the dark knight returns

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns was originally released in 1986 and brought with it a welcome breath of fresh air into the Batman franchise. The superhero gets reimagined by Frank Miller as an aging ex-superhero, now 55, who hasn't fought crime as Batman for 10 years. The character is also haunted by the death of his side-kick Robin, amongst other angsts. For me this was my first venture into the world of the graphic novel being firmly locked in the cinema realm or traditional novel world. This truely is an amalgam of the two genres, in what most would see as a comic. Really it is much more than this and the reason that this medium is hearalded for the success of many movies of late. My interest was sparked after seeing Sin City which watches exactly as the graphic novel reads. This story is also penned by Frank Miller who's upcoming movie 300 is of interest to me as well. I think the style of narrative is a big pull.

In Batman the illustrator is Klaus Janson who has a gritty etched style that feels almost dirty. Perfect for reimagining a dark hero who is miles apart from the pussy whipped Superman (he makes an appearance as a character whom worldwide governments have allowed to remain saving lives but is not seen anymore as a hero). It is a dark tale told with gusto. The camp character we once knew is transformed into a really dark hero who is seen as a vigilante and enemy of the state. He fights criminals with extreme violence and pays no mind to hurting police along the way.

This graphic novel has opened the way for me and I'm looking forward to reading Hellboy, The Watchmen and Dark Empire amongst others. All it takes is to get over your fear of reading a comic book as an adult and you will be in for a treat.