Dark Knight Returns Part II.

[@megasoniczxx]

I do find the idea of Bruce entrusting the fate of Gotham in the citizens (and the mutant dudes) themselves to be a pretty good bookend to his story arc as opposed to trying find someone to take over the mantle after he's gone. In a way, it's like he finally let go of the idea of being able to handle all of the cities problems on his own and decided to put trust in the very people he's been protecting the whole time even if it might inevitably lead them into danger.

[@arcanefury3666]

You probably wouldnt like the sequels to this

[@thomasdeen2099]

@@arcanefury3666 what sequels i'm pretty sure those dont exist *_right?_*

[@mrhoapro1]

@@thomasdeen2099 yeah, there isn't a prequel either! I'm glad frank miller stopped writing post 2000!

[@thomasdeen2099]

@@mrhoapro1 Boy do I love his artwork and how it didn't degrade over time, the proportions are totally spot on, the lineart isn't squirmy, I also love he draws Superman!

[@emperorleachy6435]

@@mrhoapro1There’s a great prequel to this story, it’s called Year One

[@JebBushHimself]

"We watched him fight a rope, and then we watched him fight Ronald Reagan" goes so hard

[@Deaganus]

Imagine reducing the whole plot to just that pithy take. Now imagine it actually landing. Well done Leo

[@lunasroom_101]

agreed

[@Trinin]

That's when I hit thumbs up.

[@Mephiestopholes]

Agreed

[@wolfgangdarkly]

And then the beat drops. Makes my day.

[@Small_child_punter]

It warms my heart to see how deeply Superman clearly still cares about Bruce. He just got his ass kicked but it doesn’t put a dent in his care for Batman.

[@EnergyBurst2]

Both of them knew going in that neither of them wanted this fight and that neither had anything truly personal against the other going in, that and supes is in general a rather stand-up guy and won't really hold a grudge against a friend.

[@YorgosHimself]

Yep. No dent on his respect. Just his face.

[@Small_child_punter]

@@EnergyBurst2 I feel like Batman does hold a lot against Superman. Not that he hates him or wants him dead. But there was something truly personal about his mortality speech.

[@myleswayne301]

Superman considers Batman as a brother.

[@jimmyfaltu8155]

Batman fanbois would cry so hard once superman actually gives the same level of effort that batman does to harm him

[@Hysterically_Accurate]

"If it's not me, it's gonna be someone else." "Really? Who do they send after YOU?"

[@samfire3067]

The tax collector.

[@bigfat6797]

@@samfire3067 Not even joker is crazy enough to fight the irs

[@SourRobo8364]

"No more! All the people I murdered by letting you live!" Easily my favorite Batman line. It gets more powerful as the years go by because of how many horrible things Joker does.

[@batkan5938]

In my opinion, this movie has the scariest joker I have ever seen on a media content. I was extremely scared at the last monologue and suicide.

[@WSendam]

Joker is scary in a lot of things this one kept the madness hidden and I loved that he just did it I love when villains don’t state what they do true insanity isn’t spoken or justified it just happens ❤ when it’s violent also I love how he actually jokes around it’s a lot more creepy and he only really talks to Batman with his true feelings

[@Latooni]

Michael Emerson is the last person I'd ever think of when casting Joker, but he absolutely nailed the insanity.

[@thecreatornooj1328]

I guess it speaks for itself when a villain can scare you while killing himself.

[@MarvelKnight-tw9hb]

The final fight with Batman and joker is so epic! The setting the music you can just feel the rage in Batman's voice when he says "all the people I've murdered by letting you live" Joker killed Jason and now he's killed even more people you can just tell Batman blames himself for everything!

[@anthonyscheibmeir2444]

Oddly enough the dark knight returns book was written before Death in the Family and it somewhat predicts Jason's death.

[@cstick2664]

batman faking his death is the literal symbolism of being reborn into legend and i feel like he had to fight superman in the story because... like... who is stronger (in the general public's mind) than superman? defeating god, almost, is batman ascending into legendary status himself

[@futabagaming]

I think your perspective on The Dark Knight returns is very interesting, because a lot of people view the piece as a conservative individualist power fantasy. But your interpretation of it paints it as a work very much focused on the collective and people binding together to help people. It's refreshing.

