The Best Ever Batman Comic Is One You've Never Heard Of

A look back at the genius of Darwyn Cooke's Batman: Ego.
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[@rody2k6]

Matt Reeves just said that this comic was his inspiration for The Batman movie.

[@ellbent]

I feel like he also slipped in Gotham By Gaslight even if it’s a elseword story.

[@samuelmyth8392]

The Long Halloween

[@rishav-2749]

Matt said he took inspiration from Batman:Ego for portraying Batman and Bruce Wayne's psychological relationship,the movie as a whole isn't based on that single comic.

[@aayushpatel6471]

Source please??

[@SathishKumar-sk8fe]

@@aayushpatel6471 Matt said about it in DC fandom.

[@DDHero2806]

Ego is my absolute favorite Batman story.. Darwyn Cooke was a genius and his art is amazing. If you haven't already read "Ego" go out and buy the Deluxe Hardcover, you get a great Catwoman story and Darwyns Spirit Batman crossover.

[@MILDMONSTER1234]

If Matt Reeves Batman is *anything* like this then it will be one of the greats

[@elewoo7131]

Facts

[@charleynewman5057]

Is it Batman: Ego? Yes it is. One of the best Batman comics ever made. Probably _the_ best standalone Batman comic. It bums me out that trash like the Killing Joke continues to endure, when no one has even heard of this masterpiece.

[@maheendoha3455]

Ikr Batman Ego is IMPECCABLE. It's EPIC.

[@BBGirlSamus]

Did you just call The Killing Joke trash?

[@maheendoha3455]

@@BBGirlSamus ...yup the killing joke is trash

[@BBGirlSamus]

@@maheendoha3455 how?

[@GanShannon]

wow, thought i was the only one that didnt like the killing joke

[@calebl.4351]

R.I.P. Darwyne Cooke

[@dyingbreath7]

Cooke always made Gotham a brilliant character. And its not just that his work looked like BTAS is that he was a storyboard artist on the show. And if you want to see a more alive Gotham I would recommend Selina's big score.

[@dakotatrue12]

I thought he took inspiration from BTAS, the art style and color schemes were very similar, and not only that but some of the psychological themes they were portraying about Bruce reminded me of some of the episodes that explored Bruce and his psyche in the show.

[@dyingbreath7]

He worked as an animator for a while and BTAS was a stop for him. In fact the opening credits for Batman Beyond were designed by him. @@dakotatrue12

[@Nathan-jl4ws]

Cooke was one of the greatest comic book artists and was also the writer of some fantastic storylines.

[@troyriser8074]

That was nicely done, a very insightful look at Cooke's best work. And you're right: Darwyn Cooke is underrated, but word is getting out--thanks to people like you.

[@obsidianmoon2820]

I'd also Recommend Batman: Noel. It's a cool Batman retelling of A Christmas Carol.

[@thepack9070]

Obsidian Moon ohh yeah, I loved that one.

[@ihaveterriblerolls9531]

This comic, made into a 30-minute to one hour special could be an animation masterpiece

[@allenmurallo6795]

I've heard of this story a couple of times prior to this video, and I like how Cooke did this story. It's a shame that nobody talks about Ego.

[@im_not_okay_just_kay]

I was caught off guard by the serious and academic nature of this video in contrast with the majority of videos on this channel. I am accustomed to listening to or watching the videos as background noise or along with everything else I do when I procrastinate. It was honestly refreshing to view something from this channel that had some semblance of substance -- again, in comparison to many of the other videos.

[@courtroonegg]

Ego is a great story and needs more recognition.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Ego is truly underrated and I believe this and those other stories about Batsy written within his 77 years in circulation that are worthy for a reprint.

[@FruduBuggins]

I can confirm: The Batman is a perfect blend of Long Halloween, Year one and Ego

[@ftloc]

This is a great comic, and the collection Ego and Other Tails is one of my favourites, including Selina's Big Score as well. Worth it for those two alone!

[@obsidianmoon2820]

For the Love of Comics Is Selina's Big score the one included in the deluxe version of Ego.

[@ftloc]

It's definitely included in the original printings of the collection which is what I have. I cannot believe they would remove it for the deluxe. Although, stranger things have happened...

