The Dark Knight Returns: Part 1 Reaction!

[@N0-1_H3r3]

Fun Fact: the TV psychologist who keeps condemning and criticising Batman is based on real-life psychologist Fredric Wertham, whose book "Seduction of the Innocent" condemned comic books for inspiring juvenile delinquency. His criticisms, and testimony at US Senate hearings in 1953, led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority in the 1950s, and massively influenced the comic book industry.

[@K1ng1995]

I love that he's voiced by Saul's Brother who's also the lead singer of Spinal Tap

[@antoniogonzales1976]

Ah, that explains the incompetency.

[@joshuanelson6795]

The Dark Knight Returns is a strong contender for the single greatest Batman story of all time and this adaptation more than does it justice.

[@a_fine_edition2746]

This might honestly be the best comic book adaptation of all time. It stays so faithful to the original (particularly with that perfectly styled animation) and the vocal performances are all too-notch and fit the characters to a tee.

[@joshuanelson6795]

@@a_fine_edition2746 Agreed. This is a perfect movie in my opinion.

[@fafmundo4449]

Hard Disagree, dkr is overrated

[@Fighttilltheend0136]

​@@fafmundo4449 delusional 😂

[@saidi7975]

​@@Fighttilltheend0136 no, the last fourth, the whole thing with Superman IS trash. Now, Two-Face, Carrie and the Joker were genuinely the best parts. So eh, 7/10.

[@freefall945]

It’s a fascinating piece of comic history. It’s not “canon” but it dramatically and permanently impacted the entire comic genre, let alone Batman comics going forward.

[@eatme982]

I also like viewing it the way I view, say, Ragnarok when I read Norse Mythology. Where every Batman story is leading towards it. It's such a good and conclusive end to the character.

[@tokubenanimations6506]

Well that and Watchmen

[@eatme982]

@@tokubenanimations6506 Watchmen isn't about Batman at all? It's an alternate universe story?

[@tokubenanimations6506]

@@eatme982 I meant it also changed the entire comic genre

[@johnLennon255]

What is Canon anyway when batman has been around for like 80 years. What a stupid and pointless comment

[@tonyantonellis9983]

the actor who voiced Harvey Dent is the Black Mask actor from Under the Red Hood. And the old age Bruce Wayne actor is the original Robocop actor.

[@King_Menelik]

Wade Williams, Peter Weller

[@tonyantonellis9983]

@@King_Menelik I know.

[@lorivera94]

Peter Weller as Batman in Bruce Wayne's mind is interesting. I had chills. Once that bat broke through that window, the time came.

[@b.c.2281]

This is one of my favourite DC animated films, I love that they do these more "one shot" productions that don't necessarily need to connect with the rest of their animated universe. I think it's when they do the best work. Peter Weller has an incredible voice, he's such a great fit for an older, jaded Bruce. His little monologue in the mud pit is so. damned. good.

[@quiett6191]

He has such an underrated performance as Batman. Kevin Conroy always brought a great energy to his voice work as the character, thats why he's the G.O.A.T. But Weller is able to give you a clear impression of Bruce's age weighing on him, he was the perfect choice for this film.

[@andrewcabral963]

Yea and he's Robocop.

[@MJWP2334]

Christopher Drake was the guy who did the score for these films. He's the same dude that did the score for the game Arkham Origins which is a great score as well

[@a_fine_edition2746]

So glad she loved the score! I wish these animated films were remembered for their music more, because this film has some great stuff, including an amazing Batman theme.

[@lalalarose8197]

The stoners in Carrie’s apartment were her parents. Surprised you didn’t pick that up. Yindel has no relation to Carrie.

[@Swenglish]

I have to assume the similarity between Yindel and Carrie is meant to evoke - in a sideways kind of way - the connection between Jim and Barbara... Either that or it's just lazy character design, because they do look a little too similar.

[@ItApproaches]

@@SwenglishSame glasses and hair lol.

[@JayJ4y95]

17:26 They are suppose to be Carrie's hippie parents Lol

[@TheCryptofHorrors-DerCryptaxis]

This is a genuinely great adaptation of the comic, with relatively few shortcomings. Great that you're seeing it!