[@ricardomiles2957]

it still is, doesn't mean you can't analyze in different ways. People normally are too occupied saying what they do and think it's the right way to consider literally anything else

[@christopherauzenne5023]

I think you can view the story as sorta both/the best of the individual and the best of the group if that makes any sense. its batman's actions alone, the individual, helping and inspiring the people of gotham, the collective, to rise up and help each other. it sorta shows what it truly is to do something for the group, its not doing something to better the collective/"the greater good" but to help and support the individuals of the group together based on your own choices and individual powers

[@nickasaro8789]

Yeah, I can kinda see both sides of this debate in different ways.

[@blakemcnamara9105]

It is a super conservative and a super liberal book but not at all in the ways you would expect. Just like it takes Batman back to his gritty roots, so too does it take America back to hers. The idea of standing up to the present overbearing government to fight for personal freedoms but to do so collectively is very Founding Fathers-esque and thus can be thought of as liberal in its resistance of big government but also conservative in terms of the forcible establishment of law and order.

[@BillyKamp]

Superman one moment appears as a parody of a symbol of the USA, he literally has an Eagle land on him.

[@zyaicob]

I love that "Batman isn't special because everyone is special. Everyone is Batman" interpretation. I never considered it before and I've thought about this property a lot. You always do that to me. Thanks for that Leo. May God bless you.

[@bigboibebop]

“Bruce no longer looks for a good death. Instead, he looks forward to his life.“

[@jabezmanch1323]

Bloody beautiful

[@bigboibebop]

@@jabezmanch1323 a line I wish I could incorporate into my own living.

[@AthEE_One]

The remaining 10% of it at least

[@merphul]

this was as close as we got to Batman having real closure. though I do like the conclusion he got at the end of Batman Beyond as well.

[@The_Phantasm]

Even though there aren't a lot of animated projects highlighting him could you please make a video about Tim Drake. A lot of people seem to nowadays forget about him despite the fact that he used to be a lot of people's favourite Robin.

[@lunasroom_101]

im with constatine here! ide love a tim video- he doesnt get enough love

[@stivanotaliho]

Yeah, i think he is the most underrated Robin, because he is the only one that want and choose to be Robin.

[@GuiltlessGear]

Sage's Rain has a great video focused primarily on the comics Drake. Something to tide you over til IP gets around to making one of his own. /watch?v=IQehtsPFtAI

[@The_Phantasm]

@@stivanotaliho The fact is he didn't used to be underrated.

[@William-the-Guy]

Well what the comics did with him over the last 10 years was really bad. But when I was a kid in the 90s, Tim was the perfect Robin. He was an underdog becuase he was new, you weren't sure if he could handle himself or not. When a really scary character like Bane went up against Tim, it felt like there were stakes, it felt like he might really die, like Jason did before him. It made the stories very engaging.

[@mandalorianhunter1]

Damn so soon after part 1 The world of the Dark Knight is so different in that Superman becomes the symbol of hope and oppression at the same time that it's sad. He betrayed his friends to keep in good standing with the US which can be seen as the natural evolution of him being seen as a American symbol and what happens with Captain America in the comics where he was told that his identity belongs to his country. I do get sick of seeing Superman lose to Batman but it makes sense here, where Batman got sick of the world he was living in while Superman became content with it.

[@myleswayne301]

I don't think Superman would actually work for the government. He's Superman: Champion of the oppressed.

[@Firestorm422]

​@myleswayne301 Well that's why this a specific Elseworld story, where Superman WOULD become a Government Dog

[@starbolt0636]

There's something beautiful about your videos. The music you use helps greatly, but your commentary and your delivery... it's beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@starbolt0636]

@deagleninja Oh yeah

[@RomanvonUngernSternbergnrmfvus]

His talk about a resurgence in collective responsibility got me a little teary eyed. It was refreshing.

[@hushthecipher]

Those two films are such a fantastic adaptation of a incredible story. It's so rare for an adaptation to be given the time to properly adapt the original in a way that is faithful and even elevates it in some ways.

[@red3994]

I think Dark Knight returns might just now be my favorite Batman for what he stands for and what he does. It’s absolutely perfect

[@naveesomeone1583]

2:26, FRED!?!!? WHY DID YOU COME HERE, WE NEED TO FIND THE GHOST

[@carlothenerd7354]

Holy cow 3 videos in one week and with a consistent quality throughout 👌

[@jovenc4508]

I always hated the part of Superman working as a government agent. He would never stand for something like that.

