Batman: The Dark Knight Returns 30th Anniversary Edition

What has become a classic, the story,not canon,of Batman's end, sparked a new interest in the Dark Knight and was influential in bringing Batman back to the big screen in 1989. Well written.

I love this book

This comic is great but I'm not going to lie. It's an odd mix of very good and in some places, very bad. A good example is the art. In some places it is absolutely awesome. But in others it is too cartoony, looks bad, or is just plain incomprehensible.Another example is the story. It doesn't make much sense when you think about it. But it is delivered in such a cool style that you don't care too much. Like the fight with Superman. There's no real reason in the story for them to be fighting at all. But it's an epic showdown that is very enjoyable to read.I like the female Robin, Carrie, a lot. She's not super developed as a character, but she is likable and adds some good humor to the story.The character of Batman is awesome in this, but I'm not one hundred percent sure what to think about him. In many ways he seems more like the Punisher than Batman.Two things I didn't like. I didn't like the abundance of tiny frames used to tell most of the story. Little micro-panels, if you will. Each is just a small piece of art, usually a head from a newscast, and some short text. There were way too many of these, and it takes forever to get through them all. And they're often hard to read.Similarly, I greatly disliked the many, many news panels and talking heads. A little bit would be fine, but this book just goes nuts with them, and few of them are necessary. I especially got sick of seeing Lola Chong with her strange eyes that only ever appear as two lines, and her odd earrings that are somehow able to levitate beside her head.But all that aside, it's a great comic. I could be tempted to rate it less than five stars, but I won't. Where it shines, it shines brightly. And some of the art and story here is truly spectacular. Some of the scenes are now iconic. Yes, it has its flaws but it is still a great work. There's a reason it always makes it in to the top ten. Recommended.

A staple in Batman canon, and truly showcases the depths of his character.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns - 30th Anniversary Edition is a legendary comic that remains impactful decades later. Frank Miller's storytelling is masterful, giving us a gripping, darker take on an aging Bruce Wayne returning to the cape and cowl. The storyline is thought-provoking, exploring complex themes like justice, morality, and the consequences of vigilante action, earning it top marks for both plot and character development.While the artwork may feel a bit dated for modern readers, its gritty style perfectly matches the tone of the story. Pacing is smooth, with tension building throughout, though the visual appeal doesn't quite reach the same heights as the narrative. Despite this, the uniqueness and creativity of the story are undeniable.This edition is a great way to revisit an iconic story that helped redefine Batman for future generations. It's a must-read for both long-time fans and new readers alike.

Frank miller always proves a gritty Batman is the best outcome. For those of us who truly grew up with this character and know what he means and represents. Frank hits every mark with this comic ! A great read!

Great Book. Would buy again

This is the real fight, the real showdown, not like the movie. But this wasn't about batman fighting superman. This is about Batman and how he is criticized by the world as abosolete and wrong when the world are the ones who are so foolishly wrong. You will be rooting for Batman as he does what's right as the talking heads just talk and make all the worst decisions.I have questions here and there throughout the read. Like how did this mutant gang come to exist? Why do they call themselves mutants if they are just regular people? Who is the big guy that works for the joker? And he makes dolls that are robots that can fly and blow up? I'm not an avid comic book reader so maybe many things in it longtime fans are familiar with I was not privy to. But it would've been nice if those things here and There could have been explained.The comic is wrote, or rather reads, like a novel of book. Sometimes I wish it would read just like a regular comic. Even watchman was more straight forward with its writing and imagery. But it is poetic and fitting at times. The art is simple. Not every flashy or detailed which I tend to detest. And almost very sketchy looking which really fits the gritty, visceral nature of the comic.