The book of choice for this particular reader is Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, written in 1986. The purpose of this essay is not to provide a review (but some significant parts will be cited), nor is it a straight on critique. In the next several paragraphs I will attempt to describe and explain what it is about this story that makes it a prime candidate for "All Time Favorite" on the bookshelf.
For readers not familiar with The Dark Knight Returns, it is an Elseworlds-type Batman story that takes place in the not so distant future where Gotham finds itself in abysmal shape, partly due to the retirement of Batman. As the story unfolds, we find Bruce Wayne drawn back into his role as Gotham's protector. The story continues with Batman battling his regular cast of villains, as well as the new breed of criminal (in the form of gangs). The book ends with Batman confronting The Man of Steel in a real heart-stopping conflict.
The above synopsis does not do justice to the four part story. As the reader delves into the world of this book, one sees not our heroes of today, but our heroes in a more depressing, and oppressing world. Each person in this saga has had decades of wear and tear on his/her body and soul since the last time the character was addressed in the DC universe. This could make for a depressing book, and thus not one that many people would find themselves clamoring to buy. But while the situation that the characters find themselves in are far from pleasant, most of the characters maintain their dignity.
There has been much debate in articles, message boards and chat rooms regarding the type of Batman depicted in this book. It seems that when the different versions of Batman are discussed, the "obsessive/almost mad" Batman example is the one from The Dark Knight Returns. On the surface this appears to be true, but if the reader looks deep into the psyche of our hero, we find nothing more that the Batman we have always known and (well, maybe not loved, but at least respected and stood back in awe). The thing that makes this Batman different from other versions of Batman (except for the Kingdom Come Batman), is that this Batman is much older and came out of self-imposed retirement due to the stresses he felt as a result of Gotham's (nay, the world's) degradation of morals. One might say that Bruce isn't flying with both wings. Or course not. This is no different from the boy who became Batman. The only difference is time. Bruce is an angry old man who retired for the wrong reasons.
They say that behind every successful man is a proud wife (and a surprised mother-in-law). Batman is no different, but instead of a wife we find the faithful support crew from the beginning of time.
Alfred is depicted with all the charm, dignity and sharp wit that is due the character. Without Alfred's timely and insightful help and remarks the reader might very well have to endure a comic book without any "comic." A more accurate term would be "mood relief" vice "comic relief." In addition, Alfred plays the part of the Greek chorus, saying the things that the audience would like to say. "Alfred" fans would probably find that they would get their penny's worth just for the few interactions between Alfred and Master Bruce.
Many of the best Batman stories include the Boy Wonder. This story is no different. Robin plays an integral part in the tactical, as well as the strategic level of this book. While not the Robins we all know, this one is special in her own right. Many kids have wondered what it would be like to be partnered with Batman. The kid in this story, saw the chance and went for it.
Commissioner Gordon plays his role as the representation of the old ways being swept aside. His sorrowful feelings toward Batman's collision with destiny add to the foreboding of the story, but his fidelity to his old friend never waivers.
The differences between Batman and Superman are played out to the hilt in this drama. Along with the struggles in Gotham City, there looms a world-wide catastrophe. The Man of Tomorrow's role in this tale of tomorrow is narrowed in scope and focused by those he has sworn to protect. Once again, this is a world much different than the one in current continuity. It more resembles Kingdom Come in certain aspect than what we see today. Superman ties the world-wide problems into this story very well. It is through he that we learn of the period between our present, and The Dark Knight Returns' future.
The technical aspects of this book are remarkable in both positive and negative ways. First the not so good, then the good. The art ran the gambit of outstanding, to rough and mediocre. Is it detrimental enough to skip this book? Or course not. If not for some of the panels being truly spectacular, the not so good ones wouldn't be as noticeable. The only other art part worth warning potential readers is the business of some of it. Frank Miller was truly innovative in his layouts, and in that innovation readers will find themselves having to find the rhythm of the book. You don't have to acquire a taste for it, so to speak, but you do have to get used to some of the page layouts. The good parts of the book are great. Action and story are well depicted in the pictures. The best thing I can think to say is that it doesn't need to be made into a movie because Frank Miller set up the story such that the reader's imagination, coupled with the art are unbeatable.
The story can be found as a trade paperback in many comic book stores. If you haven't read this story, and you want to, make sure you budget a lot of time toward reading it. The nuances and subtleties run rampant throughout the book, but the reader needs to take the time and absorb it. It is well worth the investment.