Rating: 
Summary: Not the Dark Knight Returns... Simply Different
Review: The major problem that faces any sequel is the fact that people just can't wait to compare it to the original. You see the main reason sequels are even amde of is that the original first part was so popular and did really good that you just want to capture the glory of it and continue on making the big bucks. That's why, sequels never ake it to the top as they should be. They get hammered by people who watch or read it that the creators just feel that they've lost their time even doing what they wanted to do in the first place. That notion, however, is not applicape to trilogies in which the first part, the story is not concluded but is carried on to two more other parts. Which category is DK2? Alas, it is a sequel. For that, most readers that I know and are showcased here in Amazon just seem to abhor it.When I first started reading this part, I had not read the Dark Knight Returns for more than 3 years now. I hardly remembered what it was about, except for the fact that it was dark, gritty and Batman kicks Superman's butt in the end and then dies. That's the only thing I took with me from the original. I didn't remember the art and how the story flowed. I just didn't want to. I wanted to look at DK2 as a book all on its own, not just part 2 of perhaps the greatest graphic novel ever written. The writing is solid. Frank Miller works his magic with Batman is he should. Batman doesn't even appear in the first part of this trilogy sequel untl the end where he kicks the butt of the same boy scout he did in Returns. Miller makes you feel the darkness that not just encompasses Gotham, but the whole world as we know it. In a sense if you read V for Vendetta, Batman could be Miller's Vas opposed to the one written by Alan Moore a long time ago. The setting is mainly the same, but here we see more incredulous characters such as the Flash, the Atom and even a crazed out Green Lantern. Miller knows how to create the atmosphere and he does with style. Now how does that compare with his other work? I really don't think that's important if he's doing an excellent job here. With regard to the art, I have to admit, it is different. More sketchy and very ill-defined, but perhaps that has been intentional ince we're dealing with a future that is not your everyday here comes the sun let's enjoy ourselves kind of way. People associate technology, lights, and cool gadgets with the future. This is a Batman book, not Star Wars. You're not getting any of this. All you're getting is some down to earth mean. I have to admit that Miller has a knack for drawing butts. His female characters all have voluptuous bodies and full lips. The news is even reported in the nude. But then, that could be why the future is a dark place to be in, depends on how you look at it though. All in all, this is a very tight book. I enjoyed reading the first part of a trilogy that is a sequel. It's Batman and Frank Miller, you just can't see those two on the shelf and not feel a little curious.
Rating: 
Summary: Beneath the surface, the Last Batman story
Review: Admittedly, this book was too expensive, but I liked it, it was so much fun (PLASTIC MAN, etc.) despite some unanswered questions. I'm sure that the big orphanage home that genetically experimented on orphans was commentary on Batman's parenting of Robin, setting the stage for Robin's appearance (where he mentions being genetically altered), and that's why we don't hear the entire orphanage story, because we've just heard the crucial metaphor (it may feel like the story has gone on a tangent, but it didn't). When the orphans say 'they poked us, and touched us', it seems like a funny inside joke on the Batman/Robin 'relationship'. ... . ... Miller has stated that this story is not how the DCU and Batman should end up, it was supposed to be a little more out of character, bleak, and realistic in areas (while still very fantastic-looking and acting). the realism isn't all darkness, it can be funny like in Watchmen. In my humble opinion, DK is about what would happen if Batman let the emotions that keep him fighting every night get the best of him... in an apocalyptic world of tomorrow. This book inspired a lot of thought for me about these classic characters and political differences, it makes me want to create something. I think it's had a greater positive effect on me than DK1, which told a great, though less complex story.
Rating:
Summary: I get it: Frank Miller wanted to do a SUPERMAN story
Review: If by the time you get to Volume 3 of "The Dark Knight Strikes Again" you have forgotten what the story was about you get to be forgiven because as near as I can tell the story is not what we thought the story was about anymore. But here at the end of all things I am convinced that my suspicion after reading Volume 2 that this story is really a lot more about Superman than Batman has been confirmed. It seems that Batman wanted to continue the lesson began at the end of the original "Dark Knight" series when he had his boot on Superman's jugular, regarding the proper role of superheroes in the world. However, the specific world Miller was crafting in the first two books has pretty much slipped into the background at this point and we have abstracted the world to a pretty general level. This time around I have the strong suspicion that fans of Miller will jokingly refer to this last volume as "The Sick Joke," because it turns out Superman is not the opponent of Batman's final battle. Now, on the one hand the true opponent is, to say the least, a very interesting choice. But on the other hand this could not possibly be any more out of left field and without the adequate set up (that is, outside you extensive reading of Batman comics over the course of your entire life, adult or otherwise) there is no emotional impact or significant resonance to the revelation. The relationship between Superman and Lara takes an interesting twist and the biggest irony of "The Dark Knight Strikes Again" is Superman's final question to his daughter is probably the point where most readers will think that Miller has finally gotten to something worth writing about. Unfortunately, this happens on the penultimate page of the graphic novel. We all knew going into this mini-series that there was no way that Frank Miller was going to top "The Dark Knight," but still the overall response to these graphic novels has to be one of great disappointment. The explanation might as easily be that this time Miller is working too far out of the Batman mythos (I am thinking of in comparison to "Batman: Year One" for example), rather than that the well has run dry. On the bright side, in terms of the artwork this is the best volume of the trilogy and Lynn Varley's coloring is a vital part of the entire effect. I am trying to remember the last time I was really taken with the coloring in a comic book, graphic novel or otherwise, and nothing comes to mind. Consequently, this may well be the most impressive coloring job I have come across in a funny book.
