Explaining Batman: The Dark Knight Returns to my parents!

[@comicpop]

Pick up Batman: The Dark Knight Returns here: amzn.to/1Qi57pQ

[@johnnyregep4169]

"I thought he was gonna be a doctor, but he turned out to be a nerd!" I totally lost it your mom is awesome

[@ns-ed5mf]

+Johnny Regep I've never heard words that I could relate to more.

[@fredbushee9161]

+Neal Steichen I think a lot of us heard stuff like that XD

[@melancholiclonging8641]

That’s how my mom will be when I am an adult

[@kadenarnett528]

I felt the disappointment in that statement

[@nehemiahjudah2009]

instaBlaster

[@misterclark2028]

It's cool how this flows like a normal episode of Back Issues, Sal's mother is like Ben because she's providing the main commentary, and Sal's father is like Ethan because he doesn't talk as much but he always has something really good to ask or say. The episodes with Sal's parents are very entertaining.

[@oldfan4049]

episodeS? There're more?! o0

[@misterclark2028]

@@oldfan4049 they did one on The Killing Joke

[@oldfan4049]

@@misterclark2028 о0 wait...why I can't find it than? o0

[@JoshMunroe]

The patience Sal's parents have can really enable children to be their best, most creative selves, even if their parents don't directly share their interests. Also, I love how DKR is, in Sal's case, literally "not your father's Batman." Bought trade count since I started watching Back Issues: 40

[@steellegionaire]

I can't wait for the Watchmen episode of Back Issues where Sal gets to show off all of his Allan Moore impressions (from young, chipper/enthusiastic Allan Moore to pissed off, old man Allan Moore) for his parents.

[@fredbushee9161]

+Steel Legionnaire are you hinting at the return of he the "little old Ally Moore" ? to part time evil Santa Clause?

[@ApeSapiens]

+Steel Legionnaire "young, chipper/enthusiastic Allan Moore"? I think you are talking about "little ol' Allie Moore!"xD

[@splatpoon6007]

+Steel Legionnaire is it just me or do Ben and Tiffany look a lot better

[@TheWazzoGames]

+john tierney No Ethan Ben And Sal Are My Favorite Trio Followed By Ma Sal Pa Sal and Sal himself!

[@tommykelso3592]

Still waiting on this watchmen review

[@TheEandIShow]

the fact that sal was/is a teacher makes him telling these stories 10x better that's why this is a highlight on Thursday for me....delivering packages and listening to these stories are great

[@SuperTnalover]

what did he teach?

[@TheEandIShow]

Idk i think I remember hearing him say that...hey i may be wrong

[@ramohnfisher3654]

+Jordan Fowler English

[@thebariobro7664]

@tiffany588710 months late, does he still teach in any way?

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

*The Dark Knight Returns* is not just a graphic novel. It's not even just a classic story. It's almost like a sacred, ancient tome of Nerdom. Seeing Sal describe it to two people who have legitimately never read it is like witnessing an ancient shaman telling the villagers a tale of old. Regaling us with a legend that has been passed down for generations.

[@javierobregon2081]

Comment of the year! Not even kidding...

[@TheImSolid]

The dark knight 2 is garbage though.

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

Gabe N I have no idea what you're talking about. This story began and ended within these pages. I mean, *The Dark Knight Strikes Again*? What is that? What even is that?

[@javierobregon2081]

Yeah what are you talking about?

[@CosmicNerdStudios]

+Gabe N what is that

[@bruhernandez8607]

Wow, Ben and Tiffany look... different.

[@CosmicNerdStudios]

+Nick Grimes lol!

