The Dark Knight of Gotham City first appeared in Issue #27 of the Detective Comics of 1939. The bat guy has been everywhere in popular culture since then.
Leading up to the much anticipated big screen debut of The Dark Knight Rises, be sure to read or re-read the DC Comics core about this legendary superhero. These graphic novels are shelved in the YA section but adults who grew up enjoying Bruce Wayne's doings and deeds are sure to appreciate them, too.
Best Read With Your Cape or Utility Belt...
Batman : Year One
Batman : The Dark Knight Returns
Batman : Dark Victory
Batman : The Long Halloween
Batman : Knightfall 1
Batman : Knightfall 2
Surf's Up
Batman Through the Years Slideshow (Wrap.com)
Evolution of the Caped Crusader (Oklahoma Daily)
The Id, The Ego, And The Superhero : What Makes Batman Tick? (NPR)
Radio Lovers : Free Old Time Radio Shows : Batman
