Analysis Of Batm The Dark Knight Returns

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Frank Miller was approached by DC Comics in 1986 to do a series on Batman called Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Miller depicted Batman as an older and slightly crazy superhero in a rundown Gotham that is being gradually devastated by corruption and evil. The series was a great success. Miller’s plots and dark writing explored Batman’s soul and showed a side of him un-seen before. A common theme throughout is the destruction and transformation of the bat symbol. The destruction and transformation is a metaphor for what happens to Batman’s character as the comic proceeds. The way Batman is visually represented affects how the reader is going to perceive his actions, “Our clothes, for example, can trigger the way others see us and in the way …show more content…

The Dark Knight is the savior of the people and the bringer of justice. He is above the law and has the ability to keep crime under his control. This is what is expected of Batman and this is the way he is presented in the beginning of The Dark Knight Returns. The outfit he wears is common to what has been shown in earlier texts, thus it is assumed he is still a good guy and a hero. Batman is called upon to bring the city back to the state it was once in and to bring the members of the mutant gang to justice. Throughout the first book Batman continually disrupts crime and appears to be Batman people have come to know. A good example of what he looks like throughout the first book is on page 34. The page consists of some generally bright colours and has a positive vibe to it. The blue and yellow of his outfit are very obvious and show he is still Batman. In the following panels Batman brings three cat-burglars, who have been active in the area, to justice and keeps the peace among the people of the south side of Gotham. This is what is expected of Batman. this is the first real action we see …show more content…

This is when we see the biggest transformation in Batman`s character, outfit and bat symbol or lack thereof. Bruce is aware that there is no chance of defeating the all mighty Superman. So what does he do? He cheats. He has an old friend assist in taking down superman. Also he changes his entire outfit. Instead of using his fists and gadgets he resorts to heavy duty armor and weapons. There is also no sign of the bat symbol on his chest. Reminiscent of the times it was shot and blown off, but this time miller gets rid of it all together. Leaving Batman as just this mas of metal and meat with the sole purpose of defeating Clark Kent. Batman is no longer the one that people have come to love and praise. He has lost it and his transformation from hero to villain has been completed. Two men that once fought the same enemy, now face each other. Batman is no longer Batman, he is now just another bad guy for Superman to take care of. Bruce has totally lost it, he is cheating in multiple ways and doesn’t see how he is in the wrong. He says; “I want you to remember, Clark… in all the years to come… in your most private moments… I want you to remember my hand at your throat… I want you to remember…the one man who beat you…” (Miller 195.1-3). He no longer fights for justice, he fights for survival. He has become the opposite of a hero and this is shown by the no longer existing bat symbol on his chest.

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