Mar 24, 2016 7:00 AM

The 5 Comics That'll Prepare You for Batman v Superman

Want a full primer before heading out to see the latest DC slugfest this weekend? These books will give you what you need to know.

There's a lot to take in when it comes to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, given that it features three superheroes and almost as many super threats. And while the movie gives a fair amount of backstory, there's always more to learn. If you're coming to Zack Snyder's bacchanalian slugfest without any prior knowledge of Batman or Superman beyond their movie selves, you might be curious how (and why) they'll interact with each other, or what Wonder Woman is bringing to the proceedings. Wonder no longer; the following five selections will explain it all.

DC Comics
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1-4 (1986)
The source of much of the iconography seen in Snyder's movie (and the idea of a reactionary older Batman in general), *The Dark Knight Returns* is in many ways the touchstone for modern Batman, and most definitely the touchstone for modern Batman/Superman interactions. Why do fans want to see the two heroes beat each other up in a no-holds-barred fight that includes kryptonite and Batman dying? (Spoilers! Kind of!) Don't ask. Just enjoy the violence! How to read it: Available digitally and in the [*Batman: The Dark Knight Returns* print collection](http://www.amazon.com/Batman-The-Dark-Knight-Returns/dp/1563893428).
DC Comics
Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia (2002)
A graphic novel by Greg Rucka and J.G. Jones that pits Wonder Woman against Batman as a matter of faith and honor, *The Hiketia* is an impressively subtle introduction to both Batman and Wonder Woman, and the approach each has towards the concept of justice. Sure, there's no Superman on offer here, but trust us: you really won't miss him at all. How to read it: Search the shelves of used bookstores ([or Amazon](http://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Woman-Hiketeia-Greg-Rucka/dp/1563899140)), sadly; this one doesn't seem to be available digitally, and it's out of print. It's worth the effort, however.

DC Comics
Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity #1-3 (2003)
The problem with working as part of a superhero team is that your fellow heroes might not quite agree on the best way to fight crime and save the day, and that's one of the threads that runs through this mini-series about the first meeting between Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. There are also appearances from Bizarro, Ra's Al Ghul, and a rogue Amazon warrior called Artemis, just because you can't head to a team-up without at least one of your villains in tow. Melodramatic, pulpy fun. How to read it: Available digitally and in [a print collection](http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Superman-Wonder-Woman-Trinity/dp/1401203094).
DC Comics
Superman/Batman #78 (2011)
What's the best way to approach a fight between Batman and Superman? Through the point of view of two kids, arguing over which of their favorite heroes would win, and why. That's what Joe and Jack Kelly's "Who Would Win" is all about, and it's glorious. Watching the conflict between the imaginary versions of Superman and Batman get more and more ridiculous as each kid tries to outdo the other, making meta-references to the way people view each character, makes for an incredibly fun story. How to read it: Available digitally and in the [*Batman vs. Superman: The Greatest Battles* print collection](http://www.amazon.com/Batman-vs-Superman-Greatest-Battles-ebook/dp/B0159C1Z52).

DC Comics
Batman/Superman #1-4 (2013)
What's better than Batman vs. Superman? How about two Batmen vs. two Supermen? That's what's on offer in "Cross World," the opening storyline of DC's current series teaming the Man of Steel and Dark Knight, with a Superman and Batman at the start of their careers being thrown into an alternate world to meet older versions of themselves. This being comics, things lead to fisticuffs, but with beautiful artwork from Jae Lee and a story leaning heavily on emotional beats from Greg Pak, the whole thing feels oddly, enjoyably obtuse and ethereal. How to read it: Available digitally and in the *[Batman/Superman: Cross World](http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Superman-Vol-Cross-World/dp/1401245099)* print collection.
DC Comics
Justice League #1-6 (2011-2012)
The current origin of DC's leading super team does everything you want it to: shows first meetings between heroes, features a showdown with a big bad who seems unbeatable, and makes jokes about how much of a doofus Green Lantern is. Consider this a sneak peak at what you'll be watching at the multiplex Thanksgiving 2017. How to read it: Available digitally and in the *[Justice League: Origin](http://www.amazon.com/Justice-League-Vol-Origin-The/dp/1401237886)* print collection.

DC Comics
JLA #10-15 (1997-1998)
One of the most epic comic book *Justice League* stories, the "Rock of Ages" storyline features a super-team of bad guys, the philosopher's stone—yes, it's that stealth Harry Potter crossover you've been dreaming of—and all of humanity subjugated by a threat from beyond the stars. Oh, and the Justice League loses. And dies. We can only dream that the *Justice League* movie will be this good. How to read it: Available digitally and in the *[JLA Volume 2](http://www.amazon.com/JLA-The-Deluxe-Edition-Vol/dp/1401235182)* print collection.