I'm 19 and, pathetic as it may sound, am just beginning to gain interest in the superhero genre, especially Batman. Having watched 2 Batman films (Batman: Under the Red Hood and Batman Forever) and spoken with a close friend and Batman enthusiast several times, I've decided I'd like to give the Dark Knight a real chance. But I tend to be a traditionalist about these things, so the first place I'd like to start would, naturally, be the beginning - that is to say, the Batman comics.
However, as I already knew, it becomes difficult to trace any superhero's comic book beginnings when the comics are so old and have had so many versions. So this is my question: is there a way to efficiently read all (or most) of the Batman comics without having to track down ancient (and expensive!) collectible comic books? For example, a complete or at least well-regarded anthology of the comics through the years, either on paper or online?
My Google-fu is rather poor, so I would appreciate as much help as possible tracking something like this down from real Batman fans. Thank you!
However, as I already knew, it becomes difficult to trace any superhero's comic book beginnings when the comics are so old and have had so many versions. So this is my question: is there a way to efficiently read all (or most) of the Batman comics without having to track down ancient (and expensive!) collectible comic books? For example, a complete or at least well-regarded anthology of the comics through the years, either on paper or online?
My Google-fu is rather poor, so I would appreciate as much help as possible tracking something like this down from real Batman fans. Thank you!