Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Rating:
Summary: The Definitive Batman epic
Review: In 1986, when I heard Frank Miller had created a masterpiece of modern literature, I was immediately interested in reading this story myself. But time and opportunity both denied me my chance. It was not until 1996, the 10th anniversary of the comic, that a chance was afforded me in the form of the anniversary edition. And you know what? The story was not belittled by a ten year wait. It surpassed all my expectations. The story of an aging Batman gave the genre that sense of reality that superheroes get old and that society does not always accept it's heroes wholeheartedly, warts and all. Dark Knight Returns and The Watchmen revolutionized the face of comic stories and opened people up to the potential that comics could be intelligent and thought provoking, and not just some illustrated Saturday morning serial.

Rating:
Summary: The definitive Batman story
Review: Note only does this book surpass the "literary" quality of many books available today, it combines some of the most dynamic visual images in comics. Published in 1986, this is the story by which all Batman stories - if not all comic stories - are graded against. If you haven't read this piece, you are the missing the crown jewel of comicdom.

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Summary: Re-invention is not always the best path
Review: While this book can be said to be the one work to usher in the modern age of comics, I find it not as entertaining or stimulating as many other tales of the Batman. Miller really never displays a knack for the characterization of the Batman, and he seems to muddle through much of the convoluted story trying to figure out what Batman is and what he stands for. Most contemptible is the relationship Miller describes between Batman and Superman, which I find to be very off base. Of course, Batman could beat Superman, but never in that way. Also, Miller's art falls short from earlier and more terrific works such as in the Wolverine limited-series. All in all, not a great triumph for the Dark Knight.

Rating:
Summary: a comic book work unlike any other
Review: I've been a comic book reader for many years, and to this day I cannot recall another single work of comic book art that is quite so brilliant as Frank Miller's Dark Knight. Certainly Cerebus, Sandman, Cages and From Hell are to be lauded for their genuine genius, but Dark Knight remains my all-time favourite creation. Frank Miller has written a gripping story of tragic heroism and bitter social commentary. His Batman is truly a larger-than-life, tormented hero, brilliantly conceived with his many flaws and perverse obsessions intact. Miller plays with the comic book universe beautifully, realising a world wherein the so-called "super-hero" does exist, and exploring the ramifications of this fact. Batman's final confrontation with Superman at the end of this graphic novel is bar-none the most cunningly conceived battle in comic book history. It is achingly poignant to see the two old warriors confront one another at last: Superman with his compromised good-guy! agenda and Batman with his twisted, demoniac fixation. Batman loathes the figure that Superman has become, while Clark Kent pities the poor, lost soul who has sacrificed his very existence for that which he pursues with a vengeance. "You Bruce, with your obsession..." Miller has created in Dark Knight a vividly real and passionately affecting tale of Heroes and Madmen, riveting from start to finish.

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Summary: Why does everyone like this? I¿ll tell you.
Review: In any genre, it is difficult to pick the far and away best example. Each work has unique attributes which make it great. Dark Knight Returns is the greatest Batman tale ever told and possibly the greatest comic ever. But this is old news. BDKR is great because it redefines Batman completely, and yet remains true to his essence. BDKR is beautiful because of Frank Miller's amazingly unique style. BDKR remains popular because Miller's richly textured story reveals new secrets each time it is read. Some may question the inclusion of Robin. Miller himself stated he was reluctant to include her until he realized that Robin shows just how desperate Batman is in his war on crime. This book is wonderful, and I love it more each time I read it. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. See just how horrible those movies really are.

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Summary: Comic Storytelling At it's best!
Review: Frank Miller's Tour De Force is possibly the best comic story ever told. First, he gives us an all too possible world that is Gotham. Crime and social chaos at there worst would seem like Gotham to me. Secondly, the Heroes are bigger than life, yet have all the weakness and flaws we suffer from. I could see Bruce Wayne as a real person on many levels. When he wakes in fright from reoccurring dreams, we realize Wayne is a haunted warrior forced to do what he does to reach some sanity, not because he is a glory lover. The villians are the most fantastic, as the Joker is pure Psycopath. Batman is haunted in his decision to let Joker live as long as he has, afraid to become like him. Two-Face, a tragic man, forced to face his own evil in a man once on the side of good. Superman's rumbling no-show appearance brings us in to the true power and fear that a real Superman would bring to our world. Green Arrow(Oliver Queen) is what has become of most "Heroes"! as we learn that others have gone "home" or fleed the planet. The comic may be too intense for young readers, as scenes with Selina Kyle(Catwoman) show. The art is spectacular. The power is mesmerising, as you'll spend many hours just going back over the artwork. So I recommend The Dark Knight Returns, which may be the greatest Batman story Ever told, expect for maybe Batman: Year One, also by Miller. Also highly recommended is the Killing Joke by Moore and Bolan.