[@obsidianmoon2820]

Thanks

[@goom-]

@@obsidianmoon2820 its in the deluxe

[@glasswolf0162]

'Ego' is a good story. But as a Batman fan, I can see why it never gained much popularity. The story tries to split Batman's personality into two halves. One being Bruce. And other being a dark, monstrous alter-ego. And that the two co-existing sides, created the hero we know as Batman. Much like Bruce Banner and the Hulk. But I, like many others like to believe Bruce Wayne died In that alley with his parents. And the emotionally scarred and mentally traumatized child who walked out of that ally was Batman. A fledgling creature of the night. Freshly born and yet to be named. That's why the end of 'The Dark Knight Returns' was so great. He finally got to bury Bruce Wayne. Now free of the fake, rich man's persona. He could finally be himself with out the mask. At least that's what I like to believe. But thank you for enlightening me to the 'Ego' story. It was a good read.

[@elewoo7131]

Exactly, amazing analogy

[@raiden_187]

I agree

[@jpowers55]

One of my top 5 artists. Love his unique style.

[@crusader176]

I have this in my collection I'm rereading it because of this video do another on forgotten comics that deserve a second look thanks

[@jaybook1281]

Saw it on Amazon a couple of times

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

Definitely one of my favourites. Beautiful art, powerful writing.

[@pandogstudios1512]

It was this video 3 years ago that made this one of my favourite comics. I was really happy when Reeves said he was using it as inspiration.

[@runningsuperska]

I love Darwyn Cooke RIP

[@raymondmyers2481]

I have a copy of ego but have never read it. Will do very soon. The most underrated batman comic, imo, is called Prey. Its a hugo strange story that no one ever talks about

[@snarkus63]

Admittedly,I'd never heard of this one...but you've got me interested now.

[@MutantsInDisguise]

Agree. Ego is the best Batman story from the 2000s, and among my favorites. Grant Morrison's Arkham Asyulm is now my personal favorite Batman story, though. Sad I don't have a physical copy of the book, and I cannot find anywhere in my country.

[@Krucek6666]

I proudly have it in my collection :D

[@TrupimOkiemTV]

That was some really good material. I want more of this kind on Whatculture channels. Cheers!

[@stevenlambert5517]

I've never heard of this one, I read New Frontier and loved it! Gonna have to check this one out!

[@mr.fahrenheit1833]

My fifth grade teacher gave me this It’s one of my greatest treasures today

[@waynecannon4232]

Its hard to find a notable Batman story that I'm completely unaware of. Thanks Ewan! I'll be giving this one a read for sure!

[@jordanthomas4379]

Dark victory is still my favourite.

[@scottfree2248]

Ego was a brilliant story! It's art is also beautiful! One of the greatest Batman stories! Rest in Peace Darwyn Cooke!

[@akwilson1676]

Just read Richard Stark's Parker, you'll see why Darwyn is such a legend.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Ak Wilson Loved "The Outfit"!

[@fauxparr]

Ewan is great

[@siegfriedfinal343]

Harvey Dent, can we trust him?

[@SpizzleLep]

I enjoyed this video, but I didn't really like how you kept cutting back to pretty unrelated footage from the Batman films or video games. How about letting us see the gorgeous artwork of the comic instead of cutting away to unrelated media every few seconds? A good video overall, that was my only gripe though.

[@brendanobrien8380]

SpizzleLep Probably copyright.

[@SpizzleLep]

Copyright for using a comic book page, instead of the big studio copyrighted film and TV footage? Riiiiiiight, lol.

[@reanetsemoleleki8219]

Probably more about wanting to hold the attention of your average millennial.

[@dahill87ify]

Thanks for that, I've just added it to my wishlist.

[@michaelmyers4943]

I own this story in 3 different ways. The art and dive into Bruce’s psyche are both perfect

[@burnthetrolls5971]

I loved The New Frontier and I'm ashamed that I haven't heard of this comic it looks incredible

[@bernielaverty3109]

I screamed when I heard the title cause I LOVE THIS COMIC!!!!!!!!! XDXDXDXDXD Thank you thank you THANK YOU WHATCULTURE!!!