[@austincole7286]

too old. time to reboot

[@dharrmanbestyoutuber]

Here's a question will channels still live after a person's death

[@DavidTSmith-jn5bs]

While I can understand why there are more comments about "The Dark Knight Returns'" in the comment section, I've got to say that it was a rare treat to see a man tell a "bedtime story" to his parents for a change. Sal, your folks are a charming couple who genuinely seemed to enjoy this hour-long telling of a classic "graphic novel" and had well thought-out comments to make throughout. Your mother recognizing how close the pop culture references are to today more than when the book was released and your father saying that the term "comic book" wouldn't apply in this case as someone who's encountering this style of storytelling for the first time since his youth. I envy you being raised by these nice folks and being able to share your love for this genre without being ridiculed or condescended to because of it. Thanks for posting a refreshing installment and expanding on the shows premise of explaining a story to two people who aren't "comics nerds." Five stars!

[@DrMadd]

Looks like the Back Issues gang is too old and not connecting to new viewers. Time for a Crisis!

[@CosmicNerdStudios]

agreed

[@edwxx20001]

+DrMaddWorld crisis on infinite couches

[@peterelpanda2]

All-New , All-Diferent Back Issues

[@CitizenDuarte]

Didn't expect to see you here, Doctor

[@simoncorbishley5588]

As a British Man I love the Alan more impression. Absolutely hilarious.

[@comicpop]

+Simon Corbishley Thank you, Simon!

[@dark3rthanshadows]

it's not the first time he does good impressions i still remember Grant Morrison impression

[@akap]

You don't get it, son. This isn't a mudhole... It's an operating table. And I'm the surgeon. CRACK.

[@dentonfilms8446]

"I thought he would be a doctor, but he turned out to be a nerd." SHOTS FIRED! That line made me laugh so much

[@אהרוןאלמוג-צ2ב]

1. your parents are cool. that's an hour of hearing about essentially a comic book (although a great one), probably not a highly regarded concept for them, yet they niether drifted off nor stirred the conversation elsewhere. that's quite impressive to me. 2. here's to many more happy years for your family, and many more back issues and comicpop shows, .

[@HomeNuke]

Sal, I just wanted to say that you're genuinely a role model for me. I love what you've been able to do with these channels and how much depth you actually bring to the recounting of these stories. I wish both of my parents were still here so i could have these types of conversations with them. Keep reading, guys.

[@cisnerd_2093]

I've been bingeing this series since the beginning of summer, and I've gotta say, this is one of my favorite episodes. Your folks brought a different dynamic to the show, but in a really good way. Even though Ben and Ethan "don't know anything about comics," they do know more than the average non-comic reader, even if it's all just from doing this show and seeing movies. Your parents' outside perspective brought a fresh new look at a really iconic work.

[@stxyn]

Sal, I just started watching your stuff this week. This one with your parents is very very sweet. You're really lucky. My mother threw away my thousands of comics not once but twice. You have really great parents.

[@GankMo]

Another knows my pain! My mother did the same thing, twice too! Beyond crushing, but my 3rd collection's going strong!

[@Alaska1925]

+GankMo oh god.. I don't know what I'd do if my mother one day threw away all of my comics.. Granted, I probably have way less than you do. I don't have much shelf space, so I have to _select_ what I buy quite carefully.. but I do care about my comics. Those stories taught me things. They're a part of me now. And that's probably the same for every comic collector.

[@dylanlewis5113]

Sal's comment about getting it more as you get older is what happened to me. I read DKR for the first time when I was 10. I didn't like it. I read it again at 15, after hearing that so many people consider it to be one of the best Batman stories. I liked it more, but thought it was overrated. At 17, I started to really like it. At 20, I considered it one of the best Batman stories. I haven't read it in two years. Time to do that again.

[@mammal8615]

Man that was really good, it might actually be one of my favourite back issues you guys have done. Your mum really took on the part of Ben and really give an every(wo)man perspective and your dad, although he didn't say much what he did bring up was really insightful and made for great discussion, you HAVE to do this one again Sal!

[@LukeDodge916]

I love that you hosted this particular episode with your parents, Sal. My parents actually gave me my copy of The Dark Knight Returns in Xmas 1989 (still have it, inscribed by my mom!) and I often thank her for encouraging me to read what I feel is the best comic book let alone Batman story yet produced... Your dad seems captivated with this story, I love it.

