Personally, what I’ve found so far to be most intriguing about Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is the fact that Bruce Wayne is now an old man, subjected to the obstacles and barriers of old age; stiff joints, a little more winded, etc. However, the art in the comic might suggest that Batman is going about his usual business untouched by the pangs of old age, as he seems just as agile and swift as usual. This is where dialogue is contrasted nicely with art, as it gives the reader the notion of a character’s physical ailments when it’s harder to be represented through art. An example is on page 49 where we see Batman climbing up one of Gotham’s towers, “Pain that’s three days old crawls across my back. I kick the dust from my joints and climb. It used to be easier” (Miller, 49). I imagine that Miller had to be very conscious of the fact that he is trying to present Bruce Wayne/Batman in his elder years, so the dialogue as well as the art must reflect this so that readers have a good idea of the concept. Forgive me for my Batman history arrogance, but was The Dark Knight Returns the first comic about Batman where he’s portrayed as an old man? Because I know this idea was used later in things such as Batman Beyond, the cartoon. If so, I appreciate Miller’s adaptation of Batman because it seems a little more realistic for me, if only slightly. People don’t stay young and agile forever, so presenting notions of the passage of time, aging, and eventual death, subjects super heroes and other comic book characters to the same things normal humans are subjected to. At least I think this is what Miller wanted to get at, after reading his introduction. We see Commissioner Gordon wrestling with this reality on page 58 when he says, “A young boy dashes past me, healthy, dirty, and beautiful. You don’t want to know what he makes me think of.” And later, “Dying never seemed real to me when I was young” (Miller, 58).  For me, these realities make the characters’ struggle that much more complex, as they fight not only against evil, but against themselves (See page 55). Overall, I think the notion of time is important concept to bring up when dealing with comics, as we will see this idea explored immensely in Watchmen.

Finally, (and I swear I’m done talking after this), I like the great debate that is being brought up over Batman in The Dark Knight Returns, as psychologists in the story keep trying to deconstruct him on sociological and psychological terms. I appreciate the debate being raised as it tries not to allow us to side immediately with Batman despite our strong inclinations. However, given the scenario of the story thus far, it might be pretty easy to side with him. But I don’t know, it’s up to you, and I haven’t finished yet so don’t give anything away for me. Just a few questions, does Batman shoot that guy on pages 64 and 65? I assume that’s what happened but I just needed some clarification. And how the hell did Bruce Wayne lose his mustache? I was confused at that.