This week the Dark Knight returns…again! Yeah, yeah, yeah, not the punchiest of openers but it’s an accurate assessment of this week’s Graphic Spotlight. Frank Miller, joined by superstars Brian Azzarello, Klaus Janson, John Romita, and Andy Kubert resurrect one of the most beloved corners of DC’s multiverse. Coming back from the dead, Batman returns to battle one of the most serious threats he, Superman, or the rest of Earth’s heroes have ever encountered. An invasion by a Master Race with a close connection to DC’s Trinity in The Dark Knight III: Master Race.
The Dark Knight Returns is arguably the greatest Batman story ever told. It’s arrival in 1986 is considered one of the most crucial turning points in the evolution of comics. Along with the success of titles like Watchmen, Frank Miller’s gritty tale of an aging Bat inspired vigilante ushered in the idea that comics could be taken seriously. The funny books could no longer be used as a category for mature literary works. With this exploration of darker and socially relevant material, Bruce Wayne and his alter ego (or is it the other way around?) were involved in a story that continues to influence creators to this day. I mean, how many of today’s top artists and writers got into the biz because of it?
The sequel, The Dark Knight Strikes Again doesn’t have the same universal acclaim from critics or fans. Hence the anticipation for this third story was through the roof. After two years, the complete story, including the amazing mini-comics that were contained in each issue, are available in one beautiful hardcover collection. Of course, the last time we saw a glimpse of this world, Lex Luthor had just been toppled and Batman had died. For good. But of course, where there’s a demand for a character to rise again, there’s a plot device to outwit death. How will the greatest heroes fare against their greatest threat? What will the future hold for this beloved section of DC Comics? Find out this week in the thrilling threequel.
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