[@frohawkmaster]

Hell Captain Atom is right there.

[@myleswayne301]

Frank Miller did that on purpose, admitted that he wanted to see Batman to beat up Superman.

[@BeyondTrash-xe1vs]

Yeah it is pretty uncharacteristic of him. Superman usually butts heads with the government too, especially considering his origins. Still, I tend to let it slide since this story is about Batman, rather than a critique of Superman.

[@Raptor44256]

The Joker is exactly how I would imagine a real life Joker being. Manipulative enough to goad people into thinking he was willing to change and preying on the fear of Batman. Superman not automagically killing Batman when he’s sent in speaks more to how he may be a government tool, he’s still trying to be a good guy. I loved how it showed all the broken and aged heroes and villains who were only shadows of themselves.

[@thomaskrupa2004]

I don't necessarily agree with the idea that Batman is fighting conservatism, but rather he's fighting people who turn a blind eye to violence and corruption, be it liberal or conservative. He's no politician, but rather a symbol of action against inaction.

[@benc3859]

I love this SO much. Community and responsibility are so beautifully displayed here

[@afoot03]

Dude, I’ve been watching your channel for almost a year now and these vids on TDKR must be one of your finest works yet! AMAZING WORK

[@cooperjohnston5785]

I love this video, but I think that this movie and story goes even further in political commentary than trashing Ronald Reagan and conservative leadership, essentially commenting on both ends of the spectrum. I enjoy how there are plenty of “open minded” celebrities and pop doctors that are willing to justify a maniac like the Joker, enabling him to kill hundreds, and also stubborn “law and order cops” who stop Batman from saving the audience from the Joker. Carrie’s parents are useless protesters, explaining how meaningful and virtuous their grassroots efforts where, while completely ignoring their daughter. Neither side is shown as being particularly helpful. This story uses all this to suggest a need for unity, humility, compassion, compromise, forgiveness and honesty. Batman guides everyone to work and save Gotham. The narrative creates a legend. I never get when people say that Batman is too crazy in this story. All the politicians and people around him are the issue. Frank Miller was a genius when he wrote this (can’t say the same for all his later stuff, but who cares).

[@arcengal]

and then Dark Knight Strikes Again happens and everything ends up a little... different.

[@jamilp2869]

God damn it. You keep talking about this media, these things, these characters and universes that are important to me... and you do it so well... and for this... I thank you.

[@cameronhealy10]

You don’t understand how long I’ve been waiting for someone to make a solid video essay about this film!

[@illseeyaonthedarksideofthemoon]

One thing that I would've liked to see in the movie was Superman reflexion after getting hit with the nuke, it really helps to understand his character.

[@davidfinch7407]

The talk show host was clearly modeled on Dave Letterman, not Conan.

[@RaptorJesus]

Voiced by Conan, though.

[@davidfinch7407]

@@RaptorJesus Didn't know that, thanks

[@tonkhk]

"All the people I've murdered by letting you live" is such a raw line 🥶🥶🥶

[@churchilla5511]

It's a shame what happens to Alfred though. :(

[@scottsantacruz313]

Alfred collapsing one last time is one of the hardest parts to stomach.

[@Cherrynasb]

its the only thing I hate about the story. How does it not even address batmans thoughts on Alfred's death?! Its almost like he didn't realize or something.@@scottsantacruz313

[@sarmavlada]

Good on you for finding subtleties in story that isn't known for such.

[@HortonSalm]

This movie keeps getting more relevant everyday.

[@SlayaBEE]

Goddamnit IP I KNEW you were gonna use the same damn Green Arrow bit again lmao Every one of your videos is better than the last dude. Most underrated channel on the platform currently.

[@theccqua]

Great work as always. looking forward to what comes next

[@mathewwilliams6801]

This is my favourite batman movie Right next to under the redhood

[@Youlleyeseas]

This is my new favorite interpretation of this story....

[@kennethng263]

been binging this channel all of this is so good😭😭

[@wandal7032]

Ultimate version of batman: the one on the horse

[@darthlovecraft]

Fun Fact: Frank Miller, the guy who wrote and drew DKR, once described his politics as libertarian.

