Cataclysm Reading Guide

Overview:

Batman: Cataclysm is a 1998 DC Comics storyline that spans across multiple Batman-related titles. The story was written by several iconic Batman writers, including Chuck Dixon, Alan Grant, and Devin Grayson, with artists like Jim Aparo and Staz Johnson. The event occurs in Gotham City, where a massive earthquake wreaks havoc, leaving the city in chaos.

Batman and his allies, such as Nightwing, Robin, and Oracle, are at the forefront of efforts to restore order and help survivors. The story also shows how Gotham’s villains, including the Joker, Two-Face, and the Penguin, take advantage of the city’s weakened state. Although the arc focuses more on survival than traditional hero-villain battles, there are moments where Batman must confront his rogues.

Cataclysm was well-received for its grounded portrayal of Gotham in crisis and the human responses of both heroes and villains. Fans appreciated its emphasis on community and survival over typical superhero tropes. The arc set the stage for the larger No Man’s Land storyline, which followed soon after, dealing with the aftermath of the disaster. The storyline is recognized for its strong character moments and for being a pivotal point in Batman’s history, changing how Gotham was portrayed for years. (Full Review)

Best Way To Read:

Main Collection

• Batman: Road to No Man’s Land Omnibus
  • Collects: Azrael: Agent of the Bat #40, Azrael: Agent of the Bat #47-50, Batman #554-562, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #73-82, Detective Comics #719-722, Detective Comics #724-729, Catwoman #56-57, Robin #52-54, The Batman Chronicles #12, The Batman Chronicles #14-15, Nightwing #19-20, Batman: Arkham Asylum – Tales of Madness #1, Batman: Blackgate – Isle of Men #1, Batman: Huntress/Spoiler – Blunt Trauma #1

Alternate Collections

• Batman: Cataclysm
  • Collects: Detective Comics #719-721, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #73-74, Nightwing #19-20, Batman #553, Azrael #40, Catwoman #56-57, Robin #52-53, Batman – Isles of Men #1, Batman Chronicles #12, Batman #554, Batman: Huntress & Spoiler #1, Batman: Arkham Asylum – Tales of Madness #1
• Batman: Road to No Man’s Land Vol. 1
  • Collects: Batman: Shadow of the Bat #75-79, Batman #555-559, Detective Comics #722, 724-726, Robin #54, Batman Chronicles #14

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.

Reading Order:

References:

• Wikipedia
• Comic Book Herald
• Comic Book Reading Orders

Feature Image from Detective Comics #722 cover art by Brian Stelfreeze