[@Ansaman1]

I think I will never stop loving back issues. Whether I hear obscure stories or new perspectives on stories I've already ready, I always feel a sense of enjoyment. Love the show. Keep up the good fight.

[@kd7100]

You’re parents are kick ass- absolutely one of my favorite back issues episodes, no doubt lol. I’d already read TDKR probably 15-20 years earlier (I’m 33, for context), but this channel is classic 🍻

[@oatmat]

The ending is amazing as well, the fight between Batman and Superman is incredible, Superman cannot be stopped by Batman or any force, and Batman understands that and knows Superman is a good person who has gone on to the wrong path and the whole fight is about Batman trying to save Superman by putting him on the right path. Superman is very much the representation of humanity as a whole in this book(its an awesome Irony), as humanity are the ones in the book who just do what there told by the "MAN" even though they know its wrong but are too afraid of the consequences of all out destruction (the cold war), even though as a whole they are the most powerful thing on the planet. In the end Batman does save Superman by tricking Supes into thinking that he is responsible for his death, which would make Superman question himself and in the end Superman hears Bruce's heartbeat and simply winks at Carrie implying he knows and that he is a true hero again also implying there is hope for humanity(because if Superman were still for "The MAN" he would have tore Bruce from the coffin and melted his face off lol).

[@zachcouch8654]

Well said.

[@oatmat]

+Zach Couch Thank you

[@LightningFromHeaven]

Yeah hes like in his mid 50s here

[@scuffmane0960]

Dude such a good take, havin the most powerful thing on Earth represent peoples weakness in how we tend to follow "THE MAN" like you said instead of being "THE MAN".

[@TheCosmicCollective1]

it's fascinating how similar these two are to Ethan and Ben. Mom's asking lot's of questions and holding the book and Dad listening intently and commenting every once and a while

[@Xaintrix]

This is easily in my favorite episodes. Your parents were awesome! Not just funny, but they were also engaged and asked some really great questions. Thanks to the whole family!

[@TumzFestivalYT]

Much love Sal, always love when you have your folks on! It's really fun :)

[@thrill127]

30:17 dad looks concerned

[@ussdefiantmm]

Sal this was a very sweet episode with your parents. I love that fact that you Mum referred and reflected on history and your childhood. Fantastic episode - I'm sure many comic book readers will be showing this episode to their parents with the statement, ''See Sal's Parents are interested in his love for comic books'' - my best to your Parents for being Special Guest Stars!! Metesh

[@TheBradlexSale]

I come back to this Back Issues ep often. Having his parents on was genius.

[@HongKongJewy]

I loved this episode. I really like seeing sal trying to put things into context for his parents, it harkens back to the days when ben and ian were TRUE comic book noobs. I just wish sals folks asked for questions instead of listening to their son talk. I understand it, I dont fault them for that, I just wanted to hear MORE from them. the best part of these shows is seeing sal make sense of things for people with no frame of reference, and unfortunately as more and more episodes come out ian and ben are slowly but surely becoming comic book experts in their own rights.

[@thrill127]

The part about superman taking the sunflower in his hand and asking mother earth for strength is always my favorite part in this book. Some of the greatest dialogue in comics ever

[@inactiveaccount4906]

This episode was so enjoyable, you Sir got yourself a new subscriber!

[@comicpop]

Thanks, Guy!

[@jadenvanhess2341]

Miller is like the M. Night Shyamalan of comics

[@ShieldedToad]

Jaden Van Hess That is a spot on statement.

