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Batman: The Dark Knight Returns 30th Anniversary Edition by Frank Miller with Klaus janson and Lynn

Writer's picture: josh banksjosh banks

Frank Miller has redefined the hero genre by upscaling the DC platform and creating a down to earth example of true hero life. The government has intervened the superhero icons within the confines of our current society. Vigilantes have been outlawed. The original Justice League has disbanded at the request of the American government whose hypocrisy has quietly left Clark (a.k.a. Superman) as their behind the scenes guy. As Superman still works with the government to keep up with America’s agenda, all other forms of heroism have been deemed illegal. Even our beloved Dark Knight went into retirement, albeit grudgingly one. In his absence, he has quietly watched as his beloved Gotham’s crime rate and quality of life in the city become degraded, obscene, anarchist-like; coupled with a rise in gang activity.


Miller creates a four part series which deals with Batman’s re-emergence, battle taking down the gang known as “the mutants,” finishing old enemies plotlines (enter Two-Face, Joker), and defying a government by taking on its greatest asset (one of Bruce’s oldest friends). In the end can the Dark Knight find peace or some kind of balance? The idea of government regulation can have negative effects towards the crime it creates without iconic heroes to help keep the balance. In a society like ours, where the laws we create to help protect our citizens from criminal acts, become the very laws criminals use to commit heinous crimes without punishment, Miller blurs the lines. Laws that keep heroes from helping the innocent and protecting the helpless.


Frank tugs at the core of each reader; internally questioning right and wrong. Bruce is caught up with his inner demons and pledges to punish criminals; but even he might cross the line. This piece of fictional writing delves deep into the core status of just what our hero genre is all about. It is more than just a graphic novel; it grapples with fundamental issues that reside within our government, society standards, and the media’s social norms. There is a piece of our current ideological platform in today’s societal fabric. I recommend this piece of literature to anyone who has had internal strife over our community's idea of fair and just.


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