With the introduction of the Court of Owls, a dark group that rules Gotham, the New 52 marked the start of a new chapter in Batman’s history (see reading order). That storyline is directly followed in Night of the Owls.
In Night of the Owls, written by Scott Snyder, the Court of Owls group faces out with Batman and his friends in an effort to maintain their hold over Gotham City, which they have been slowly affecting for generations.
Batman’s friends, like Red Robin, who is Batwing, Robin, Batgirl, the Birds of Prey, as well Nightwing, and even Catwoman, find themselves involved in battle as darkness spreads throughout Gotham City.
In this long story of corruption and brutality, the Court of Owls has proven their hand, and it will take the teamwork of these heroes some more remote than others to stop them.
Death of Doctor Strange Reading Order
What to read before Batman: Night of Owls?
- Batman: Gates of Gotham (optional)
Gathers Batman: Gates of Gotham issues #1-5. While not essential for comprehension, this serves as a prequel to Court of Owls, where Snyder delves into Gotham’s rich history.
- Batman: The Court of Owls
Gathers Batman Vol. 2 issues #1-7. This marks the first arc in Snyder and Capullo’s run on Batman and includes the Night of the Owls event, making it essential reading.
Batman: Night of the Owls Reading Order:
Batman: Night of Owls Reading Order: Collected Editions
- Batman: Night of the Owls (The New 52)
Gathers Batman issues #8-11, Nightwing issues #8-9, All Star Western issue #9, Catwoman issue #9, Batgirl issue #9, Batman: Dark Knight issue #9, Batman and Robin issue #9, Birds of Prey issue #9, and Red Hood and the Outlaws issue #9.
- Batman Vol. 2: City of Owls
Gathers Batman issues #8-12 and Batman Annual #1.
- Batwing Vol. 2: In the Shadow of the Ancients
Gathers Batwing issues #7-12 and #0.
- All-Star Western Vol. 2: The War of Lords and Owls
Gathers All-Star Western issues #7-12.
- Batman: The Dark Knight Vol. 1: Knight Terrors
Gathers Batman: The Dark Knight vol.2 issues #1-9.
- Batman and Robin Vol. 2: Pearl
Gathers Batman & Robin issues #0 and #9-14.
- Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 2: The Starfire
Collects Red Hood and the Outlaws #8-14.
- Batgirl Vol. 2: Knightfall Descends
Gathers Batgirl issues #0 and #7-13.
- Nightwing Vol. 2: Night of the Owls
Gathers Batgirl issues #0, 7-13.
- Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 2: Scare Tactics
Gathers Detective Comics issues #8-12 and #0, along with Detective Comics Annual #1.
- Birds of Prey Vol. 2: Your Kiss Might Kill
Gathers Birds of Prey issues #8-13.
- Catwoman Vol. 2: Dollhouse
Gathers Catwoman issues #7-12.
Batman: Night of Owls Reading Order: Issue-by-Issue
- All-Star Western vol. 3 #9 (optional)
As previously mentioned in past issues, All-Star the western takes place in the 1800s and shows how long the Nails have been a part of Gotham. It also closes up the previous story arc before starting the new one, which can be a little confusing for readers who haven’t read the previous issues. We therefore recommend you to skip it, even though it is seen as part of the Night of Owls event.
- Batman Vol. 2 #8
- Red Hood and the Outlaws #8
- Batwing #9
- Batgirl vol. 4 #9
- Batman and Robin Vol. 2 #9
- Batman Vol. 2 #9
- Red Hood and The Outlaws #9
- Nightwing Vol. 3 #8
- Nightwing Vol. 3 #9
- Detective Comics Vol. 2 #9
- Batman: The Dark Knight vol. 2 #9
- Birds of Prey vol. 3 #9
- Batman Annual Vol. 2 #1
- Catwoman Vol. 4 #9
What to Read After Batman: Night of Owls or The Following?
In Batman #10–11, collected in Batman Vol. 2: City of Owls, Batman keeps fighting his enemies. In the third generation of the New 52, a new series called Talon is introduced
