871 and counting …

• Posted in Books I've Read

Finished Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller.

This graphic novel reinvents the legend of Batman by setting the story in Gotham City ten years after Bruce Wayne retired from being a superhero. Gotham is more violent and crime-ridden than ever, thanks to a gang calling themselves the Mutants. The gang’s reign of terror prompts Bruce to unleash his inner vigilante and become Batman once more — with some interesting results.

First of all, let me say this book is deep. Really deep. Miller has a lot to say about vigilantes versus criminals, the role of the media and police in society, and more. You could read it a couple of times and still not catch everything.

There’s a lot in The Dark Knight Returns to like, especially if you’ve ever wanted to see Batman and Superman really go toe to toe. I also liked the way Commissioner Gordon was handled — as a competant man who’s dedicated his life to his city and still has plenty of fight left in him. Plus, there are cameos by a lot of classic superhero characters.

But overall, the book just didn’t work for me. The story was okay, but I think the media hysteria angle was a little overdone. And I didn’t particularly care for the art. Pages and pages of the book consist of small, television bubbles that show news anchors reading about the latest crimes. There are also bubbles devoted to various news-debate programs that focus on whether or not releasing the Joker back into society is a good thing. (Bet you can’t guess the answer to that one.) I’m reading the book for Batman art, not television bubbles.

Plus, I thought the latest Robin was just sort of stuck in the story to save Batman on a couple of occasions. She didn’t have a real personality of her own or a lot to do, besides bail out Batman. And yes, she’s a girl, but Batman kept referring to her as boy and threatening to fire her. Weird.

I’ve enjoyed some of Miller’s work in the past, including Sin City and 300, and I guess I was just disappointed with The Dark Knight Returns, especially the art. I’m sure other folks feel different, but thumbs down from me.

Up next: The Accident Man by Tom Cain.

5 Responses to “871 and counting …”

  1. Louise B says:

    Dear Jennifer,
    I’m looking for some advice. I know you know comics so I thought I’d piggyback off your post. My daughter (17) is into the Batman series and as part of mother-daughter sharing, I’m watching some of the movies and cartoons with her. I find the series has some great themes that can’t be explored as much as I think can be done in a story/novel. So I was wondering, can you recommend any print media for me to read with her? She does enjoy the Japanese graphic novels. I have discovered that there are other Robins beside Dick Grayson, which I have to tell you really don’t interest me, but I am open to being proven wrong about a character.

    Sincerely,
    Louise B

  2. Jennifer Estep says:

    Hi, Louise. Hope you are doing well.

    I’m by no means a comics expert, but I’ll try to help. As far as movies/TV shows go, I like the old Batman show with Adam West. The Batman Beyond cartoon is pretty interesting, too, and features a teenager taking over for Bruce Wayne, who’s an old man. The Justice League cartoon also features Batman, along with other characters like Superman and Wonder Woman.

    I really enjoyed the Batman Begins movie with Christian Bale. I think it’s the best of the movies (so far).

    There are tons and tons and tons of Batman graphic novels out there. It just depends what kind of Batman story you want to read — something classic where Bruce Wayne is Batman in his prime, where he’s retired, where he’s an old man (Kingdom Come), etc. Honestly, I would suggest going to your local used bookstore or library and browsing through the graphic novel section. This way, you can find a couple to try and see what you like.

    Also, if you or your daughter like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel TV shows, Joss Whedon is writing comic books based on both those series. I especially like the Buffy comic.

    You might also want to check out the Girls Read Comics (And They’re Pissed) Web site. Karen Healey is much more knowledgable about comics than I am. She should be able to steer you to some more titles.

    If there are any Batman fans out there, please leave a comment and some reading suggestions for Louise.

    Hope this helps! 😎

  3. Jennifer Estep says:

    Louise — I asked the guy at my local comic book store about your Batman question. He recommends Birds of Prey, which is about Barbara Gordon (former Batgirl) and a female team of superheroes (which I totally forgot about). He also recommended Batman: Detective. Hopes this helps!

  4. Brian says:

    Frank Miller is doing All Star Batman and Robin right now, which is way over the top. It certainly isn’t for a young reader, but I thought it should be mentioned. Also Grant Morrison is writing a Batman comic now. I haven’t been reading that one, but his All Star Superman is one of the best comics I have ever read.

    I’ve never read Birds of Prey, but do you remember the short lived series on the WB?

    One comic suggestion I would have is Runaways. The series has had a great deal of praise, and I know some have recommended it for younger readers.

    I’m glad that you have caught up on the Buffy and Angel comics, both have new issues out this week — So right now I’m in Whedon heaven.

  5. Jennifer Estep says:

    Thanks for the tips, Brian!

    I do remember the Birds of Prey show. I watched a couple of episodes, but it just didn’t hook me like Heroes did.

    Sadly, I have not caught up on the Buffy and Angel comics. I have them all in a stack at home, but I’m only up to issue 4 on Buffy. At this point, I think I’ll just wait until Season 8 is done, then gorge myself on the whole series one weekend. :mmachine:

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