The Difference Between ‘Batman’ & ‘Detective Comics’ Series, Explained

Detective Comics and Batman have a lot in common, especially in the modern era. They are both DC Comics’ titles, and they both focus on Batman as their main character. But, what are the differences between the two?

What is the difference between Detective Comics and Batman?

It was Detective Comics that introduced Batman to the world of comics and enabled him to get his own, stand-alone series. The modern editions of these two series aren’t really that different – they’re both a Batman-centred ongoing series – but historically, there were significant differences in how these two comics were written and published. We’re going to start off with that.

During the early years of “modern” American comics, the publishers had a lot of demands they had to meet, like the one that each separate comic book title had to be registered separately with the post. This meant more spending, which is why the publishers were reluctant to release stand-alone titles.

To compensate for that, publishers kept publishing the so-called anthology series like Detective Comics (and Action Comics), where they could try out and feature different characters under the same banner. Both Superman and Batman were created in this way and their enormous popularity prompted the publishers to start publishing a stand-alone series.

Batman, on the other hand, was even from a historical point of view a stand-alone series focused solely on one character. Certainly, the authors introduced new ones – especially villains – as the series progressed, but Batman was never an anthology series not a “playground” for the writers to test their ideas. Due to Batman’s enormous popularity, the series spanned off and the publishers took a certain risk, which ultimately proved to be a good decision.

But things ultimately changed. And while Batman remained a stand-alone series focused on the Dark Knight ever since its 1940 debut, Detective Comics changed a lot. Namely, due to Batman’s increasing popularity, the character became a pivotal figure for both Batman and Detective Comics. Seeing how the latter became completely connected with Batman’s name, DC Comics soon decided to alter the series and make it a Batman series as well.

Still, unlike Batman, which focused on the Caped Crusader himself (rarely with the help of others, beside Alfred), Detective Comics transformed from an anthology series to an ensemble series featuring a plethora of characters from Batman’s extended family.

Finally, we can conclude that Batman has remained a stand-alone, solo series focused on Batman. It was never, neither an anthology, nor an ensemble series. Detective Comics, on the other hand, started off as an anthology series that created Batman only to transform itself into an ongoing, ensemble series that saw us meet a larger number of Bat-Family members, while still knowing that we are in Batman’s territory.

Should you read Detective Comics or Batman?

Finally, before we wrap this up, we can answer the question whether it’s better to read Detective Comics or Batman. Well – both! If you’re a fan of Batman and his stories, we do recommend reading both series, as they complement each other despite their differences.

Detective Comics is more of a team series that sees us follow Batman as patrols the city, but is aided by different members of the family. It does, like the name suggests, have detective work involved, but the focus today is that they focus on a team. If you like team-based comic books, be sure to check out Detective Comics.

Batman is more suited for those who prefer a “lone hero against the world” type of narrative, as Batman doesn’t really care that much for teamwork. This series has a well-established continuity and despite the three volumes, it’s quite easy to read and follow.

So, we recommend both series, but if you’re really picky about your comic books, know that Detective Comics is more focused on teamwork, while Batman is more focused on the Dark Knight’s solitary adventures.

Which series will you start with? Which do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!