[@Elfenlied8675309]

Frank Miller is also a lunatic that went crazy from a mixture of cocaine abuse and witnessing the 9/11 attacks in New York first hand. He hasn't been able to not painfully shoehorn his opinions into absolutely everything. He is somehow both anti-Muslim and made a comic book about murdering Muslims while also being anti-Republican and heavily dislikes Donald Trump.

[@preciseexposure]

TDKR actually sets up Batman beyond very very well

[@suburbangoat7550]

Batman’s true enemy: RONALD REAGAN

[@TGSuineg]

Crazy to think we're willing in a similar era now.

[@Tze52]

I also always thought Joker somehow kills himself, but then I found other people talking about how Batman did snap his next in the scene before. But his mind is mentally telling him Joker killed himself. I don't know which it is anymore

[@Blublublu23]

That's the fun of it, ain't it?

[@solaceboy]

The Dark Knight Returns is not Earth One, (the main canon), and therefore not Batman's actual ending. It's an Esleworlds story.

[@TevyaSmolka]

Dark knights returns part 2 was such a great movie in my opinion.

[@christopherauzenne5023]

you know watching this videos ending, I honestly think this is a 20x better ending for a future bruce than batman beyond. instead of ending fairly misserable and alone in a gotham that is still bad he is now leading a new generation of batmen to do good and cause change, in a sense it's bruce become a ra's al ghoul figure and this being his league of assassins except it's on his terms of doing right.

[@yo4584]

I can't believe that Fred became the new commissioner

[@jinchuriki7022]

" we dont have to be stupid like the people in charge " I mess with that.

[@predatorpredator3171]

bro, get this man to 1 mil subscribers....this is awesome content, I believe this is the best in-depth analysis of mythos of Batman, DKR and the full psychology of Batman's persona as well! FUCKING AWESOME CONTENT!

[@Leevhq]

Your videos keep me going fr

[@brettgillespie7089]

"Obviously batman can't beat up Ronald Reagan" I can dream can't I?

[@scottsantacruz313]

Batman V Regan: Dawn Of Political Embarrassment.

[@church323]

The bat symbol is going to eventually just evolve into a rectangle

[@lunasroom_101]

im so happy i checked youtube this afternoon- ive been havin a bad day and this kinda reminded me even if im being treated bad i can in fact keep goin- your content makes me rlly happy :)

[@mattgilbert7347]

"I'm an old Lefty" Frank, what happened?

[@arcanefeline]

I like DKR, but I hate all the "Batman can beat Supes no problem!" fanboys it produced. Also, I hate seeing Superman as a government lapdog so much.

[@myleswayne301]

It also started the "Superman is all superpowers with no wisdom or intelligence".

[@arcanefeline]

@@myleswayne301 true. One should watch Superman Animated Series, at the very least, to understand how clever and inventive Supes is, both in a fight and outside of it. Not to mention that Supes actually won the fight in DKR, because nothing that Bats did could actually put Supes down for the count. Bats was just stalling till his "heart attack", while trying to make a point along the way. That "remember who beat you" speech happens right before the "heart attack", and lo and behold, Supes is instantly on his feet and holding Bats in his arms. He was not beaten, he was just taking a breather while Bats ranted.

[@brianstrother7056]

My fav vid. Keep up the good work.

[@davidogundipe808]

This is a beautiful essay and the caped crusaders inspiration in all of us.

[@johngullu6817]

been watchin your videos non stop man, great content!

[@PrismPoint]

where does everyone get "the Joker kills himself to frame Batman" from? Batman clearly snaps joker's neck and has a breakdown. The comic makes it clear that every instance of the jokers voice from that point on is batman hallucinating. Also, you can't snap your own neck like that. it thematically and physically doesn't make sense.

[@christopherauzenne5023]

I always thought batman just fractures the jokers neck, to the point it can easily be snapped and joker dies, and the joker proceeds to finish the job because he believed he has finally made batman cross the line (or cross it enough) and completed his ultimate goal

[@hushthecipher]

Need us a Batman to throw out all the Neo Cons & Neo Libs.

[@drakoan]

The Reagan in this show reminds me of the era of politics we face now.

[@ashleygingerale]

Absolutely amazing videos on this channel

[@xMancio_]

The biggest problem with this story today is that the criticism of conservatism has lost all of his value. Not only because we now look back at raegan with a different appreciation but mostly because the same flaws attributed to the president in DKR perfectly apply also to the progressives. The main appeal of the message is still the call for personal responsibility, the idea of the little man standing up for himself and his community which, if anything, is ringing more and more like a right wing message. Time surely loves to change perspectives.

