Endgame Reading Guide

Overview:

Endgame is a six-issue arc published in 2014-2015. Scott Snyder writes the story with artwork by Greg Capullo, a team well-known for the New 52 era of Batman.

In Endgame, Batman faces one of his greatest challenges as the Joker resurfaces in Gotham, deadlier and more unhinged than ever. The story’s core revolves around their intense rivalry, with Batman as the main protagonist and the Joker as the primary antagonist. Unlike previous encounters, this time the stakes feel higher, and the Joker seems to have evolved into something far more dangerous than before.

The series received generally positive reviews from both critics and fans. Readers appreciated the high stakes and darker, more psychological tone of the storyline. Capullo’s artwork, in particular, received praise for its detailed and dynamic portrayal of action and emotion. Snyder’s writing was noted for delving deeper into Batman’s psyche and his enduring conflict with the Joker.

Endgame plays on many familiar elements of the Batman-Joker relationship but presents them in a fresh, compelling way, leaving a lasting impact on the characters and their mythos.

Best Way To Read:

• Batman Vol. 7: Endgame
  • Collects: Batman #35-40
• Joker: Endgame
  • Collects: Batman Annual #3, Gotham Academy: Endgame #1, Batgirl: Endgame #1, Batman and Robin: Endgame #1, Arkham Manor: Endgame #1 and material from Batman #35-39

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 Batman: Endgame #40 Director’s Cut #1 cover art by Greg Capullo