[@joshpecker4352]

Jaden Van Hess he's got amazing and bad storys

[@AnarchicArachnid]

And like M is coming back with the visit and split, Frank is slowly coming back with dk3 and possibly superman: year one

[@jaydenwhitlen1489]

Anarchic Arachnid except M actually did those movies

[@AnarchicArachnid]

JaydenStarmanJr yeah and depending on who you asked and the more information that comes out, it sounds like Brain was just there to help frank focus ideas hut it was still frank

[@TheJForte]

I haven't watched this on Back Issues until now because I've read this several times and like you said it's one of those books everyone has read and analyzed. Like you, as I get older, I see things in this book that I can take away from it. I enjoy watching Ethan and Ben, but trying to do one of these shows with your parents and contextualize these stories is very entertaining and insightful. I have the same enthusiasm for comics with staying critical, even if only for comedy sake, that you have and have no outlet for sharing these thoughts to people like you can on KZbin. I hope you do another with your parents in the future.

[@Kosm92]

I've been following you guys for almost a year and a half now.IMHO THIS WAS BY FAR THE BEST THING YOU'VE PUT OUT

[@gdgiannini]

Sal, I wish that I could thank your parents for doing this episode. They brought really very fascinating perspectives and insights that drove an excellent line of questioning. Also, just quite charming to see the family interactions. It looked like you guys really had fun doing this. I have fun watching it. It's one of my very favorite back issues!

[@tburgzkta]

Sal’s mom is doing a great job filling in for Tiffany she literally always has some thing in her hands

[@Sicod79]

Extraordinary guest stars

[@alecdaniels5626]

This was great and I'd love to see them come back. on that note I DARE you to try the Killing Joke, I think that would a fun conversation and back issue.

[@tromusic7815]

I finally find an episode I haven't watched yet & it's Sal's parents. This is fantastic 😭

[@tromusic7815]

Please bring them back for Watchmen

[@uglynerd8764]

+Trev Kay or the killing joke

[@jaytheartman610]

@@tromusic7815 oh god that'll be one hell of a show

[@FrankyMcShanky]

Sal's parents are so smart. This might be my favorite issue of back issues.

[@dieboyandy5150]

I have seen this episode at least 20 times, and I love it more and more every time! I can't express my appreciation of having you grace us with the two wonderful people that brought us all the entertainment you've provided us throughout the years! I LOVE your parents so much, can't wait to see more of them, maybe Watchmen??? Plus, can't wait for Frank Miller's Popeye!

[@scottknowsnothing2153]

This was my favorite Back issues to date. Was really nice to see you're parents, they seem like wonderful people.

[@rogbartheswift1481]

I am glad you mentioned Beowulf. We are currently reading that in my English 231 Literature class. We are even having a guest lecturer who will be talking about literature and its connection to comics.

[@dariquewarren]

MOM AND DAD FOR THE WIN! I enjoyed their honest reactions to the different parts of the Dark Knight. I see where Sal got his humor. I wonder if they'll check the book out and/or get into comics

[@ShardSpyder]

Holy cow! Sal's parents?! A very special Back Issues indeed.

[@wattswant6232]

Sal being a doctor would be amazing 😂

[@mikesetzer9379]

I have watched this 100 times at least. Great video

[@Ray_Petree]

I'd love to see a Watchmen or V for Vendetta episode. Both sound like they would be equally interesting for your parents.

[@oatmat]

The Two-Face part was my favorite the whole beginning with Batman talking to Bruce the writing is just soo perfect

[@RagnarokMusick]

Best episode of back issues, I want more of comic mom and comic pop. Great job Sal!

[@biggiejerseysTV]

Well this was cool to see you doing this with your parents.

[@akimbotm9144]

new favorite episode I love your mom's comments on the small things and how your dad just seems to want to hear the story love this so much

[@HongKongJewy]

sal touches on the brilliance of great comics/literature, how you can keep coming back to it and seeing things you didn't see before. the greats grow with you. great discussion.