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Summary: The end is near for Bats' career, but he did it all his way.
Review: Yeah, you've heard all the commotion being made about THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, and you're probably wondering if you should buy it. The answer, probably, is yes. This is the best Batman story told. It chronicles Batman's last case, throwing him against group called the Mutants, a Nazi named Bruno, bomb-crazy Abner, a strangely unhappy Joker, a one-faced Two-Face, a seriously disgruntled Commissioner named Yindel, and, oddly enogh... Superman?!? The action scenes are fun, fast-paced, and original, the dialogue is fantastic, the characterization is good, and the story is brilliant. It has one great twist after another, giving Batman new challenges, including a violent group called Sons of Batman, and an anti-Bats psychiatrist named Wolper. When it's not making you gasp about things turning worse, it's making you laugh, with a great sence of humor provided by Alfred. At first the bomb seems totally out of place, but it leads us to the best part of the book: A spect! acular scene where the heroes use horses to defeat looters. Other than the ending, it's a great book. A review on each independent charictor... BATMAN- GRADE: B WHY: Yeah, his dark nature is fun, but who is he really? ROBIN- GRADE: A+ WHY: She's great fun to read. She's funny, athletic, and smart. SUPERMAN- GRADE: A- WHY: A lot of fun at first, Superman loses his appeal later in the fourth chapter, when he becomes depressed. JOKER- GRADE: B- WHY: An excellent charictor, but he loses points for not being very Joker-ish. He is, after all, supposed to be a clown. TWO-FACE- GRADE: B WHY: Does great action, a great speech in his last scene, but that's it. MUTANT LEADER- GRADE: A+ WHY: As a villian, he's everything he should be. ALFRED- GRADE: A+ WHY: Great humor ELLEN YINDEL- GRADE: B WHY: Most villians like this tend to get annoying, but she manages to stay off my nerves. OLIVER QUEEN- GRADE: C+ WHY: Why is he even there?!? What saves him is a speech he gives! in his first scene. ORIGINAL MAYOR- GRADE: A+ WHY: He's ! funny, and his last scene is shocking. PRESIDENT- GRADE: A+ WHY: Also a funny charictor ("I love mints..."), and he sets up everything. COMMISSIONER GORDON- GRADE: B- WHY: He's a neat charictor, but why is he there, exactly?

Rating:
Summary: The Real Batman
Review: I don't like to write reviews, but in the case of this book I need say that I am still trying to find other book or HQ that could surpass it. This book is a masterpiece and I can guarantee that if you give it to someone that don't like cartoons, his/her oppinion will change forever. Read it!

Rating:
Summary: WHY DOES EVERYONE LIKE THIS?
Review: AFTER ENDLESS PRAISE, I WAS LURED INTO READING WATCHMEN, AND FOUND IT TO BE ONE OF THE BEST READING EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. I FIGURED THAT DARK KNIGHT WOULD HAVE TO BE JUST AS GOOD.WRONG. THE ART WAS ODD. AT TIMES IT LOOKED WONDERFUL, LIKE THE SCENES OF JOKER ON THE TALK SHOW, AND MANY OF THE FULL PAGE, MID-AIR SHOTS. AT OTHERS, LIKE JUST ABOUT ANY FIGHT SCENE, THE CHARACTERS LOOK CARTOONY, AND AT TIMES THEY SEEM EGG-SHAPED. THE STORY IS HORRIBLE, BASICALLY CONSISTING OF BATMAN COMING OUT OF RETIREMENT. MEANWHILE, NOTHING HAPPENS. WORST OF ALL THOUGH, IS THE THING THAT SHOULD DEFINE BATMAN: CHARACTERS. BATMAN HIMSELF IS THE SAME AS ALWAYS: A SHELL WEARING A CAPE. ROBIN IS... UUGGHH. IF YOU'RE A DARK SOULESS CREATURE OF THE NIGHT WHO CHEATS DEATH ON A REGULAR BASIS, WHAT IS THE POINT OF HAVING A 12-YEAR-OLD (OF EITHER GENDER) COMING ALONG WITH YOU, WEARING BLINDINGLY BRIGHT CLOTHING AND LEGGERY. FRANK MILLER SAYS IT'S TO MAKE BATMAN LOOK BIGGER, BUT I KNOW THE REAL REASON; TO DRAW GUNFIRE AWAY FROM BATMAN. TWO-FACE, IN ONE OF THE BOOKS HUGEST FLAWS, HAS NO PERSONALITY TO SPEAK OF. HE'S JUST THERE TO GET THROWN THROUGH WINDOWS AND LOOK DEFORMED. THE JOKER, WHO SHOULD BE FILLED TO OVERFLOWING WITH PERSONALITY AND ENERGY, INSTEAD JUST SITS AROUND SMOKING, AND, IN A VERY BIZARE TURN OF EVENTS, REVEALS TO BATMAN THAT HE LOVES THE DARK KNIGHT. UUUM...? GREEN ARROW IS THE ONLY LIKEABLE CHARACTER IN THE WHOLE THING. AND SUPERMAN... WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING HERE? OVER ALL ONE OF THE MOST OVERRATED COMIX OF ALL TIME. IF YOU WANT A GOOD BATMAN STORY, TRY ARKHAM ASYLUM OR THE KILLING JOKE.

Rating:
Summary: it doesn't get any better than this, baby...
Review: this is one mad cool comic... frank miller is awesome, telling and illustrating a one of a kind comic hero (the world's greatest detective) in a very dark and dramatic story... a middle-aged batman, a new robin (a girl), and a final showdown with the dark knight and the man of steel (that's right... supes is here)... plus so much more!!! keen story and funky art... this is my favorite batman comic... dude... this is a must... for everyone!!!