[Review] Batman: The Dark Knight Returns - Frank Miller, Lynn Varley, & Klaus Janson

Title: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Writer: Frank Miller
Illustrator: Lynn Varley, Klaus Janson
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication year: 2016
Language: English
Pages: 224

My venture to Batman’s classic comics has now arrived at Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Seeing how The Dark Knight Returns considered as one of the most influential comics, I feel like it wouldn’t be complete if I wasn't reading this one. Before we delve into The Dark Knight Returns, I want to talk a little bit about the history of American comic book. I feel like that's necessary seeing the significance of this title to the comic book history.

In general, comic books are categorized into four major eras, the Golden Age, Silver age, Bronze Age, and Dark Age/ Modern Age. The Dark Knight Returns was first published in 1986 which some say is still in the Bronze Age and some agree that it's when the Dark Age began. At the time, the character Batman was often associated with Adam West’s rendition of the caped crusader from the Batman 1960s TV show. West’s Batman was far from Batman that we know. His version is more kid friendly and almost like a parody of Batman. While Miller's Batman is darker and more violent, the Batman that we know now. Miller's Batman updates Batman as a character and put him into the more serious part of pop culture.

The Dark Knight Returns sets in a dystopian future where Bruce Wayne has aged and retired. A gang of anarchy youths who called themselves "The Mutants" terrorize Gotham city which forced Bruce out of retirement and take up the mantle of Batman again. The Dark Knight Returns introduces Carrie Kelley, a 13 year old girl who helped Batman from the Mutants gang members. Despite Alfred’s disagreement, Bruce took Carrie under his wings as Robin. Carrie is actually the first female Robin in the history of Batman comics. Aside of that, this comic is also where Batman and Superman goes head-to-head for the first time, which inspires Zack Snyder for his movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

The art of this comic I’d say reflect the time of its creation. I’m not saying that it’s not beautiful but there are some disturbing scenes displayed. In this comic, the artist wasn’t afraid to show the superheroes broken, bruised, even burnt.

To be honest, I did not enjoy reading this comic as much as I did with the Long Halloween. To me, the Dark Knight Returns is one dense comic. The Dark Knight Returns is shorter than the Long Halloween, but I feel that the content is heavier. With the Long Halloween, I could easily understand the narrative and even go along in solving the case. While with the Dark Knight Returns, I felt disoriented a bit not knowing what’s really going on and it’s like I have to be fully present and focused to read it. For all I know, one moment Batman was riding a horse and the next page Superman was burnt. It was a weird experience. In fact, it’s not until I learn about the American comic book history and the background of this comic’s creation that I appreciate it more.

An interesting point that I want to talk about is Batman’s relationship with Joker. I’ve always been interested in their dynamic which I find fascinating. Batman and Joker have always been described as a coin, each represents a side of it. One cannot be without the other. In this comic, when Bruce was in his retirement, Joker was in a catatonic state. He then snaps back to life after learning that Batman’s coming back.

Overall, Batman the Dark Knight Returns is not your usual comic book. It’s groundbreaking and thought-provoking. There are still many other things that could be taken away upon reading this comic. I think the Dark Knight Returns is a must read for all comic readers, whether you like Batman or not.