Everyone knows the origins of Batman. Bruce Wayne’s parents were killed in front of him as a 12-year-old and he became Batman to seek vengeance for their deaths. It’s a story told in almost every piece of Batman media that exists.
In 1986, we finally learned the story of how Batman came to an end in the four-issue comic book mini-series, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. The story is known by comic book fans as one of the most influential comics ever written. In this review, I’ll discuss whether this comic series is truly the perfect ending for Batman.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns explores a world where Batman retires after the death of Jason Todd. 20 years later, Batman returns due to the rise of a new gang known as the Mutants. In the end, Batman has to face Superman as vigilantes are deemed illegal, and only one of them can come out on top.
The very first panels of this comic show Bruce Wayne competing in a car race, where he crashes and should’ve died. Bruce’s response set up the story perfectly for why Batman returns.
“This would be a good death, but not good enough.”
The start of Dark Knight Returns makes you want to keep turning pages as we’re reintroduced to characters in the Asylum. The Joker has been silent for the past 20 years, and Harvey Dent (aka Two-Face) has been released and rehabilitated.
Early on, I was already invested in seeing how Batman’s final battles with two of his most famous rogues would turn out.
The Dark Knight Returns (Issue One)
The Dark Knight Returns is the first issue in the story. It explains why Batman comes back and we see his battle against Harvey Dent.
Starting with Harvey is a great choice considering the history between the characters of Batman and Harvey. Two-Face is the one rogue that Batman always believes there is still good in, only for Dent to prove him wrong again and again. In their final meeting, both Harvey and Batman realise that they can never change.
While the Harvey storyline requires more context as to why this moment is meaningful, for long-term Batman fans and me, it’s one of the greatest moments in the story.
The Dark Knight Triumphant (Issue Two)
The second issue explores an older Batman and how he adapts to his older age. In his first battle against the Mutant leader, we see Batman at his lowest as he is almost killed. This is where we see Batman become his best self, as he has to use his brain over his brawn.
He does this not only to defeat the Mutant leader but also to convert all the gang members into followers of Batman. It’s at this point in the story where we see Batman for what he truly is, not only a vigilante but a symbol that represents hope for those who need it most.
Hunt the Dark Knight (Issue Three)
The third issue covers the end of the most iconic rivalry in comic book history; Batman and the Joker. It was done to near perfection, with the Joker pulling off one of his largest stunts ever, purely just to see Batman. Batman once again has to face the decision to kill or not kill the Joker, and in the end, Batman still can’t do it.
Joker ends up dying by his own hand, and Batman never ends up crossing the line of his one rule. The scene shows Batman’s one weakness, which is his insistence on mercy, and it almost ends up killing him.
While the Joker couldn’t end up killing Batman, he was the closest anyone ever got to it, truly showing why he is Batman’s greatest rival.
The Dark Knight Falls (Issue Four)
The final issue is what inspired the movie Batman vs Superman. Unlike the movie, this comic gets it right as we see Batman outsmart and defeat Superman. Batman proves himself as the better hero and shows why vigilantes are still needed. Batman defeating Superman may seem absurd, but as someone who loves Batman, I love this moment.
This is also where Batman retires. He fakes his own death due to the world no longer accepting vigilantes. So, how does Batman’s story end? With Bruce Wayne training the future heroes.
Despite the start, Batman doesn’t die in this book, which is the right decision. Batman stands for hope and by creating the heroes of tomorrow, that hope lives on; making this a great way to finish Batman’s career.
Final thoughts
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is more than just an average comic; it’s a story of a legend’s final year facing his greatest foes. The story gave rise to how modern adult-oriented comics are told and put a definitive end to some of the biggest plots in Batman’s history.
While ending stories can be one of the hardest things to do, I think Batman: The Dark Knight Returns offers one of the best endings for one of the greatest heroes to ever exist.
Original photos by Barrett Bannon