Action-packed reads for Batman Day

Batman has been my favorite superhero since I was four years old. I have so many fond memories of watching the old Adam West Batman show, falling in love with the more modern movies, and even dipping my toes into the comics world with certain storylines. But there has been a shift in how superhero stories have been presented lately, and there have been more and more superhero novels where they weren't even ten years ago. Sometimes they're novelizing popular comic storylines or sometimes they're writing something new. So with there being so many books out there for superhero lovers, I chose my favorites that feature the Caped Crusader I think everyone should read.

1. Batman: The Court of Owls by Greg Cox

The Court of Owls is probably my favorite Batman gang of villains. They are creepy, cultish, and ancient - and this book shows exactly how deep their control of Gotham City goes. Adapted from the original comics arc, this novel provides a new nuance and thrilling twists and turns that even seasoned comic book fans will love. It's a fascinating look at the shadow politics of Gotham, while still giving us a sci-fi thriller you can't put down.

Batman: The Court of Owls is available through Penguin Random House

2. Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu

Despite having "Batman' in the title, this book focuses on an 18-year-old Bruce Wayne - long before he ever takes up the cape and cowl. I love how it gives insight into how Bruce Wayne was thrust into so much the moment he was legally an adult - and how it set up the steps for him to become the hero we know and love today. I wouldn't quite call it an origin story - as he never once becomes Batman in the book - but more of one where Bruce learns his calling, and allows us to learn about the real Bruce Wayne along the way.

Batman: Nightwalker is available through Penguin Random House

3. Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore

While this storyline is dark and twisted, The Killing Joke is also considered one of the most iconic storylines in the Batman universe. It is the catalyst for Barbara Gordon going from Batgirl to Oracle and shows how symbiotic the Gordon family is to the Batfam. And while this graphic novel is not for the faint of heart, I find it a fascinating look into the psychology of both Batman and the Joker - and how blurry the lines that separate the two can get.

Batman: The Killing Joke is available through DC Comics