The Dark Knight Returns
"Welcome to HELL"
[Warning, this review will be full of minor spoilers]
Frank Miller popularised the modern Batman with this graphic novel, originally released in four parts. This is brutal. This is the Batman we dream of. Grumpy, unbeatable, intimidating, mythical and an absolute psychopath. This Batman breaks bones before he asks questions. This is the greatest Batman story second to none. If you had to only ever buy one, this is it.
The Dark Knight Returns
The first chapter starts in a dystopian future. It has been 10 years since Batman's last sighting. This future Gotham City looks like the city in the movie 'Blade Runner,' except the slums and outskirts of Gotham is ruled by mutants who rob, murder and rape for fun. Crime is out of control. I don't care what anyone says, this depicts his childhood better than any Batman story, showing Bruce falling down a hole and bats flying after him.
He is not talking to Dick Grayson (Robin/Nightwing) and Two-Face has been released from Arkham after receiving plastic surgery.
The way Miller depicts Two-Face, the way he sees himself gives me chills. Even when his face is fixed, through Harvey Dent's eyes, he sees his entire face deformed and scarred, not just one half. While this first part mainly establishes Batman's return, as per the title, it really establishes that Gotham is his city, his burden, his hell and he is the saviour.
The Dark Knight Triumphant
Part 2 is almost a precursor to 'Knightfall.' Batman takes on the leader of the mutants, who has gnarly pointy nipples. The fight is epic and Batman gets a tank-like bat-mobile (inspiration for Nolan's films maybe) and a new Robin. This time Robin is a random red head girl he saved once.
The fight with the mutant leader is more personal than it is for his cause, fighting for pride and dominance and to prove to himself that he isn't old. You can't beat a fight between a geriatric Batman and a bulked mutant in mud. It inspires the mutants to stop their crimes, and join Batman's cause to stop crime and keep Githam safe and peaceful, a win in itself for the Batman.
[Warning, this review will be full of minor spoilers]
Frank Miller popularised the modern Batman with this graphic novel, originally released in four parts. This is brutal. This is the Batman we dream of. Grumpy, unbeatable, intimidating, mythical and an absolute psychopath. This Batman breaks bones before he asks questions. This is the greatest Batman story second to none. If you had to only ever buy one, this is it.
The Dark Knight Returns
The first chapter starts in a dystopian future. It has been 10 years since Batman's last sighting. This future Gotham City looks like the city in the movie 'Blade Runner,' except the slums and outskirts of Gotham is ruled by mutants who rob, murder and rape for fun. Crime is out of control. I don't care what anyone says, this depicts his childhood better than any Batman story, showing Bruce falling down a hole and bats flying after him.
He is not talking to Dick Grayson (Robin/Nightwing) and Two-Face has been released from Arkham after receiving plastic surgery.
The way Miller depicts Two-Face, the way he sees himself gives me chills. Even when his face is fixed, through Harvey Dent's eyes, he sees his entire face deformed and scarred, not just one half. While this first part mainly establishes Batman's return, as per the title, it really establishes that Gotham is his city, his burden, his hell and he is the saviour.
The Dark Knight Triumphant
Part 2 is almost a precursor to 'Knightfall.' Batman takes on the leader of the mutants, who has gnarly pointy nipples. The fight is epic and Batman gets a tank-like bat-mobile (inspiration for Nolan's films maybe) and a new Robin. This time Robin is a random red head girl he saved once.
The fight with the mutant leader is more personal than it is for his cause, fighting for pride and dominance and to prove to himself that he isn't old. You can't beat a fight between a geriatric Batman and a bulked mutant in mud. It inspires the mutants to stop their crimes, and join Batman's cause to stop crime and keep Githam safe and peaceful, a win in itself for the Batman.
Hunt The Dark Knight
In part three, the Joker has returned. This Joker is different. He is quiet and confident. This is a different Joker to fear. If Batman is the saviour of this hell called Gotham, then the Joker is the devil. Just when you think this graphic novel can't get any better, Miller somehow tops it. Deep down you are expecting Batman to break his rules. You expect him to actually go all the way and kill the Joker, but he doesn't. Miller is able to top that. Frank Miller came up with something better and found a way for the Joker to actually defeat Batman. SPOILERS ahead so don't read on if you prefer surprise, but if I haven't sold you yet then read on.
Joker kills himself, framing Batman for murder and now the Gotham City Police are forced to hunt down the Batman not just for being a vigilante, but now a murderer.
In part three, the Joker has returned. This Joker is different. He is quiet and confident. This is a different Joker to fear. If Batman is the saviour of this hell called Gotham, then the Joker is the devil. Just when you think this graphic novel can't get any better, Miller somehow tops it. Deep down you are expecting Batman to break his rules. You expect him to actually go all the way and kill the Joker, but he doesn't. Miller is able to top that. Frank Miller came up with something better and found a way for the Joker to actually defeat Batman. SPOILERS ahead so don't read on if you prefer surprise, but if I haven't sold you yet then read on.
Joker kills himself, framing Batman for murder and now the Gotham City Police are forced to hunt down the Batman not just for being a vigilante, but now a murderer.
The Dark Knight Falls
"We could have changed the world. Now... look at us... I've become a political liability and you... You're a joke."
The final chapter of 'The Dark Knight.' It can't top the previous can it? No Way. Don't be ridiculous...
Superman, now a weapon for the government, has been called in to bring down Batman. Superman is never referred to by the name 'Superman' at all in 'The Dark Knight Returns.' This all builds up the greatest beating in Superman's career, at the hands of the Dark Knight. I shouldn't say anymore.
"We could have changed the world. Now... look at us... I've become a political liability and you... You're a joke."
The final chapter of 'The Dark Knight.' It can't top the previous can it? No Way. Don't be ridiculous...
Superman, now a weapon for the government, has been called in to bring down Batman. Superman is never referred to by the name 'Superman' at all in 'The Dark Knight Returns.' This all builds up the greatest beating in Superman's career, at the hands of the Dark Knight. I shouldn't say anymore.
I can't stress enough, the only thing that comes close to this is 'Watchmen.' THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS is the best thing you will ever read in your life, book or comic. The art is the best Frank Miller has ever done, much different to his usual minimalism, sometimes the pages are filled with too much. It's overwhelming. If you have read it, then read it again, and again. Not to mention the ending was the inspiration for Nolan's ending in 'The Dark Knight Rises.' And let's be honest now for you haters, the only real criticism this ever gets, is that is it OVERRATED. Now that's saying something.
RATING:
Batman Story - 10/10
Art - 10/10
Continuity - 10/10 (Who cares, some considered it out of continuity, some consider it to be the actual future for Batman)
Badassness/Coolness/Epicness - 11/10
OVERALL - 11/10
Single Issue Cover Art for the Hell Of It:
RATING:
Batman Story - 10/10
Art - 10/10
Continuity - 10/10 (Who cares, some considered it out of continuity, some consider it to be the actual future for Batman)
Badassness/Coolness/Epicness - 11/10
OVERALL - 11/10
Single Issue Cover Art for the Hell Of It: