Overview:
Batman: Legacy is a mid-90s DC Comics crossover event that first ran from 1996 to 1997. The arc spans multiple Batman titles and serves as a sequel to the earlier Batman: Contagion storyline. Written primarily by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Alan Grant, with artwork from Graham Nolan, Jim Aparo, and others, the storyline is known for weaving together various plotlines across Gotham City and beyond.
The story follows Batman, his allies, and other DC heroes as they race against time to prevent a global epidemic, this time tied to an ancient conspiracy involving one of Batman’s most dangerous enemies. Batman is joined by characters such as Nightwing, Robin, Huntress, and Oracle as they face off against villains, both new and old.
Batman: Legacy received a positive reception. Fans appreciate its ambition and how it builds upon the groundwork laid in previous storylines, though some felt the plot was overcomplicated at times. Artistically, the visuals are a classic example of the era, with action-packed layouts and gritty, dark tones typical of Batman comics from the late 90s. (Full Review)
Background Reading:
Related Guides
- Batman
Best Way To Read:
Main Collection
- Batman: Legacy Vol. 1
- Collects: Batman #533, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #53, Catwoman #33-35, Detective Comics #697-700 and Robin #31
- Batman: Legacy Vol. 2
- Collects: Batman #534, Batman: Bane #1, Batman: Bane of the Demon #1-4, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #54, Catwoman #36, Detective Comics #701-702 and Robin #32-33
Alternate Collection
- Batman: Legacy
- Collects: Batman: Shadow of the Bat #53-54, Batman #533-534, Detective Comics #700-702, Catwoman #36, Robin #32-33
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:
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Catwoman #33 | Prelude | Batman: Legacy Vol. 1 |
| Catwoman #34 | Prelude | Batman: Legacy Vol. 1 |
| Catwoman #35 | Prelude | Batman: Legacy Vol. 1 |
| Bane of the Demon #1 | Prelude | Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
| Bane of the Demon #2 | Prelude | Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
| Bane of the Demon #3 | Prelude | Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
| Bane of the Demon #4 | Prelude | Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
| Robin #31 | Prelude | Batman: Legacy Vol. 1 |
| Shadow of the Bat #53 | Prelude | Batman: Legacy Batman: Legacy Vol. 1 |
| Batman #533 | Prelude | Batman: Legacy Batman: Legacy Vol. 1 |
| Detective Comics #700 | Main Story | Batman: Legacy Batman: Legacy Vol. 1 |
| Catwoman Vol. 2 #36 | Main Story | Batman: Legacy Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
| Robin Vol. 4 #32 | Main Story | Batman: Legacy Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
| Shadow of the Bat #54 | Main Story | Batman: Legacy Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
| Batman #534 | Main Story | Batman: Legacy Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
| Detective Comics #701 | Main Story | Batman: Legacy Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
| Robin Vol. 4 #33 | Main Story | Batman: Legacy Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
| Detective Comics #702 | Epilogue | Batman: Legacy Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
| Bane #1 | Epilouge | Batman: Legacy Vol. 2 |
References:
Feature Image from Detective Comics #701 cover art by Bill Sienkiewicz, Patrick Martin, and Graham Nolan
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