[@dragontears]

What a brilliant idea and a great episode. And awesome of your parents to come along for the ride! My mom and I always read the same things, and I know I picked up a few fantasy books at 14 that she read after me, because that's just what we did that I cringed at because I knew it was going to get awkward. Because there's no comics code on random fantasy novels, hahaha. I know one we were cooking dinner and we were through the first book of a trilogy and mom was like, "I shouldn't be letting you read these." And I just looked at her. I KNEW they were pretty strong, but ... I was already through the first, starting the second! And she's like, "I'm probably the worst parent, but okay." It was very much NC-17 material. All the while my dad wouldn't let me watch a rated R movie until I was 18. Fun to go back and shock'em a bit with what you got your hands on, yeah?! Again, GREAT episode!

[@jamestargaryen9588]

Wonderful surprise to see how you figured how to cover such an iconic book - parents! What a twist! Funny to see how close this convo was to how I convinced my mum to read Watchmen... which would also be fantastic. Thanks, Sal. Happy Holidays!

[@juanmoreno6591]

your parents are really cool, it was awesome to see this family bonding moment as well as to listen to their perspective on the book and comics in general, made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, I think I'll see if I can do something like this with my parents, would be nice, anyway thanks for the great video as allways. P.D..- do you have any plans to do tower of babel sometime soon? that's one of my favorite stories, so I kind of want to see you guys rip it apart :p

[@rodney2x48]

This was a fun and awesome Back Issues! Really enjoyed watching you explain it to your parents, and it seems like they themselves understood a lot of it easily. I can't really do that with my mom since she's never been a comic book reader or a fan of superhero stuff in general (but we can talk all day about Star Wars; everyone in my family loves Star Wars, it's crazy).

[@kelkora]

Very good episode, found your parent very receptive to the material with alot of great input. I know watchman is very decent but would be a brilliant one to do with them

[@ThePandaSupreme]

Lol when your mom said I saw the nightmare before Christmas I just died

[@hazelcoleman6744]

I loved this so much! Its a lot like when I talk about comics with my dad! Your parents were great on the show. Definitely have them back 💜

[@ashleybeggs3527]

sal's impression of Alan Moore is indeed hilarious

[@Thleepricon]

I loved this, and I'm even more surprised how good you are at telling a story Sal.

[@dillongraham2475]

Your parents made awesome back issues guests! Such a great episode bring them back for more back issues 😀

[@Lowkidoe29]

Is it me or does Sals dad look like the man from UP? Awesome Back- Issues by the way

[@musicninjamat]

This feels like THE most important Back Issues in the history of Back Issues! What a ride! Thank you Comic Pop

[@awpickensz]

this was awesome. great idea to bring the parents into the mix, way to bring back the original concept.

[@Ric7574]

Sal's dad looks a lot like George.R.R.Martin! The way he moves and laughs...

[@joshpecker4352]

Ricardo Oliveira maybe he fake his death

[@KingOfAllBlerds]

I thought it might be awkward Back Issues but it turned out perfect. You definitely need to bring your parents back for more, and you should cover the iconic titles with them (since they probably will not have read). Sal you have a great team

[@symbiote42]

Yeah I didn't think that you were going to do it since when ever you guys mention it Ethan and Ben seem to already know everything in it. But really good episode, and I like how the background picture isn't even from the movie it's from the animated film

[@alexm2930]

Great presentation of dkr. What's great about these is that you find the small details behind the decisions that make up the story.

[@taylorsachs5779]

I love this story but also how you have your parents in it as well. Family is very important

[@melancholiclonging8641]

i got this for christmas last year and was 13 too.

[@timcogan82]

Finally got around to watching this one. Loved it. Though, I have no idea how you got through some of the weirder aspects of this book without mentioning cocaine.

[@AustinShirkey]

I wish I could be like Sal having parents that are cool about liking comics.

[@shamsshah7518]

Such an awesome episode! Great insight from Sal and his folks. Thank you!

[@ExilestateComics]

Amazing episode of Back Issues! Great job Sal, this is now one of my favorite episodes because that could be any one of us explaining comics to our parents and you did it perfectly! Keep up the great work!

