I love the darkness of Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins. I can't wait for his follow up, The Dark Knight. Though Christopher Nolan is am amazing director and story teller, he can't take all the credit. I don't know for a fact, but I'm pretty sure that Nolan was greatly influenced by Frank Miller. Back in the mid-80s, Miller wrote a couple of graphic novels about Batman. The most famous is Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. In fact, along with Alan Moore's Watchmen, Dark Knight Returns is named as the most influential comic book of all time. Both are famous for adding and edge of evil to the genre which made them appeal more to adults than to children.
I've had The Dark Knight Returns on my Amazon Wish List for two years now, waiting for a fellow nerd or loved one to graciously buy it for me. I got sick of waiting and decided to check out the Washington County Library system. Seeing that they actually had it filled me with shock and joy, and I must say that after reading it, I was not dissapointed.
The Dark Knight Returns takes place 10 years after Batman has retired. Rising crime in Gotham and the release of Two-Face from Arkham is finally enough for Bruce Wayne decide its time to come out of retirement. Batman's return is controversial. Part of the reason that Batman retired is that US Government has declared that all superheroes, except Superman, are terrorists. Batman's return to crime fighting is strongly debated throughout the book by news casters, political pundits, and psychologists. The debate focuses on Batman as a vigilante. Some say that what he does is justified. Others say he has no authority and is breaking the law.
Batman faces some great foes throughout the book. Some are original and some are classic villians like Two-Face and the Joker. The best however, is Batmans final showdown against Superman. Because the State is unable to control Batman, President Regan sends Superman in to clean up and take Batman out. The technology that Batman uses as the two go toe to toe is amazing and very innovative. The ending is believable and memorable.
I was very entertained by the writing, darkness, and tone of The Dark Knight Returns. These themes are recreated well in Batman Begins. If you loved Batman Begins, you would also love The Dark Knight Returns.
5 comments:
this is the best blog ever.
I must agree with cblakes. Thanks for teaching me so much about what you read/think/observe.
Sounds like a cool book. So is the new Batman movie based on this book at all? Or is it more just a general inspiration for themes, etc.? The book and movie titles have some similarities.
Ian-
I was going to get this for you for your birthday. Thanks to the crappines of St. George and the fact that I couldn't find it here, you didn't get it. But I'm sure you will enjoy the book that I did get you. We sent it up with Mike and Judd. You would dig the graphic novel. Its violent, but besides that, its clean. To answer your questions--No, the new batman movie is not based off of this graphic novel. i'm pretty sure that if it was, Frank Miller would have to be involved in one way or another. You are right to say that it is an inspiration for themes and tones.
Thank you all for recognizing the greatness of Darth Spencer.
ps. Of course you're invited... but you also live in SG. Are you guys going to be in town? We'd love to have ya.
ssm
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