes an appearance.

You will discover that "The First Knight, in some ways represents a bit of turmoil, an expression of this nation.

This makes for one of the best time period and detective story Comics! It gives audiences a good blend of the classic series and even the drama of that period in time!

4. Batman: Last Knight On Earth

• "Last Knight On Earth"

A great way for a long-running series to end. Fans loved how this gave an end to a "New 52" period, that saw "Scott Snyder and "Greg Capullo really give "Batman" a really, awesomely dark series.

• You get this amazing blend that brought the story, "Last Knight On Earth", full circle which started in 2017 with the initial introduction to the world!

In the story, a clone is found of "Batman" as Bruce Wayne!

• In the comics, he is in a post-apocalyptic world. The story continues in a dystopian, post-war time period. And they explore so many of the characters' stories.

You're going to see this amazingly different kind of story, from the battle of finding resources in a destroyed, desolate world to even figuring out what happened to "Superman." But one character looms over everything. A dangerous and deadly, "Omega"

That’s where the journey starts for the young "Batman," but then things get very interesting!

• "Joker" (not the same one that everyone's accustomed to). There's an evil version that makes this one of the most compelling elements in this amazing journey. He becomes a lantern! With a really grim outlook. This new era, has brought something entirely unexpected as a special team of heroes! You’ve got a super powerful "Wonder Woman" as she teams up with the remaining heroes from the "Bat-family!"

There’s nothing as exciting and moving as the ending. It has this special aspect that really gives readers a look at the future that these "Batman" series has!

3. Batman & Joker: Deadly Duo:

If you’ve ever been fascinated by what it would look like if "Batman" teamed up with "Joker.", This incredible pairing has brought an epic comic, showing how their dynamic, and history with each other would play out!

• In the Batman comic books we get to see how this pair join forces! What happens when the cap is left off and those enemies begin a new kind of alliance?
• In "Deadly Duo," the crime fighters investigate who's taken two close characters,
• "Jim Gordon and "Harley Quinn,"

It’s one of the most entertaining and powerful storylines! The crime duo take on something incredibly disturbing.

What seems like it is the villain's job and the reason the two are forced to join forces. Turns out these "Joker clones". are on the prowl. There is a whole group that was created to hunt this epic duo. It has given the duo some major challenges to conquer! You will discover how Batman and the "Joker have made mistakes, highlighting all the chaos that's been wrought and those who are affected!

2. Batman: Three Jokers

If you loved "The Killing Joke" (from the world of DC! There's nothing quite like this series. The comic's creators came up with a powerful follow-up.

• Batman and a team of heroes are taken to a dark, grim time period as it shows the Joker's enduring evil and impact on Gotham.

A lot is said and shared through this storyline, that will give Batman some major difficulties and some interesting choices that challenge everyone, and that includes those that may think "Joker, only has one character.

• You’re given a mind-boggling take in the series, with those three amazing Jokers!
• It takes on those super memorable characters! In a wild ride as Jason Todd faces down an onslaught! And then Barbara Gordon.
• Fans know about her story and just how terrifying the Joker's, past actions really were.

The storyline adds this amazing impact and gives us more context! For fans of "The Killing Joke" it is something special.

1. Batman: White Knight:

This was truly an iconic addition to those who loved "Batman". The series took this powerful journey and in 2017 this first installment hit the ground running!

We've got some dark history, but this shows how far it really goes!

With a powerful dose of darkness.

• There is a special scene where "Batman" takes a dangerous route, where he's got a goal! The goal: trying to stop "Joker" and to get him on the right path to sanity, in order to take these amazing medicines, to make him return back to his sanity!
• The villain. Now this villain goes to the good side, which will really keep readers thinking!
• "Joker", he becomes this special person that truly does things like giving his talents to making Gotham City a better place!
• It also turns out that this incredible character, now no longer the Joker but Jack Napier has his sights set on one big challenge—the mission to take "Batman" to task!

This whole series brought the creators together!

• "Sean Gordon Murphy" had a true vision to bring to life and that included his artistic work that is truly extraordinary! If this sounds familiar, that's because this creative individual has also brought some major works that fans love such as "The Batman".

And "White Knight" is full of that power! This incredible saga makes those who’ve read this amazing series feel that the "Black Label" imprint really gave these creators an incredible space, in which they had freedom!

And those that love "Batman", are going to enjoy how it went down, because that's where those wild changes take place!

If you are searching for a super awesome place to begin to discover all the greatness from "Black Label", you’ve come to the right place. It's got something for everyone who has read "Batman" comics from all of those past decades. This collection is not just one, it’s the best of the best and there's a lot of great choices when you’re talking "Black Label." These will bring you those truly satisfying and adventurous stories!