Best Modern Batman Runs: Top Recent Series for Collectors

Since 2011, Batman has enjoyed a succession of remarkable runs that rival the classics of Dennis O'Neil, Frank Miller and Grant Morrison. The modern era of Batman, beginning with the New 52, ​​is characterized by long, ambitious arcs, world-class artists committed over extended periods of time, and a willingness to push the limits of the character without betraying his essence. For collectors, these runs offer unique investment opportunities: prices are still low because the issues are recent, but the critically acclaimed quality guarantees growing demand as nostalgia takes hold.

This guide analyzes the four major Batman runs since 2011, details the key numbers for each, and provides assembly strategies to suit all budgets. The goal is to help you build a collection representative of Batman's modern golden age before prices skyrocket.

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo — New 52 Batman (#1-51, 2011-2016)

The run that redefined Batman for a new generation.Scott SnyderetGreg Capulloproduced 51 issues of remarkable consistency and ambition, introducing the Court of Owls, reinventing the Joker in “Death of the Family” and “Endgame,” and exploring Batman’s identity in “Zero Year” and “Superheavy.” This run is unanimously considered the best since Grant Morrison and rivals Miller's classics in the hearts of fans.

Key numbers and dimensions

Batman #1 (November 2011): first issue of the New 52, ​​beginning of the Court of Owls. This is THE key from the modern Batman era. InCGC 9.8: $200 to $400. In CGC 9.6: $80 to $150. The 9.8 census exceeds 4,000 copies but demand remains very high because it is a natural entry point for new Batman collectors.

Batman #2 (December 2011): first appearance of the Talons (assassins of the Court of Owls). In CGC 9.8: $30 to $60. Undervalued for narrative importance.

Batman #9 (July 2012): First appearance of Lincoln March/Thomas Wayne Jr. (Bruce Wayne's "brother"). In CGC 9.8: $20 to $40. Speculative but interesting if the character is adapted for the cinema.

Batman #13 (December 2012): beginning of "Death of the Family", return of the Joker with his face glued back together. In CGC 9.8: $30 to $60. The die-cut cover makes grading complex.

Batman #21 (August 2013): beginning of “Zero Year”, the origin story revisited by Snyder. Iconic Purple Rain blanket. In CGC 9.8: $20 to $40.

Batman #35 (December 2014): start of “Endgame”, the Joker in apocalyptic version. In CGC 9.8: $15 to $30.

Batman #40 (June 2015): "death" of Batman and the Joker, end of "Endgame". In CGC 9.8: $15 to $30. Major emotional moment of the run.

Budget and assembly

The complete run of 51 issues inCGC 9.8represents an investment of $800-1,500 targeting non-key numbers at $10-15 each and paying premium for keys. Inraw NM, the entire run can be assembled for $200-400. This is probably the best long-term investment in the Modern Age Batman segment because the quality is indisputable and the prices have not yet reached their ceiling.

Tom King — Batman Rebirth (#1-85, 2016-2019)

The longest runpolarizingof modern Batman history.Tom Kingoffers an introspective and emotional reading of the character, centered on the Bruce Wayne/Selina Kyle (Catwoman) relationship and on the fundamental question: can Batman be happy? The run divided fans but appealed to critics and collectors who appreciated its literary ambition.

Key numbers

Batman #1 (August 2016, Rebirth): first issue of the King run, introduction of Gotham and Gotham Girl. InCGC 9.8: $40 to $80. Available in several variant covers (Tim Sale, David Finch).

Batman #24 (August 2017): Batman proposes to Catwoman. In CGC 9.8: $20 to $50. Pivotal moment of the run.

Batman #50 (September 2018): the number of the marriage (or rather the non-marriage). Massive editorial controversy. In CGC 9.8: $15 to $35. Multiple variants including a Jim Lee 1:100 at $200-400.

Batman #77 (November 2019): death of Alfred Pennyworth. In CGC 9.8: $20 to $40. Major event that shocked fans.