[@annsantos7612]

I Would Also Recommend: Batman:Hush, Long Halloween, And Gotham By Gaslight And Dark Knight Returns, Batman Court Of Owls

[@johnathonhaney8291]

All respect for highlighting Darwyn Cooke, a master storyteller gone way too soon, and an atypical Batman story that needs more love.

[@riptorn1667]

This was the first Darwyn Cooke thing I ever read. Since I didn't know the artist I very nearly passed on it but it was so visually arresting I gave it a go. Who knew it'd be such a good read.I hadn't heard that he'd gone. Such a shame

[@langleymneely]

Cooke is sadly and sorely missed! RIP!

[@darthbrutalicious6066]

Have it in my library for over a decade now... Always great to read but labeling it rare is an overstatement...

[@STNeish]

RIP Darwyn Cooke. A phenomenal talent, lost to us far, far too soon.

[@namast3260]

i love batman comics i love all comics in general but although it`s well known the best is hands down the long halloween

[@seananderson7153]

I picked this up when it first came out. It was so good! Batman: Ego. Give it a read! :-)

[@jonbloor5064]

Right where my credit card gone.

[@jonbloor5064]

On that note I bought the book and read it. Absolutely brilliant. So underrated.

[@TheHorndOne]

Great video. You summed up Ego perfectly.

[@nickmattio3397]

There will be no better vision than the Art Deco/noir/gothic themes for Batman and Gotham City. None.

[@fistofdoom8429]

Darwyn Cooke is one of the greatest! He’s in my top four

[@Gmoney375ps3]

A friend of mine had this and it blew my mind. Greatest comic ever

[@zackcollins3637]

4:38 "It shows Bruce at his most vulnerable." I respectfully disagree, sir. Batman: The Cult undoubtedly shows Bruce at his most vulnerable. Batman: Ego is an excellent Batman hidden gem, for sure. But you should check out Batman: The Cult, also. It's a gritty, colorful, late 80's Batman story where he's brain-washed and recruited into a violent, underground cult led by the evil shaman Deacon Blackfire. It takes place in the timeline shortly before Jason Todd dies. Read it - I promise you won't be disappointed! Peace!

[@Davlavi]

thanks would love to see this one know

[@skyerei190]

Absolutely loved this! i hope you guys can do more analytical vids like this on comics that otherwise dont get enough spotlight. Might i recommend a shazam story next?

[@unknownuser2897]

I've never heard of this comic, even in discussions of Cooke's work. I'm definitely going to check it out though.

[@MrCinderellaManMMA]

Wow I gotta pick this up

[@Henrique_Henriques]

I was curious on the thumbnail. I have that Comic/Story... IT IS GREAT. That comic almost made me become a psychologist.

[@LifeOfMeh87]

I echo Mr. Fixit. I am a huge batman fan (completely with huge fanboy tattoo). Worked at a comic shop for years and never knew about this story. Or at least overlooked it whenever I would scan through looking for new stories. But I will not make that mistake again. It is on my Amazon wish list!

[@dquinnster47]

Wonderful tribute to a great man.

[@WinterGirlRules]

5:44 A perfect summation of Batman v Superman with the images from the film. I'm sad to say that, as big a fan as I am of the character, and as many Batman stories as I have read which most people have never heard of, (specifically Batman: Broken City, which has had a clear influence on DC Films in Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad) I haven't read this one yet. This video does have me interested, though. I will try and pick it up when I have the money, though. Thank you.

[@user-be8qc9uz3x]

I've seen some of the art, but for whatever reason haven't picked it up! Especially considering new frontier is my all time favorite!

[@sprice2344]

A video about 'child of dreams' is well deserved with a similar. It's my favourite batman story and I've not heard many (if any) one talking about it

[@HovektheArtist]

SPRice is that the one where older batman goes into the dreams of the psychic ace girl from the royal flush gang

[@sprice2344]

OXOTNHK aka D3ath Patr0l its the bat-manga where he goes to Japan to shutdown a drug which allows anyone to turn into who ever they'd like

[@HovektheArtist]

SPRice i forgot thats what that one was called and your right it does deserve a video its a great story

[@sprice2344]

OXOTNHK aka D3ath Patr0l thank you, what's the name of the other story you mentioned, sounds cool

[@TheGodshatter]

What about Batman vs grendel... Has anybody read that? I really enjoyed it you guys. ...And. and,no one ever really talks about it... I made myself sad now. Damnit...

