Batman : The Dark Knight Returns - Frank Miller

I had been browsing online lists for graphic novels. I stumbled upon a list that dealt with Batman specifically. Of the top three on that list, I already had the number two (Killing Joke) and had zeroed in on the number three (Year One). So after much deliberation, I decided to order the top rated (The Dark Knight Returns) along with 'Year One'.

This one is Batman's omega. Miller has tried to look into the head of a retired vigilante. 'The Dark Knight Returns' plays around the psychologies of the main characters. There is a retiring Commissioner James Gordon handing over the baton to a lady officer half his age; Harvey Dent has been treated of his physical and mental ailments; Bruce Wayne is facing a middle age crisis and his alter ego has never truly subsided; The Joker is facing ennui at the lack of a worthy opponent; Clark Kent is trying to survive despite all his super powers. The city is still on its knees but not all hope is lost. The Dark Knight returns to save the day and to take an alternate mode of retirement.

'The Dark Knight Returns' shows a Gotham that is still over run with crime. Despite Batman having put all the major criminals behind bars before his retirement ten years ago, the city has not been able to overcome its disease. Bruce Wayne is having issues coping with his retired life. And he has still not been able to overcome the memory of the night his parents were killed on the streets of Gotham. Wayne decides to come out of his retirement and takes to his caped crusade again. The city is spurred into the never ending debate again : Batman - good or evil. Batman's old foes rejoice at his return. But Commissioner James Gordon does not find his views on Batman echoed in his successor, Ellen Yindel. So Batman must fight for his cause again. He must fight the crime in the city. He must also face Superman in a battle to death. And he has a thirteen year old girl for his aide in arms - Robin.

Miller's storytelling is very comprehensive. He creates exceptional plots and adds action to them. I will not compare him to Moore, both have their strengths in very different domains. But if I am to read more action comics, Miller is definitely a preferred name. The pages of this book were intricately designed and packed with action and words. It has been a pleasure reading and rereading the pages. The art work is not really exceptional though. Frank Miller is better at story telling. I think I will give Batman a rest for some time now. But then there is 'The Long Halloween'...