[@Ejay669]

Great idea Sal, very entertaining episode.

[@metmexfan]

Sal, this episode was awesome!!!!!! I just love as a comic book fan to see someone explaining a classic like this to people that wouldn´t otherwise know about it, I really like your opinions on things and i really hope your parents one day return for a watchmen episode. Keep the awesome work!!

[@wobdarden]

I would totally watch videos about literary analysis with Sal and his parents.

[@creme8338]

loving your parents! bring them on the Show more!

[@Tiburtius]

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns= Greatest Batman Story Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JordanFromJersey]

This was delightful Sal! I don't know that I'd want this to be an every week thing, but once or twice a year? The yearly Thanksgiving episode maybe? That I could really get behind. Your parents were excellent foils for both an outside literary and historical perspective on DKR. -JFJ

[@thommuseddard537]

How awesome your parents did this. Immediately one of my favorites.

[@zacharyhaynes8969]

His parents were supposed to retire from the comic book life. The world doesn't need to remember they live among giants.

[@mikeboreal8795]

Sal, you're parents rule. Check out your pops looking like Jack Kirby. Too bad you guys didn't go into the Two Face sub story, I always thought that one was exceptionally sad. Also, I always thought that Batman accidentally paralyses joker in a fit of rage.

[@djmileski]

Plus, he has high heels on in the Lightning picture as the backdrop in your video lol

[@TerrenceYO]

Cool to see you with your parents...really fun to see the interaction between ya'll.

[@hiphopsouldesigned]

I like this episode; even though you've talk about this story before, sal you showed you can even pull an older audience like your parents and still make understandable, do this again another 100 episodes though :p

[@stylekiller21]

Your parents seem awesome. And your mom's line of being a doctor and turning nerd had me laughing so hard.

[@HarryOsborneAS31]

Batman is 65 in that story? I thought he was more like 50

[@MinddKidzag]

+Chris Sousa I thought Wayne was 55.

[@oatmat]

+Chris Sousa yeah like between 55 and 60 I think

[@dragontears]

+Chris Sousa I thought he was like 80 originally until I reread a few years ago and it said something about Gordon being in his 70s ... and I realized how young I must have been when I read it the first time for that impression to have stuck with me for some reason, hahaha. Batman is just SOOO OLD! THE OLDEST! Which eventually meant 80.

[@HarryOsborneAS31]

+dmeadville The reason why I felt that Bruce Wayne looked as old as he did was that he started being Batman at around what? 25 or so? Living that life style for 15 years would take its toll considerably , all that stress but you could see that he still looked younger than Gordon. Even he was near middle aged when Batman first arrived, at least thats how I saw it seeing as Gordon was always portrayed as at least 10-15 years older.

[@HarryOsborneAS31]

+The RED Samurai I think you could stretch it to 55 , I think that could be the oldest he could be in the story. Just how I thought of it anyway

[@ry-obi-wan9904]

This channel is so amazing. Sal you and the rest of comic pop are incredible. Cannot believe you brought your parents on. xD

[@krypt2knight547]

Killing Joke with mom and dad or we riot

[@joshpecker4352]

Krypt2 Knight its been a year 😢

[@normansmith9009]

just happened!!!

[@Otsego]

Pretty sure this just became my favorite episode. Please have then back on for Watchmen.

[@Wtfninjasfromhell]

Somewhat hard to believe theres been 93 episodes of Back Issues. Still a great show and glad to see it going strong.

[@EdertheJust]

Sal's dad looks like the guy from UP.

[@Ebrehlac00]

THIS WAS AWESOME! This might just be my favorite Back Issues yet!

[@jwoolfe1445]

so great! you can see the love while they watch you tell the story! good feels!

[@zachcouch8654]

Oh shit Sal's folks! So cool. So fun.

[@aaronicedo3757]

Thanks Sal, awesome video.