[@KamenSupaida]

Fun fact the person who voiced batman is the actor who played the original robocop

[@brucewayne404]

This is hands down my favourite story ever told, it's my favourite book and my favourite movie. They really nailed this adaptation.

[@John_Raiyder]

I always felt that DKR Batman was one you only root for but not look up to. After watching (and reading) this Story a couple times it really feels like that is intended

[@tokubenanimations6506]

Batman is voiced by Peter Weller, the guy who played Robocop. Also if you see in Carrie Kelly's room you see she has gymnastics trophies. That's why she's good at acrobatics.

[@DataCab1e]

Appropriate for Bats to have punched through a wall and pulled a hostage-taker back through it, being played here by Peter Weller.

[@coreymcgivney5897]

I love DKR. My favourite scenes are either the scene when he tries to climb up the rope, but slides down, needing to take a moment to breathe and gather himself, it’s just so simple and tragic as it shows Batman’s age. And my other is the two face scene, and while I actually prefer the movie overall to the comic (controversially enough) I actually sorta prefer the dialogue in the comic where two face asks him “look at me, what do you see?” And Batman just replies “A Reflection.”

[@treetopjones737]

Gordon was voiced by David Selby, who played Quentin on Dark Shadows tv show.

[@IAmSuperVegito]

It actually physically hurts to see Batman struggle to climb up that rope. My hero and ideal showing age 😭 😭 But still able to kick butt 🔥 🔥 Dark Knight Returns is my favourite version of Batman

[@WolfHreda]

The scene where Batman hauls that guy up to the top of that skyscraper is one of my favorites in the whole comic. The text bubbles said something to the extent of "My legs and lungs burn with the effort of hauling him all the way up here." Then the scene plays out where Batman reveals where they are and it ends with, "His screams make it all worth it." 🤣 21:55 This one is an interesting scene in the comic. As soon as the guns start firing from the Batmobile, the text box says "They're rubber bullets. I swear." Like, are they, Bruce? Because you definitely threw a dude into a high voltage thing early.

[@N00bkillr693]

The final fight between Batman and the Mutant Leader is one of the best Batman fight scenes ever

[@shawnthompson2303]

This isn’t a mud hole It’s an operating table *AND I’M THE SURGEON.* 🦇🦇🦇

[@ghxstTrap54]

These are the type of movies Snyder should have been making, though there are multiple references to this movie in Batman vs Superman like Batman’s armor suit

[@mcazares48]

BVS was directly inspired by this storyline. An older Batman, more brutality, no hope for humanity.

[@iReiGNxx]

The Dark Knight Returns and Under the Red Hood are my favorite Batman stories/animated movies (with Year One completing my top 3). Music, action, and character moments are top notch.

[@jdunc635]

I've been waiting and hoping for your reaction to this movie for a while. This movie (and its part 2) is one of my favorite Batman animated movies, second only to Mask of the Phantasm. There was a time in my life when I binge-watched this movie over and over again. It's one of the best examples of an adaptation done right. I always feel inspired watching this movie.

[@kevinhansen8211]

Peter Weller was great as the older Batman in this. Though, I remember during the animated series days, Michael Ironsides briefly played the character, and he was a good pick too.

[@solblackguy]

I love Carrie as Robin, probably for the same reasons why I love Jubilee as a character. They're both insanely resourceful, naturally talented, great outlook on life despite abysmal pasts and great sidekicks to their dark heroes. I wish in the DC vs Marvel crossover it was Carrie vs Jubilee instead of Tim vs Jubilee.

[@AyrtonAE]

The Dark Knight Rises indeed does take some inspiration from this Graphic Novel. The scene with the young cop in the car is basically the same, line by line! I'm curious about what would you think about "Batman Beyond", Batman Animated Series's Sequel. It is also about an old Batman and his new protege!

[@Aoitetsugakusha]

This set of movies is a nice companion to Year One, especially if you think of them as being the same continuity. A nice pair that tells the beginning and end of one Batman's story.

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

And notice the similarities between the 2. Almost mirror reflections, give or take some details of course.