Rating: 
Summary: This was a waste of money and time
Review: I loved the original Dark Knight. Batman's always been my favorite hero of all time, but this series just [was weak]. The first two weren't bad. Terribly confusing, but all the T&A superchicks stuff was a waste of ink and paper space that could have gone into telling the real story. This third and final - thankfully - made no sense at all. It was so much filler and [poor quality]. It was like trying to read a story where 3 out of 5 pages was missing. Read the first two, and make up your own ending. Don't bother to read this one.
Rating:
Summary: Avoid at all costs, but buy Dark Knight Returns
Review: This is a follow on from Dark Knight Returns which in my opinion is the finest grapic novel of all time. But, this follow up is terrible, lousy grapics, lousy story (is there a story in there, I couldnt see it?). I wouldnt be interested in seeing this again if I was the last dung beatle on earth. Miller, you should be ashamed.
Rating: 
Summary: The "Godfather III" of comics
Review: The negative hype around DK2 is sort of like the general feelings toward the movie "Godfather III". Everyone likes to say how Godfather and Godfather II are classics and Godfather III is crap compared to them, but on its own, Godfather III is a very good movie. Just not in the class of its predecessors. The same applies to Miller's DK2 - if you are expecting Dark Knight Returns, you will be disappointed and stop reading after the first issue. But you will probably pass on a wicked satire of modern age comics and, possibly, Miller's own work. Trying not to give away too much, here is what I see in DK2:
- modern comics neglect what made comics popular in the first place, in favor of "mature" stories (lots of sex and violence).
- Silver age comic heroes still have something to offer but are likewise negelected.
- Everyone rips the art in this book. I would argue the art is purposely bad, the joke is that modern comics too often go for style (art) over substance (story) and that modern artists have relied to heavily on Photoshop and not enough on talent. Add to all that some great cameos, sharp writing, and some controversial suprises and this is a great read. My only problem with it is that the surprise villain appears too late in the story and as such is difficult to believe. As for people complaining about the price of this book, it's 80 pages on nice paper. The average comic is 32 pages and full of ads. This is like 3 issues in 1 by one of America's best writing talents. People need to stop complaining. Four stars.
Rating:
Summary: Frank's earned his own suite at Arkham
Review: The only evil genius to be found in this entire DK2 debacle is the man behind the drawing board himself. Shouldn't Miller be rocketing towards outer-space right now as he leaves the ruin of his diabolical and dastardly efforts in his wake? Hubris such as the passing off of DK2 as product, much less worthy successor, is better left to the maniacal machinations of Darkseid, or maybe Enron. We've been duped into buying a slap-dash fever dream on high quality paper. I don't even want this pap to sit next to or touch up against other comics in my collection. Don't fall victim to the hype, as I did. That way lies madness. Spend your money on something that makes more sense, like baby diapers, or a subscription to the racing forum, or crack. Now, if this doesn't make you want to read DK2, I don't know what will.
Rating:
Summary: Intended to shock and challenge
Review: I bought all three books in this series and I am not dissappointed. I would still classify this as one of the best graphic novel series that I have ever read. Personally, it seems to me that Miller's artwork has EVOLVED and not deteriorated- it is much more impressionistic. As a matter of fact, it is modern art in the original sense, it is intended to shock us, challenge us, and expand our minds.
I think that most of the negative attacks here are purely political. After all, this is a story of REVOLUTION. You really can't expect the comfortable, pampered children of the bourgeoisie to understand it....
Rating:
Summary: What happened to the story?
Review: I was hoping that the values of Miller's other projects would be present in this one. The only thing I can say is the story was just a variation on the world gone mad theme he had in DKR. Wanting to like this book I read it again. It doesn't appear Miller put much effort into this one. The thrill is gone. He may be laughing to the bank on this one but I can clearly see the artists he inspired are holding the torch now. Check out some of the Batman DC Paperbacks by writer Joeph Loeb. It's better than this. I'd like to see a sequel to this series....only one that is worthy of being called one though...this is one to avoid. Save your money.
Rating:
Summary: Save Yourself
Review: In order to write this review you have to choose at least one star. That's the only reason there is a star above this review. If you've gotten to this review it means that you've read all the others and are hoping for someone to say something good about DK3. Ain't gonna happen. There is nothing good to say about it. I just want to tell all the Dark Night fans out there that haven't read this last chapter to avoid it at all costs. I know you feel like you have to read it but trust me: YOU WILL BE BETTER OFF NOT EVEN LOOKING AT IT. I am a big fan. I consider the Dark Night Returns to be the greatest Batman story ever. I do this out of respect for other Miller fans. It will only hurt you to read DK3 - AVOID IT AT ALL COST!
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