Batman #85 (February 2020): last issue of the King run, conclusion of the City of Bane saga. In CGC 9.8: $10 to $20.

Appreciation potential

Run King is currently in its “re-evaluation” phase. Fans who criticized it upon release now recognize its thematic coherence and narrative audacity. Historically, polarizing runs that are validated by critics end up being re-evaluated positively 5-10 years later (like the Morrison run which was controversial in real time but is now considered a classic). Buy now is a strategy anticipating this revaluation.

James Tynion IV — Batman (#86-117, 2020-2021)

James Tynion IVtakes over Batman in the immediate wake of the King run with a more conventional but very effective approach: large action arcs, introduction of new characters, and a dark aesthetic inspired by horror films. His work is particularly interesting to collectors because he created several new characters whose first appearances are modern key issues in the making.

Key numbers

Batman #86 (March 2020): start of the Tynion run, first chapter of “Their Dark Designs”. In CGC 9.8: $15 to $30.

Batman #89 (April 2020): first appearance ofPunchline(cameo), the Joker's new girlfriend. InCGC 9.8: $40 to $80. This number was the subject of intense speculation in 2020 (peaks at $150) before stabilizing. Remains an important modern key issue.

Batman #92 (July 2020): first cover of Punchline, its first "complete" appearance according to some collectors. In CGC 9.8: $20 to $40.

Batman #106 (April 2021): first appearance ofMiracle Mollyand beginning of "The Cowardly Lot". Also first appearance of the new Batmobile and the new Batman suit. In CGC 9.8: $15 to $25.

Batman #117 (November 2021): last issue of the Tynion run, conclusion of “Fear State”. In CGC 9.8: $8 to $15.

The Punchline phenomenon

The creation of Punchline is a textbook case in modern comics speculation. The character was heavily hyped before publication, with early eBay sales of #89 exceeding $200 before the comic was even read. The price then dropped to $40-80 as the initial hype wore off. Lesson: never buy a modern key issue within the first 3 months of its release. Wait for stabilization (6-12 months) to buy at the right price.

Chip Zdarsky — Batman (#125-150, 2022-2024)

The most recent and most acclaimed run.Chip Zdarsky, after making a name for himself on Daredevil at Marvel, takes the reins of Batman with designers Jorge Jiménez and Mike Hawthorne. His approach combines spy thriller, deep psychology and spectacular action in a long arc titled "Failsafe" then "The Bat-Man of Gotham".

Key numbers

Batman #125 (July 2022): start of the Zdarsky run, first appearance ofFailsafe(anti-Batman robot created by Bruce Wayne himself). InCGC 9.8: $30 to $60. The concept of Failsafe immediately captivated fans and created a buzz comparable to that of the Court of Owls in 2011.

Batman #130 (December 2022): Batman is thrown into an alternate universe and meets a Bruce Wayne who never became Batman. In CGC 9.8: $10 to $20.

Batman #135 (September 2023): beginning of “The Bat-Man of Gotham”, introduction of a new mystery villain. Renumbering (#900 in legacy numbering). In CGC 9.8: $15 to $30.

Batman #143 (May 2024): first appearance of new elements in the “Dark Prisons” arc. In CGC 9.8: $8 to $15.

Why invest now

The Zdarsky run is currently being released, which means prices are at an all-time low. Market history shows that critically acclaimed runs see their first prints triple or quadruple in value within 3 to 5 years of their conclusion. Buying #125 for $30-60 today is comparable to buying the New 52 Batman #1 for $20-30 in 2012 (it's now worth $200-400).

Comparison and final recommendations

For a beginner collector with a limited budget ($200-500), the priority is to acquire theBatman New 52 #1 in CGC 9.8as a centerpiece, complemented by the #1s of the following runs in raw NM. For an intermediate budget ($500-2,000), assemble the complete Snyder/Capullo run in NM and add the keys from the other runs in CGC 9.8. For a high budget ($2,000+), aim for the complete CGC 9.8 sets of the Snyder and King runs, which will become the reference pieces of this period in 10-20 years.