[@yeho8]

In response to the mystery song: transform and rize up. If this means you'll start covering transformers media I am absolutely ecstatic

[@fandomweebsvsmemes9803]

Knew this was coming, and kept looking for it!

[@younes9745]

Its so sad that Alfred didnt fake his death but actually died.

[@nemesisprime4501]

After watching the dark knight returns I finally understood why they made superman side with the US government is because of what he used to say "I am truth, justice and the American way" the it was changed but I feel like peter Safran wants to bring back the political side of things, and supermans suit sort of does resembles an American flag

[@dissonanceparadiddle]

"but Batman can't fight Ronald Reagan"..... 🥺 My pen please

[@Radiosnekk12335]

"everyine is batman" i wish i was

[@Mephiestopholes]

We Love You, Leo.

[@AtomicWizard527]

one of your best videos!!

[@darwinaguilero3175]

Great video as always. Cheers.

[@Sgt.Dornan117]

It'd be hilarious if you made an All-Star Batman vid. Best I can describe that comic is its a complete s*** show... Also not my favorite iteration of Superman, he's too much of a jack booted despot acting as an arm of the Govt. I believe the actual Superman wouldn't blindly follow the government like this version does, but cool fight tho

[@ihavethestick]

I appreciate your work.

[@GoldbossGames]

Seen a fan theory that the Joker didn't kill himself. It's batman hallucinating Joker killing himself and Bats is actually the one who killed him.

[@ItsNotAXylophone]

This is beautiful 😭

[@The_Retro_Futurist_76]

It's really messed up when you realize Bruce is only max 55 yo in the story. Miller makes it look like Bruce is 80+, but in reality Timm and company did the actual old man Wayne storyline I would say first.

[@HareHaruhi]

6:32 Superman grew complacent with the status quo, Batman reminded him of his humanity by bringing out his mortality. He reminded him he could and should do better than just being the government's tool. Edit: and Clark knows this. When the bomb explodes on him, he ask the earth to help him, Superman's duty is with his foster planet and humanity, not the government

[@synbiosblade]

I always get chills after your videos can you do book readings or something as well need more content from you.

[@Thatn55]

Superman almost dying from a nuke is dumb when he can survive plants exploding and way more

[@xlro8f853]

“Hey remember that clown that killed that talk show host? Bare with me..”

[@nickeel8401]

If the god damned Batman says he’s here to appeal to my community spirit you better believe I’d be down for the cause

[@thefez-cat]

It's a bit distracting how goofy Miller's designs for Batman and Superman look. Like they're some kind of hybrid between superheroes, sumo wrestlers, and refrigerators.

[@madlad1511]

a funny part about the movie is that superman still believes himself the good guy, even after murdering thousands of soviets

[@lexluther919]

yo... i was in middle skool when regan was president...so this batman ol as a mug... so this means... we living age of the jokers...look in the skys...for batman beyon

[@Hirens.]

Amazing!

[@caiasmith1341]

You brought me back around to respecting DKR to some degree. The endless gritty and Randian interpretations had exhausted me, but now I remember why I loved reading it as a teenager

[@frogmouth2]

I just realized your little avatar is in the top left corner of every thumbnail.

[@nashmusa7153]

Ahh yes the earth.. good ol' earth that is only composed of America.

[@aguywithalotofopinions412]

I always peferred Batman as a symbol of hope for the people of Gotham, rather than a symbol of fear for criminals

[@elishafollet5347]

Y not both? To crooks he's a symbol of fear that discourages ppl from commiting more crimes while to your average person he's a symbol of hope for Gotham since he helps reduce crimes

[@Nirbanox]

Loved this animated movie

[@moviewolfreviews875]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻another masterpiece

[@sahilhossain8204]

Lore of Batman vs earth momentum 100

[@L337P1R4735]

Batman should have beaten the crap out of Ronald Reagan. Not killed him but the serious ass whoopin he deserved.

[@bucketprime5782]

I like how the reagan here is basically just the average American politician

[@DaniG._.German]

I'm suing? Who are you suing?

[@zakai-kaz]

Good lord does Superman have a chin!

[@thetechna-gamer]

I kinda wanna see you talk about the continuation of the story perfect race

[@Lanceawright]

More David Letterman... than Conan O'Brien.