This is my first time reading Batman. I know...Where have I been? Fortunately, The Court of Owls is the perfect introduction to the series. I mean, after all, the whole point of the New 52 was to allow new comic book readers in on the stories and not feel lost with all the history and subplots. 
 Here we start afresh, and what better way than to start from the beginning, Vol. 1., where we learn about an enemy that has been a part of Gotham since perhaps Gotham existed, The Court of Owls. 
 I keep wanting to tell you about the story and the villain and our antihero; however, I just can't bear to give anything away, because part of the joy of this graphic novel is the mystery. Batman, after all, is a detective, so part of the joy of reading is being side-by-side with him as he tries to solve a case that has been plaguing him since he was a boy...on that fateful night of the opera house. 
 If you have been thinking of reading Batman, and just haven't gotten around to it, do it! It's one of the best written comic book stories. Where Superman explores the vibrancy and hope of a city, Batman explores the darkness and fear of a city, which is just as important to understanding the human psyche. Both Gotham and Metropolis are metaphors for human nature, the industry and self drive that moves us into the future, and the depravity and sin that takes us back to our primordial past. Read it! My only warning is this volume has its fair share of blood, death, and violence. It's not gratuitous, and if you are not a stranger to modern day media, it's probably nothing you haven't seen before. It's just a warning though, because I know some who have an extreme dislike towards depicted violence. 
 My only dislike towards the book that make it a 4.5 is some of the art could use some work. I just wish the artists spent a little more time on the eyes. They seem somewhat blank at times, which is a shame because eyes are the gateway into our characters' minds, which is important for us the reader in a psychological narrative. 
 Besides that, excellent story and excellent characters, I strongly recommend it. Read it for Gotham's sake!