[@lalalarose8197]

DC should have made an animated All-Star Batman & Robin. That would have been fun.

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

@lalalarose8197 it's not Allstar, but there is the animated version of the adam west batman and robin.

[@lalalarose8197]

@@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935 Cute but it’s not the Godamn Batman

[@shawnthompson2303]

When that day comes, Clark…. *May the best Man win.* 🦇🦇🦇

[@georgesmith6218]

17:30 I think they are supposed to be her parents. Mutants were made to refer to mutants from Marvel's X-men comics. Young Justice also had a Spider Man assassin. Marvel has a villain Hyperion, an evil Superman. There was another female Robin, Stephanie Brown, but it was only for a short time.

[@abbaskazmi2558]

The guy who voiced the Deputy Mayor is Frank Welker aka Fred Jones and Megatron from Transformers G1 and Transformers: Prime.

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

I love this movie. The storytelling is so good. Im glad to see you watch it. Ive never heard or thought of the similarities between batman and thomas wayne. The hypocratic oath, the no discrimination on who gets helped. I haven't really made that connection. And that kinda makes it more fun to feel like i understand the character of batman/bruce wayane fairly well, but still find new ways to view the various complex dynamics of gotham.

[@shooterdownunder]

This came out at the exact same time as the dark knight rises and there’s a lot of differences between this adaptation and the graphic novel which is mainly regarding pacing and art style however there was one minor change that was removed entirely from this movie and it involved a man who went crazy and armed himself with a shotgun and killed people in a theatre that was screening porn. When this movie came out to dvd it was shortly after the infamous Colorado mass shooting at the screening of the dark knight rises and I don’t know whether it was that shooting that led to that part being cut or whether they planned to cut it out to begin with.

[@rogertemple7193]

Hey Meg this is great I'm watching and i'm a Batman fan i think that this a really great animated Batman movie and it is more darker than any of the others I've seen Thank You Meg.🙂👏

[@darkspritevideos3978]

my favourite Batman film, glad you finally reacted to this :)

[@vincible45]

15:59 so the reason they have that little tv segment is that THAT was what news segments were like back in the 70’s. TL;DR; before congress passed a law that cable tv companies could become private companies and not part of the US government (ie Fox News and CNN), news interviews actually had two people from opposite sides debating an issue.

[@Elfenlied8675309]

No all news stations were not like that, this was specifically a parody of the 1970's political debate show "Point Counter Point." The same show Watchmen parodies.

[@Glumsage]

"Mentally he is unwell" well yeah he's batman lol

[@bigredtlc1828]

Maybe Harvey Dent is like a warped, twisted version of Princess Fiona (Shrek). He embraces his dark, "ugly" side to the point that he's willing to be that all the time. In his devastated mind, his dark side is his beauty. When the Dr successfully reconstructs Dent's face all Harvey now sees is a complete repudiation of his true self. Frank Miller really took Batman in a new direction with this story. Amazing graphic novel. Peter Weller (Robocop) as Batman/Bruce's voice is excellent. Thanks for reacting!

[@AndyDandyMandy]

Dark Knight Rises adapted Dark Knight Returns, as well as Batman: Knightfall and Batman: No Man's Land. Those three books were the main source material David Goyer and Chris Nolan worked from.

[@edwardthegiant]

I’ve been waiting for this moment since ya played the Asylum!!!!!!!!!!!

[@shushant8042]

‘You’re nothing but a hollow shell’ Chills

[@muascar3076]

I thought i''ll never witness Meg watching this legengary DC animated films

[@debX14]

Watch Batman vs Superman - Inspired by this. Eagerly waiting for the movie reaction after Man of Steel. HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎊 btw ❤️

[@WickerSticksSinema]

I can’t wait for you to get to Batman Beyond, I know you have a bunch of BTAS to get through first but it’s gonna be worth it. “ Worlds Finest pt 1,2 and 3, Mad Love, Rebirth Pt 1 and 2, Inque, and return do the joker” looking at some top tier vids.

[@Holidaypunch1]

Basically yea, Batman did retire because of Jasons death, since he wasn't brought back to life here.

