Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Few writers are fortunate enough to write one great Batman story in their lifetime. Frank Miller has written two. In fact, he's written the two best. That's saying something. Within the span of one year, Frank Miller absolutely revolutionized the Dark Knight and his influence can be felt throughout comics, even 20 years later.

Following the death of Jason Todd (which, incidentally, had not happened yet in continuity), the Batman has retired. Skip ahead ten years and millionaire Bruce Wayne appears comfortable in his role as philanthropist. He cannot forgive himself for the death of Todd, but he finds it difficult to ignore the nagging voice in his head that he is needed back on the streets.

To make things even more difficult, Gordon is just days from retirement and his replacement has a very firm stance against vigilantism. The world has followed suit in this regard. It isn't just Batman who has hung up the cape. Wonder Woman has returned to Paradise Island, Green Lantern has disappeared in the stars and Superman has become a covert tool for the government (run by Ronald Reagan, surprisingly enough). The world has lost its heroes. Without Batman, the streets of Gotham have gone to hell. Crime is rampant and a new gang, calling themselves the Mutants, have the city in fear. Without a symbol to respect (and to fear), Gotham has fallen to chaos.

When Harvey Dent, having apparently been physically and psychologically made whole, begins committing crimes again Bruce is compelled to don the mantle of the bat once more. Batman's return jars his oldest nemesis, Joker, from ten year's of catatonia. Once and for all, Miller declares that Joker could not exist without the Batman and vice-versa.

What follows is a true masterpiece of storytelling. Scene after unforgettable scene propels Batman into near-fatal conflicts with the police and one final showdown with the Joker. It ends with a spectacular battle against Superman, perhaps the most memorable moment in DC's history. It is in this book that the Batman of the next 20 years is forged. Indeed, Batman does return. -- Review by Hilary Goldstein

Words by Frank Miller - Art by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, Lynn Varley - Published by DC Comics (US), Titan Books (UK) - First published 1986 - Originally published as Batman: The Dark Knight Returns 1-4