Comic Review: The Dark Knight Returns
Another old, re-posted comic review. Man, I wrote a lot of reviews back in the day, didn't I?
Comic Book: "The Dark Knight Returns" (4 part mini-series)
Writer: Frank Miller
Artists: Frank Miller & Klaus Jansen
Available: As a reprinted trade paperback, in most online bookstores. In the original 4 part printing, try most online collectible stores.
Background: Around the time that "Watchmen" came out, this pivotal work by Frank Miller, along with "Daredevil: Born Again" and "Batman: Year One," proved to be Frank Miller's groundbreaking works. As an industry standard of perfection, this work came VERY close to "Watchmen" and it is still argued over which is better ("Watchmen" is, in my opinion, simply because that book had no established insanely popular character to work with, but still went over as well as it did). Originally released as a 4 part prestige format mini-series, this book sky-rocketed to fame for its gritty portrayal of an aged Bruce Wayne/Batman still carrying on his quest of revenge.
Summary: Bruce Wayne/Batman comes out of a 10 year retirement in the future to battle a new menace in Gotham City alongside a brand new, female Robin. Batman must first face off against a vicious "mutant" gang leader and then, he has must face the Joker in a final, to-the-death battle. As if that wasn't enough, Batman must face off against Superman (who is sent in by the US President) in a battle to the death.
Mad Parts:
+ When Batman comes back into action.
+ When Superman and Batman have their final battle.
+ When Batman fights the leader of the "Mutant" gang. The first time, the big "B" gets his bragging rights handed to him in a little doggie bag. The second time around, Batman gets his revenge.
Mad Props:
+ For the truly grim artwork supplied here.
+ For the character profiles here. Each of the characters is portrayed exactly as if they'd aged and were going through these events.
+ To DC Comics for allowing one of their "Big Three" to be portrayed in this manner. The backlash could have been pretty gory for DC, but instead they showed what they had and released it to massive critical acclaim.
Mad Slops:
+ For the gritty, grim subject matter. Once again, we're thrust headfirst into a bleak world where hope is thrown aside and then trampled on.
+ For the massive body count here. Almost as bad as going to see a Paul Verhoeven flick.
Mad Minister's Verdict: Once again, this comic is considered a "contemporary classic" and as such, many have elevated it to the point of a magnificent piece of writing. And rightly so. Miller and Jansen injected much needed new blood into this classic hero and they brought about a totally new way of telling stories, however, it was just so depressing and bleak! From a Christian stand-point, I couldn't see why one would read this. Not as bad as "Watchmen," but still pretty bad. I would suggest "Batman: Year One" as a possible alternative, but even that comic is pretty dark.
Mad Points: 2 outta' 5.