The Dark Knight Returns is the first Batman graphic novel I’ve read. Not surprisingly, I am familiar with the plot (past and present) and the characters because of Batman’s presence in pop culture. Initially, I was overwhelmed. The narration of the plot changes constantly. The only graphic novel I was familiar with before was Persepolis which is told from one point of view. Miller constantly switches between Batman’s thoughts and his conversations with the Mutants/other villains, we read Robin (Carrie Kelly)’s thoughts, and the Police Commissioners. That’s not all! Miller’s use of the media and interviews add an outside point of view to the plot. These few frames add an additional third person narrative. We hear the debate surrounding the action of the plot.
Many of the pages consist of frames with television broadcasters with the text looming over the picture of the news anchor. These aren’t your “typical comic frame” because there is no gutter between each frame. However, the picture of the anchor makes it seem like we (the reader) are watching the news. This relates to McCloud’s discussion of the comic book experience and abstraction. While he discussed it by saying that pictures in comics are more abstract so the reader sees themselves in the story, I see it (in terms of The Dark Knight Returns) that the television frames are being used to make the reader feel as though they’re watching the news. They’re experiencing these views of Batman in the comfort of their own home allowing the reader to form their own point of view of Batman.
Another good example of abstraction occurs on page 67. I was really into the story by the time I got to these series of completely black frames. I was on edge and I was so nervous and excited to find out what happens next. The dialogue boxes were my only clues until Miller revealed to me the location of Batman and one of the mutants. What I was imagining was completely different. Each frame their location changed but the suspense kept me reading. I’m amazed with my imagination after doing this reading.
I wanted to touch on the news anchor panels.
I think Miller does this for a few reasons. Clearly they serve as a running commentary on what is going on in the story. As we read the action we’re developing opinions and thoughts of our own about what the Dark Knight is doing and about how his presence or lack thereof affects his environment. As we have these thoughts the news anchors and psychologists and what have yous talk out the great Batman debate. Is he the source of the crime, can criminals be rehabilitated. It is a really innovative way to carry on two conversations at once. The story is going on at the surface but an analysis of the very nature of batman is going on all the while in between the panels .
Miller also accomplishes a very accurate depiction of Batman in reality. I couldn’t help but compare the news sequences to what happens in the real world. One thing tends to monopolize all conversation. The media seems incapable of multitasking sometimes. The same way Presidential elections or even the deaths of some celebrities can saturate American media, Batman dominates all media conversations.