Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

About

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is a seminal graphic novel by Frank Miller, published in 1986. It presents a dystopian vision of Gotham City, where an aging Bruce Wayne, now 55, emerges from retirement to reclaim his city from chaos. The story is set ten years after Batman's initial retirement, following the death of Jason Todd. This dark narrative explores themes of aging, morality, and the consequences of vigilantism as Batman confronts his arch-nemesis, the Joker, and the resurgent Two-Face. The graphic novel introduces Carrie Kelley as the new Robin, adding a fresh dynamic to the classic duo. The climax features a confrontation with Superman, now a government pawn, highlighting the political and social tensions within the narrative. The Dark Knight Returns revolutionized the comic book genre with its gritty realism and complex characters, influencing numerous adaptations and reinterpretations of Batman in media. Its impact on the "Dark Age" of comics and its enduring popularity make it a masterpiece of the medium.