Batman: The Dark Knight Returns: Dark Knight Returns | Paperback

Frank Miller - most prominently known for his "Sin City" and "300" graphic novels (which have both recently been turned into major blockbuster movies) - also happens to be the one man who has churned out one of the greatest works of fiction of all time. "The Dark Knight Returns" is a masterpiece, and here's why...

Set 20 years in the future, Bruce Wayne, now retired, takes up his Bat costume once more to rid the city of Gotham of the evil that now swarms over it. The concept may sound basic (and I don't want to spoil anything), but it is far from that at all. The tone and gritty nature of the graphic novel transforms Batman's campy 50s image into something poignant and dark. The twisted world that he inhabits is perfect - I often sit wishing that Miller's world was the definitive Batman world where all of his adventures took place.

Of course, it is amazing none-the-less for us to see an established character here in this gritty underworld, even if it isn't forever. The story and writing will keep you hooked from start-to-finish. I had no interest in Batman at all before I read this, I prefered the Marvel Universe. Now, I will gladly and proudly sight Batman as the comic world's greatest hero - he is the Dark Knight, after all.

Highly recommended. You will not be disappointed.

I've got the 1986 version of this book and read it ages ago. It is still fresh in my mind 'cause the storytelling is so good.
It's a wonderful turn on the normal stories of Batman and his enemies throwing them into old age and the inherent vulnerabilities of aching bones etc.
Batman tries to remain as strong as ever throughout even when he faces much more superior enemies.
A great graphic novel that, if you like Batman, you will definately enjoy.

Its easy to throw around the phrase "the greatest ever..." but The Dark Knight Returns is easily the Citizen Kane of graphic novels. A true masterpiece whose only rival is the equally brilliant Watchmen.

I won't deny Year One is brilliant but this just edges it for me, a truly brilliant story with amazing art, not as dark as "Arkham Asylum" but it stays with you for weeks, I hope a film is made of this away from the Nolan verse.

It is between this and Watchmen for my favourite ever but I'm still a novice in graphic novels I reccomend this if you like Batman and want a place to start with graphic novels.

Forget 'one of the best' graphics novels - this is imho the greatest ever. Frank Miller's Dark Knight is a surprisingly complex tale of the twilight years of a once mighty superhero. I must've read it ten times now and I find something new in it each time. The narration acts as an internal monologue for the ageing Bruce Wayne and so you connect with him like never before as he struggles against the odds to bring hope to a city that lives in fear. Moving, exciting, and impossible to put down.