Optional
Batman: A Death in the Family
Optional background: the 1988 storyline that changed Batman's world. Under the Red Hood builds on it.
GUIDE ONLYNot available in the shop
No spoilers Reading MapRead the 1988 classic for background, then the modern story that answers it. Two books, one complete arc.
Start with Batman: Under the Red Hood. The path has 1 required book and 1 optional detour, listed in reading order below.
Updated:Read from top to bottom. Optional detours are visibly separated and never block the main path.
Optional background: the 1988 storyline that changed Batman's world. Under the Red Hood builds on it.

The main story by Judd Winick and Doug Mahnke, complete in one compact volume.