Review: Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

I have read plenty of comics throughout the course of my adolescent years. However, none of them have been as ground-breaking as Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. This four part series, first published in 1986, not only brought Batman back into the limelight of popular culture but also redefined the hero himself. This redefinition of the Caped Crusader took him away from the cheesy jokes and camp style of 1960's television to the Christian Bale portrayed Dark Knight whom we have all grown to love.

The story is set in the near, dark future as 55 year old Bruce Wayne decides to return from retirement to save Gotham City despite heavy opposition from the Gotham City Police Department. Rather than being smart and methodical, this aged Bruce Wayne trades in nifty tricks with his utility belt for pure jaded rage. Instead of avoiding death and it's consequences, the Dark Knight chooses to stop fearing it. This is seen many times throughout the graphic novel as Batman gets out of life-threatening situations because "it is not the right time". This take on the hero was completely revolutionary at the time as Miller is also credited with helping start the dark age of comics. This shift in comic book culture focuses on the adult-oriented story lines of popular heroes.

According to Complex Magazine, The Dark Knight Returns ranks number four on their list of 25 Comics You Need To Read Before You Die. Shortly after the release of the series, Frank Miller said one of his main goals was to "give Batman his balls back". Interestingly enough, this series is respondible for many of the storylines featured in the popular Batman movies, including the upcoming Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Miller later released a sequel titled Batman: The Dark Knight Stikes Again between 2001-2002. However, the second miniseries did not recieve such high critical praise like the original series did. There is also a third part in the works that is expected to debut in Fall of 2015.

While I am currently reading the Watchmen series by Alan Moore, which many critics regard as the best comic series ever written, The Dark Knight Returns is among the best works I have ever read. It adds a perspective on the world's greatest dectective that has yet to be replicated with an ending that will leave you shocked for days. I consider this a must read for all comic and superhero fans alike.

Also, if this review was not convincing enough for you to pick up The Dark Knight Returns... this picture should certainly do the trick.