Dark Knight Returns

Author: Frank Miller
Year Published: 1996
Publisher: DC Comics
ISBN#: 1563893428
Pages: 197
Subject: Batman
Genre: Fantasy, Action
Media Type: Graphic Novel
Reader's Annotation:
Batman returns to crime fighting after a 10-year retirement. Bruce Wayne, is now an old man as far as crime fighters go. He’s in his late 40s. Batman has disappeared from the scene. Police Commissioner Gordon is due for retirement in few months time. Crime in Gotham City slowly spirals out of control. Batman is forced (or perhaps unconsciously compelled) to come of our his self-imposed retirement. The City Mayor and the new police commissioner is up in arms against Batman. Reactions from the citizens of Gotham City are mixed. Some view his return as something overdue while some feel he’s part of the problem. The Joker also returns to the scene later on. There’s even a new Robin, but not quite the Robin we’re familiar with.

Plot Summary:

It is ten years after an aging Batman has retired and Gotham City has sunk deeper into decadence and lawlessness. Now as his city needs him most, the Dark Knight returns in a blaze of glory. Joined by Carrie Kelly, a teenage female Robin, Batman takes to the streets to end the threat of the mutant gangs that have overrun the city. And after facing off against his two greatest enemies, the Joker and Two-Face for the final time, Batman finds himself in mortal combat with his former ally, Superman, in a battle that only one of them will survive. Government dispatches Superman to take down Batman after he makes Gotham City safe. However, Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) who is now a one-armed revolutionary, warns Batman of the Government’s plans. Batman begins preparing for his battle against Superman and is equipped with a powerful suit of armor, sonic blaster, a mysterious pill and synthetic kryptonite which he had spent years developing. Batman and Superman engage in a powerful battle, and, when Queen shoots Superman using an arrowhead loaded with Batman's synthetic Kryptonite, Batman emerges the winner. However, Batman dies of a heart attack shortly after. Bruce Wayne’s secret identity as Batman quickly becomes public knowledge, but his accounts have been emptied and his stocks and funds have already been sold off. His body was claimed by "a distant cousin, his only living relative" (which is actually Carrie Kelly in disguise). With the Batcave and Wayne Manor destroyed, there is no solid evidence as to how he carried out his dual lives, or of Batman's methods.At the funeral, Superman hears a heart beat inside the coffin and, after looking at Carrie, winks at her and leaves. Carrie later digs up Bruce’s body; it is revealed that he faked his death with the pill. Bruce Wayne now begins a new life, leading Robin, Green Arrow, and his new army through unexplored tunnels beyond the Batcave.

Reading Level: 6
Interest Level: 9+