Post date: Mar 30, 2017 7:41:29 PM
“You don’t get it boy, this isn’t a mud hole, it’s an operating table, and I’m the surgeon.” This is my favorite line from my favorite comic book, Batman: the Dark Knight Returns. This graphic novel is by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and Lynn Varley. This graphic novel shows what society has gone through to remain “stable”. I love this graphic novel because of its perspective on Batman and his role in Gotham. It shows that Gotham is a forgotten city until Batman returns ;).
With old villains re–emerging and new ones on the horizon, is this too much of a struggle for even the dark knight or will he succeed in bringing Gotham into a new light? It also gives us some of the greatest quotes from Batman. For example: “I want you to remember the one man who beat you.” This book has been referenced in many movies and shows such as: Batman the Dark Knight Rises, Batman Vs Superman, The Batman TV show, etc. It was even satirized by Batman Return of the Caped Crusaders, an animated movie related to the 1960s’ Batman TV show. This gave the reason for Batman the Animated Series and Batman 1989 to take a grittier, realistic point of view instead of the cheesy, happy- go – lucky Batman of the Golden Age. This graphic novel has influenced many comics, movies, and TV shows, and I know it will continue to do so. This graphic novel, in my opinion, gets a 5/5.
Questions: Who is the real mask—Bruce or Batman? Are they really the same person? Does Bruce suffer from multiple personality disorder caused by the trauma of his parents’ death? Does this graphic novel show a good representation of Batman and Gotham City? What do you think would happen if Batman ever left Gotham City?
Answer these questions, ask me questions, give me comic or graphic novel recommendations, etc. in the comment section below.
- Allen Raja