Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

With Sin City already in theaters and the highly anticipated Batman Begins slated for release this summer, Frank Miller has made his mark on Hollywood. Creator of the Sin City comic books and writer of the Batman: Year One story arc that influenced the upcoming movie, Miller boasts superb storytelling abilities that translate well onto the big screen. Perhaps his most influential work, considered a landmark in comic book history, is the classic graphic novel Batman: The Dark Knight Returns .

Initially released as a four issue mini-series in 1986, this collected work chronicles an older Batman who comes out of retirement in order to save a world plagued by crime and the threat of impending nuclear war. Set during the Reagan presidency, The Dark Knight Returns helped usher mainstream comic books into the grim-and-gritty period of anti-heroes and realistic violence. Batman is characterized as a no-nonsense, obsessive-compulsive crime-fighter addicted to his job. In this story, Superman is the antagonist: a government agent who says yes “to anyone with a badge–or a flag,” allowing the Cold War to spiral out of control.

In addition, a superb supporting cast of Commissioner Gordon, The Joker and Robin the Girl Wonder drives the story forward, producing an intense psychological realism seldom seen in comics before. Each character helps to complete the picture of Batman’s identity. Gordon exists to bend the rules for the vigilante and serves as the voice of conscience and reason.

The Joker exists because Batman exists. His real motive is not wealth or power but the creation of chaos which forces Batman to set the world in order once again; the Joker only feels a confirmation of existence by earning his enemy’s spite and hatred. Carrie Kelley is chosen to replace the dead Jason Todd as Robin because of Batman’s obsession with his “holy war” against crime. He must do whatever it takes to achieve an impossible goal, even at the risk of a young girl’s life.

Setting itself apart from its predecessors, The Dark Knight Returns is an example of exceptional narrative technique. Capitalizing on the need for readers to visualize scenes, Miller employs a frame-by-frame technique during a murder scene to give the feeling of a slow motion movie. The distinct voice of each character and realistic dialogue also make the graphic novel a joy to read. Miller’s work succeeds in engaging the most important sense of all: the reader’s untapped imagination.

Along with Alan Moore, Miller brought an end to the happy-go-lucky superhero comic books of previous eras. Gone are the days of cheesy fight scenes and one-dimensional heroes. The Dark Knight Returns is a seminal work of fiction that has forever influenced the way that Batman has and will be seen for years to come. Highly recommended for any comic book enthusiast, superhero fan or one who appreciates good literature.