Reviews

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller

mbpartlow's review

4.0

Dipping into the world of graphic novels with the recommendations of my nephews and niece. Much darker than I expected. And Bruce's age was inexplicably increased by 10 years toward the end of the story. But a lot of the sly, small details really made the story for me. Looking forward to exploring the genre in general, although maybe not this particular storyline.

sophie_huy's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

talentedcain's review

adventurous challenging dark reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

lilli_w12's review

3.0

I understand why this is a classic, it must have been pretty revolutionary, but it wasn't my favorite. A dark, gritty, old Batman... personally I prefer Bruce in Batman Beyond to this. The plot was pretty good, and the art was... fine? It fit the story but wasn't the prettiest. Some things were a little side-eye, and there were way too many tiny talking heads.

oliviagarby's review

dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

oh_rachel's review against another edition

4.25

save me 50 year old beefy bruce wayne!! save me 🤧

guppyur's review

3.0

This was... fine? I'm not 100% sure I get the fuss.

It definitely isn't quite what I expected. Batman retired years ago, and Gotham has fallen into decay. His work is being systematically undone. So Batman suits up again, even at his age.

Didn't much care for the art. Writing was fine but not amazing, which surprised me because this is supposed to be one of Frank Miller's great contributions to the medium.

bookgeek809's review

dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

brentwilliamj's review

2.0

If this is the best that the graphic novel medium has to offer, I think it’s just not a medium for me.

fantasynovel's review

5.0

Read for school. Enjoyed it so much more than the last time I read it for some reason. Kind of crazy that Batman employs a literal 13 year old though. Didn't ever strike me until now how weird that is?? I'm pretty sure hiring a child as a soldier is a war crime or something.