In 1985, the iconic superhero Batman faced a crisis that nearly spelled the end for the character’s comic series, which had been running for over four decades. With sales plummeting to historic lows, DC Comics turned to acclaimed writer Frank Miller, who had already gained recognition in the comic book industry through his work on titles like Daredevil and Wolverine. In early 1986, Miller released “The Dark Knight Returns,” which depicted a 55-year-old Bruce Wayne emerging from retirement to confront crime in a grim future, ultimately facing not just Gotham’s police force but also the US government and Superman. This innovative project was produced in a “prestige format,” utilizing high-quality paper instead of traditional newsprint, marking a bold departure from industry standards at the time.
DC archivist Benjamin LeClear remarked to Gadgets 360, “We didn’t do graphic novels really before this. Because it was a book, it made it onto the New York Times bestseller list, something unprecedented for a comic book. That was a landmark moment for me, capturing the various changes in society and mirroring the gritty realities of New York. It also represented a major artist being given the freedom to leave his mark on Batman — in this case, Frank Miller. We aim to allow prominent artists their own interpretations while also exploring experimental printing techniques that enhance color and presentation.”
The impact of “The Dark Knight Returns” was profound. Not only did it resonate with Batman fans, but it also, alongside Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ “Watchmen,” released the same year, heralded a new era of mature, adult storytelling in comic books appealing to a broader audience. Miller’s influence has persisted, shaping adaptations even decades later, including elements seen in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises” in 2012 and Zack Snyder’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” in 2015.
Additionally, Miller’s narrative reshaped Batman’s origin story in ways previously undefined. Most audiences are familiar with the tragic tale of the Wayne family’s fateful trip to the theater, culminating in the violent death of Bruce’s parents in a robbery gone wrong. However, Bob Kane, the character’s co-creator in May 1939, had overlooked a crucial detail that Miller incorporated into his work.
The resurgence in Batman’s popularity following “The Dark Knight Returns” spurred a flourishing of new content. In 1992, “Batman: The Animated Series” debuted, channeling the mature themes and intricate design established by Miller. LeClear remarked that it represented “the best of both worlds: a modern take with a nostalgic look reminiscent of the 30s and 40s.” The series also introduced Harley Quinn, who would later become a major character, with Margot Robbie portraying her in 2016’s “Suicide Squad” and leading the film “Birds of Prey” in February 2020.
The resurgence of Batman’s character also paved the way for new heroes to emerge. Batgirl, introduced as a young Asian martial arts prodigy named Cassandra Cain in 2000, and Batwoman, introduced in 2006 as billionaire heiress Kate Kane, both branched out from Batman’s extensive universe. While “Birds of Prey” will feature Cain, it remains uncertain if she will be known as Batgirl in the film. Batman has also inspired multiple spin-offs, including “Batman Beyond” and collaborations with other prominent DC characters as part of the Justice League.
LeClear noted that Batman has “spawned more comic titles than any other character in our catalog. It’s not just about the sheer volume of issues featuring Batman; we also have a plethora of titles dedicated to him.” He further reflected on Batman’s role within the Justice League, emphasizing, “Despite the mythological stature of his fellow heroes, it’s Batman whom they all look to as a leader. This dynamic is instinctively accepted by the audience, as exemplified by the way Superman has expressed admiration for Batman’s skills.”
However, current Batman and DC fans find themselves in a landscape dominated by Marvel’s cinematic success. Under Kevin Feige’s stewardship, Marvel Studios has propelled lesser-known characters into the spotlight, culminating in a decade marked by record-breaking box office hits, including “Avengers: Endgame.” Conversely, Batman has seen more misses than hits in recent years, as Warner Bros. shifts its focus away from Superman and the Justice League.
Despite the prevailing dominance of Marvel, LeClear stated, “I’ve never seen Batman as a problem for our films.” He highlighted the consistent sales of Batman comics and praised Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy as standout achievements in the medium. In a world saturated with superhero narratives, he asserted that Batman brings a unique perspective as “the world’s greatest detective,” a facet that has yet to be fully explored in films.
Fans can look forward to a potential shift with Matt Reeves’ upcoming film, “The Batman,” starring Robert Pattinson, scheduled for release in June 2021. In January, Reeves described the film as a “noir Batman tale” that would place Bruce Wayne in a more investigative role. Should the film deliver on these promises, it has the potential to redefine the superhero genre in cinema, echoing Miller’s transformative impact on the comic landscape many years ago, coinciding with Batman’s 80th anniversary.
“Batman perfectly embodies the dual origins of comic books—both newspaper strips and classic detective stories,” LeClear concluded. “As a superhero, he merges elements from both genres, setting himself apart in a significant way.”
