I'm starting my Batman reading journey off a bit old school. First I read through the "Batman Chronicles Vol. 1", which covered Batman's first 12 mos. from 1939 to 1940. Next up, I knocked out these two anthologies: "The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told" and "Batman The Greatest Stories Ever Told Vol. 2"

It turns out these 2 volumes are not actually connected, but there was no overlap in stories (except for Dr. Hugo Strange andthe Monster Men" so it worked out!

The Greatest Batman Stories Ever told was a fun read that takes readers on a chronological journey of Batman tales from 1939 to 1983. The book admittedly does not contain the "greatest" stories ever told as the editors go through pains explaining why, since many of the "greatest" stories are either already collected elsewhere or will be collected in "The Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told" collection. 

Overall these were fun stories, including several Batman "origin" related stories that were definitely influential in shaping the Batman mythos, including "The Origin of Batman," "The First Batman," "No Hope in Crime Alley," "To Kill a Legend," and "The Autobiography of Bruce Wayne."

The quality of stories also notably increases in the second half of the book with the shift to Bronze Age stories. There are several stories or parts of stories that have been adapted for the animated series "Batman: The Brave and the Bold", so it was cool to see a lot of the source material. 

Overall, I think there are enough consequential stories which provide a representative sample of Pre-Crisis Batman, that this should be a must-have for any true Batman fan!

Batman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told Vol. 2 collects tales from the Golden Age through the modern era (roughly 1996–2000). Compared to the first volume, this collection features fewer filler pieces—with the exception of the Golden Age entry “The Career of Batman Jones.”

A standout piece is “The Secret Origin of the Golden Age Batman,” a modern retelling that adds welcome context to Bruce Wayne’s formative years. While the leap from aspiring criminologist—via the FBI or law enforcement—to full‑fledged vigilante remains somewhat flimsy, the story deepens Bruce’s relationship with Julie Madison and clarifies elements of his early trajectory.

Two other highlights include “The Batman’s Last Christmas” and “All My Enemies Against Me!”

“The Batman’s Last Christmas” echoes themes later explored in The Batman (2022), with Bruce shaken by revelations about his father’s alleged past. The dynamic between the dimension-hopping Helena Wayne’s Huntress and her “Uncle Bruce” adds emotional resonance and showcases Helena as a capable hero in her own right.

“All My Enemies Against Me!” is a star‑studded, action‑packed special—an oversized milestone issue—that assembles a who’s who of Batman’s world: Robin, Batgirl, Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, a pre‑Crisis Jason Todd, and an all‑star Rogue’s Gallery lineup. Notably, Talia and Catwoman fight alongside Batman, to help even the odds in a fast‑paced plot that celebrates core elements of Batman's mythos. It’s certainly my favorite entry of the book.

Rounding out the volume, “Cave Dwellers” from "Batgirl: Year One" offers an entertaining introduction to Barbara Gordon's Batgirl as she works to prove herself to a skeptical Batman and Robin early in her career.

Bottom line: This is a strong, thoughtfully curated anthology with a high number of essential reading. For true Batman fans it is well worth your time.

Curious to hear other people's opinions on these stories!

Just finished reading these "Greatest Stories" anthologies. Who's read these and what are your thoughts?