Batman: Arkham Origins (book version, deeper lore)
21 parts Complete MatureBatman: Arkham Origins expands the story of the Dark Knight's early years, delving deeper into the gritty beginnings of Gotham's protector. Set on one brutal Christmas Eve, a young and unrefined Batman faces his greatest trial yet when crime lord Black Mask places a staggering bounty on his head, drawing eight of the world's deadliest assassins into Gotham. But the book goes beyond the events of the game-exploring Gotham's underworld in richer detail, the inner thoughts of Bruce Wayne as he grapples with his role as Batman, and the first sparks of alliances with figures like James Gordon. It unveils hidden motivations behind each assassin, and the shadowy forces manipulating events from the sidelines. More than a retelling, this novel paints a broader picture of Gotham on the edge of collapse, haunted by corruption, fear, and the birth of legends. Readers witness not just Batman's battles, but the shaping of his code, his methods, and the myth that criminals would come to fear. Tagline: "Every legend has an origin. Every shadow is cast by a darker light."