[@cantinamember6653]

Thats really good

[@joebaumgart1146]

This is my second favorite Batman story behind The Cult

[@ClarenceDass]

I have read it. I got a CBR for it ages ago.

[@ytubeanon]

2:38 hmm I noticed in the panels the narrative speech bubbles are written in cursive exactly like in Frank Miller's Year One

[@JLW667]

I actually have heard of it. And I have Batman Ego in my possession!!!

[@johnathanclark79]

Do a video of artist of Mike Parobeck. He did Justice Society of America and Batman adventures. His artwork featured a fluid animation-inspired drawing style coupled with clear, clean layouts. He died from diabetes (1965-1996)

[@darkjediprime]

I have this book from when it first came out, always felt that it is a great story....

[@curtiscarpenter9881]

I think my prequel to the batman series about Thomas Wayne would be even better, solving a murder mystry prior to Bruce Wayne's birth giving the joker motive to kill Wayne and motive Bruce Wayne. Some are born great others achieve greatness others have it thrust upon them. William Shakespeare.

[@pacmanshooter247]

yeah, have to disagree. I love ego, it's a great comic, but it's hardly unknown. In fact it appears on several must-read/best ever - batman story lists. so..yeah..

[@DickDiamond74]

Brilliant! Now on to the Comic Store , chum!

[@DavidMartin-hp2pz]

definitely one of my favorite bat books

[@Vic4vendetta]

I'm sad now Batman ego was one of my favorite especially the last story S.I.P. Cooke

[@VAULT-TEC_INC.]

I love Ego but I just don’t understand the love for the New Frontier. I don’t know Cooke had died though! So sad, what a great talent. I liked his Catwoman work too.

[@clarisacalderon9555]

OH! I read that one! yeah....that talking batman thing talking to Bruce was rather creepy but it was a fun read. could you guys do something for WW? She seems to change so much in how she is portrayed that I can't really tell which ones stand out

[@TheSkaOreo]

I own this comic. seriously Darwyn Cooke is my favorite comic book artist. RIP

[@WhiskeyBrewer]

I'd love for you to do an episode of this on the Original Team 7 mini series

[@markluis8473]

Cooke, proud to call him a fellow Torontonian. R.I.P

[@markbarthel9835]

I've not only heard of it, I own it.

[@parkerpshebnisky1051]

I need to gets my hands on this one!

[@zipgow]

06:25 A well-deserved capper.

[@Ghidorah96]

Batman Odyssey is the best comic. Hand down

[@Thespeedrap]

I've never heard of that batman novel but I should look for it.I read Long halloween Dark Victory and Odyssey.I like any Batman story besides Frank Miller is he the only guy that Hollywood can get permission from to get Batman right I don't think so.

[@UmbrellaGent]

I actually have it on my pile of Batman books. SHAME ON YOU! HA!

[@LeighMet]

I've heard it

[@ggt47]

Yes!

[@vollsticks]

Wow, an actually decent video, I'm amazed quite frankly Also anyone reading this should check out the Dave Gibbons/Steve Rude World's Finest comic if you like Darwyn Cooke's aesthetic

[@admiralbishop3022]

I remember hearing the name but I never read it

[@jasonbean7296]

Nice voices.:)

[@raoull198]

0:47 that's Tim Sale though

[@PhoenixPhire22]

Lmao... I have no comic books, except this one... Never read it though. Guess need to.

[@elewoo7131]

What do u think of it now?

[@joshmolina4435]

It was nice, but it was a little too on the nose with Batman's internal conflicts. Batman's psychosis is best presented when it is more subtly hinted at (like as it was with TDKR) than this.

[@elewoo7131]

I agree

[@mehdamari376]

still can't beat the killing joke and the dark knight returns but overall it's great work and great story to read

[@War624]

I love Batman and Darwyn Cooke, and had no idea this story was a thing. Wtf have I been doing?

[@jamiepennix30]

It was the only Batman comic in my library so I read it😂