Intro:
Knightfall is a major Batman storyline that runs from 1993 to 1994, written primarily by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Alan Grant, with art from Jim Aparo, Graham Nolan, and others. The story focuses on Bruce Wayne’s physical and mental breakdown as Batman, particularly after facing the villain Bane. Bane, who serves as the arc’s main antagonist, systematically wears Batman down before engaging him in a critical confrontation. Other key villains such as the Joker, Scarecrow, and Poison Ivy also feature prominently, adding to the challenges Batman faces.
The saga is divided into multiple parts: “Knightfall,” “Knightquest,” and “KnightsEnd.” The main protagonists include Bruce Wayne/Batman and Jean-Paul Valley (Azrael), who temporarily takes over the mantle of Batman.
Upon release, the storyline received significant attention from both fans and critics. Fans appreciated the bold move of showing Batman as vulnerable, while others felt the changes to the character (especially with the introduction of Jean-Paul Valley’s more violent Batman) were too drastic. Critically, it was viewed as a turning point for Batman comics in the 1990s, influencing future storylines that explore Batman’s humanity and limitations. The art style, particularly Jim Aparo’s work, was well-regarded for its clear action sequences and mood-setting.
Background Reading:
Related Guides
- Batman
- Tim Drake
- Dick Grayson
- Azreal
For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.
For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.
Knightfall Reading Order:
In the Knightfall arc, Bane, a strategic mastermind, orchestrates a meticulously planned assault on Gotham City. He strategically wears down Batman by unleashing the city’s most dangerous criminals, forcing the Dark Knight to fight tirelessly to maintain order. Physically and emotionally exhausted, Batman finds himself facing his most formidable opponent yet. The narrative builds to a climactic showdown, culminating in a life-altering event that leaves Batman broken and Gotham in turmoil.
Best Way To Read:
- Omnibus Collection
- Other collections
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #484 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #485 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #486 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #487 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #654 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #655 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #656 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #488 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #657 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #658 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #489 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #490 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #491 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prelude to Knightfall Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #492 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #659 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #493 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #660 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #494 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #661 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #495 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #662 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #496 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #663 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #497 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman Villains Secret Files and Origins #1 – “Lost Pages: How Bane Infiltrated Wayne Manor” | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #664 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Showcase ’93 #7 – “Two-Face – Double-Cross” | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Showcase ’93 #8 – “Two-Face Part 2 – Bad Judgment” | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #498 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #16 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #17 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #18 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #665 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #499 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #666 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
| Batman #500 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightfall vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 1 |
Knightquest Reading Order:
Knightquest takes place in the aftermath of Batman’s defeat at the hands of Bane. With Bruce Wayne defeated, a new hero, Jean-Paul Valley, steps forward to take on the mantle of the Bat. Valley’s methods are far more brutal and extreme, leading to a clash of ideologies as he struggles to fill Batman’s shoes. Meanwhile, Gotham City is plagued by Valley’s increasingly reckless actions, testing the limits of his commitment to justice.
Best Way To Read:
- Omnibus Collection
- Other collections
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Detective Comics #667 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Detective Comics #668 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Robin (vol. 4) #1 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Robin (vol. 4) #2 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #19 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #20 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman #501 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman #502 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Detective Comics #669 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Detective Comics #670 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Catwoman (vol. 2) #6 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman #503 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman #504 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Catwoman (vol. 2) #7 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 1 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Detective Comics #671 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Detective Comics #672 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Detective Comics #673 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #24 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman #505 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #25 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman #506 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman #507 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #26 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #27 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Showcase ’94 #7 – “Cracks”Batman #501 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Detective Comics #674 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman #508 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #28 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Detective Comics #675 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Crusade vol. 2 Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Justice League Task Force #5 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Search Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Justice League Task Force #6 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Search Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #21 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Search Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #22 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Search Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #23 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Search Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #59 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Search Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #60 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Search Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #61 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Search Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
| Robin (vol. 4) #7 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightquest – The Search Knightfall Omnibus vol. 2 |
Knightsend Reading Order:
In the Knightsend storyline, Bruce Wayne returns to reclaim his mantle as Batman. However, he must confront both his physical limitations and the psychological scars left by his defeat. As Wayne battles to regain his strength and identity, he faces off against Valley, who has become a dangerous and unstable force as the new Batman. The story explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the true meaning of being the Dark Knight.
Best Way To Read:
- Omnibus Collection
- Other collections
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Batman #509 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #29 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Detective Comics #676 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #62 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Robin (vol. 4) #8 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Catwoman (vol. 2) #12 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman #510 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #30 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Detective Comics #677 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #63 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Robin (vol. 4) #9 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Catwoman (vol. 2) #13 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Showcase ’94 #10 – “Aftermath” | Main Story Essential | Batman: Knightsend Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Robin (vol. 4) #0 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman #512 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #32 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Detective Comics #679 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Robin (vol. 4) #11 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman #513 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #33 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Detective Comics #680 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Robin (vol. 4) #12 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman #514 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #34 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Detective Comics #681 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Robin (vol. 4) #13 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Prodigal Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman #515 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Troika Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman: Shadow of the Bat #35 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Troika Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Detective Comics #682 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Troika Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Robin (vol. 4) #14 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Troika Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Nightwing: Alfred’s Return #1 | Main Story Essential | Batman: Troika Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
| Batman: Vengeance of Bane II – The Redemption | Main Story Essential | Batman: Troika Knightfall Omnibus vol. 3 |
References:
Feature Image Batman Knightfall vol.1 cover art by Kelley Jones
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