What's the best Batman graphic novel/comic to start with?

marcaaron22

Also, any recommendations in relation to any books/encyclopedias to do with Batman, Catwoman and any other characters?

marcaaron22

Been looking at getting the following:
                                                                               
Batman: The World of The Dark Knight
                                                                               
The Essential Batman Encyclopedia
                                                                               
Batman: A Visual History
                                                                               
Batman: Character Encyclopedia
                                                                               
Catwoman: The Visual Guide To The Feline Fatale
                                                                               
Catwoman: The Life and Times of A Feline Fatale

Are these books any good?

Thanks,

marcaaron22

Seen Batman: The World of The Dark Knight in my local 'The Works' shop for £6.00, only soft cover not hardback and no slipcase, does this matter?

Also, they have Batman: A Visual History for £12.00

marcaaron22

?

Earl Nuce

These look more like general reference books on Batman and Catwoman, which will probably give you some information on the characters and some of the more important story arcs. This could be fine if that's what you're after.

However, I think you'll get a much more immersive experience by reading the graphic novels/comics themselves. I'd recommend the following five as a starting point:

Year One
The Dark Knight Returns
The Long Halloween
The Killing Joke
Arkham Asylum