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This is a VERY loaded question. 'The Dark Knight Returns.' 'The Killing Joke.' 'The Long Halloween.' Ok, ok, break it up already!!! Fact of the matter is, there are obviously a TON of great stories from Batman's long history in omics. So let's go for more obscure stuff. What's the big deal about these? Well, these stories aren't about giant fights, mass mayhem, or galactic destruction. However, all showcase what makes the Dark Knight so powerful; not the suit, not the belt, but the sharpest mind in comics. He's the Dark Knight DETECTIVE for a reason folks.
1. Detective Comics Annual #2, 'Blood Secrets'; Ironically enough, the Dark Knight appears in about... 5 pages of this annual. The story is set in Bruce's past. Bruce is a young-gun trying to learn from the best of the best, which brings him under the wing of master-sleuth Harvey Harris. Harris is an old, sly, private-eye from the south. When Bruce and Harvey cross paths, Harris returns home to Alabama to solve a series of murders with some possible connections to the Ku Klux Klan, with Bruce on his heels,... causing as much trouble as possible with his wild ,uncontrolled style. Wanna know where Batman's calm, cool demeanor came from? It's from this fella from the south who would have made Sherlock Holmes and Sam Spade proud. Rather then just being another Batman adventure, we get a great look at what Wayne was like before the cowl became his life, and what makes him grow-up and start to become The Dark Knight.
2. Detective Comics #500, 'To Kill a Legend'; This also appears in 'The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told' collection, and rightly so. It's the anniversary of the death of Wayne's parents. The Phantom Stranger appears to give Batman a chance at redemption and save his parents in an alternate dimension. However, as Batman and Robin explore this new world, they make a odd discovery; there is no heroic tradition. Not just no super-heros, also no Hercules, no Arthur, no Gilgamesh, NOTHING. So what happens to a world without heroes? What if this tradgedy is the ONLY WAY this world will understand what it's like to have an individual sacrifice all? Do you have the right to sacrafice this family to insure this Earth understands heroism, at the expense of this child's life... maybe his soul? No pressure folks, no pressure at all.
3. Detective comics # 711, 'Knight Out'; A fun one with no appearances by the Dark Knight, accept as an occasional silhouette. Instead, playboy Bruce Wayne takes center stage in a 'Night in the Life of' tale. Bruce is on the way to a charity event, and just needs to get through the night in once piece with his date. Naturally, this is Gotham City, so that ain't happening. Through out the evening, assorted crimes occur (pick pockets, a robbery, the usual) and Bruce must take them on WITHOUT THE SUIT. The beauty of this issue is we see what makes Batman so great; the incredible intellect that allows him to think his way out of everything. Whether it's outsmarting a con-man or taking out two armed convenience store robbers while looking like Buster Keaton, the Gotham Knight shows us why he's one of the most feared, and respected, characters in the DC Universe, as well as comics in general.
4. 'Devil's Advocate.' Ok, I gave in and threw in a Joker story. Well, this is different. The Joker is a suspect in a mass murder involving poisoned stamps. The Gotham DA goes for the death penalty... and WINS. One problem... the Joker didn't do it. Now, just about everyone is willing to turn a blind eye on this one, considering who's involved. Accept the Dark Kight himself. Why? Killing the wrong person means the REAL KILLER IS STILL LOOSE. A terrific look at what justice is, a disturbing scene in the prison exercise yard showing the demoic power of the Clown Prince of Crime, and a great closing line by Batman make this hard-cover a winner.