[@Uzkodas]

The movie is almost a shot for panel adaptation, which is cool. And having Robocop voice Batman is like a marriage in badassery Plus it also interesting how they frame Bruce Wayne as the secret identity. It’s a great Batman story.

[@nigeltrotter2886]

7:25- Nope! 7:32- Noppity Nope Nope. 8;24- Yeah!!! Best parts of the movies. The Slicer Dicers!!! 28:55- Yeah, Slice and Dice!!!

[@HarryLimeLives82]

Once you have caught the second part I'd highly recommend listening to Grant Morrison talking to Kevin Smith on Fatman on Batman. I could sit and listen to his takes on Batman lore for Bloody days!

[@depsoul1604]

Whose voice was the gunshots 💀

[@Ender-bg2hx]

I think it was said already but Batman’s VA in this is none other than Peter Weller, Robocop

[@ThePossessedAndroid67]

My head cannon this and Batman year one are in the same timeline

[@Elfenlied8675309]

They are the same timeline, they're all written by Frank Miller, his stories go from Year One to All Star Batman to Dark Knight Parts 1 though 4.

[@juanvargas-qz6vd]

I missed you!!!!!

[@lordmorklen5166]

The fact that most Mutants are teenagers makes this story so much more disturbing and unnerving. You see that they are easily swayed and follow the strongest person around. The mutant leader is who came to mind when I saw Andrew Tate gaining traction among the youth.

[@mansonpelep2909]

1:09 the scenes it's unbelievable😱

[@ch33les99]

Why’s you dub the gun noises tho lol

[@bet0v966]

They were dubbed, I thought that’s what all guns sound like

[@HarryLimeLives82]

Some of Frank Miller's work hasn't sat that well with me personally but he's responsible for some of my absolute favourite Batman moments. This was the reminder that I need to give this a read again. Gorgeous stuff.

[@ch33les99]

*All Star Batman and Robin flashbacks*

[@HarryLimeLives82]

@@ch33les99 As a young Bruce sits in the batcave hunting rats for sustenance....😂

[@a_fine_edition2746]

@peteypops2776 actually, it was Dick who had to eat rats because Batman locked him in the cave with nothing to eat. Absolutely atrocious comic.

[@HarryLimeLives82]

@@a_fine_edition2746 in my head I thought Bruce had locked Dick in the cave because he'd done it himself in his youth. It's been a while since I read it last 😂

[@a_fine_edition2746]

@@HarryLimeLives82Well I don't blame you for not going back to it lol.

[@nedzed3663]

If this would have been the final Batman story, I'd have been good with it back when I read it. Ninja Turtles? Not yet, that crossover will be a few decades from DKR. Ironically the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic from Mirage was a satire on Frank Miller Comics particularly Daredevil

[@gilsonribeiro7068]

part 2 please

[@TheNorthlander]

Frank Miller is a very controversial figure in comics these days but his earlier work, like The Dark Knight Returns and Year One, does still stand the test of time.

[@frankgowett8058]

I said this once and I'll it again I don't care what anyone says Batman is the best superhero all time

[@abemrofchak]

The real bat was the man we made along the way. And nothing beats Kevin Conroy but man do I love Robocop as Batman. And to be fair... in Frank Miller's Batman comics (in this one but ESPECIALLY the sequels) Batman is a fascist. Straight-up.

[@roderick8167]

Lets Go ! i love this movie this movie kicks ass one of the best animated DC movies 🤘🔥🦇🦇, also yeah I've always assumed that since Bruce is 55 years old and Jim Gordon is 70 years old then Dick must be like 40 years old he's younger than both of them but he's middle aged now

[@masterbeast-sz1yq]

Its so good

[@bet0v966]

You in for somethin special with part 2

[@ziadusama755]

Can't wait till you watch superman vs the elite!!

[@raytheuglymusician2453]

One of the greats, and I mean one of THE greats of comic books. Frank Miller turned the industry on his head (beforehegotracistbutwedontgottatalkaboutit), and his Batman is one that really elevated him from “Dude in a bat costume” to “a hellspawned banshee of justice”

[@keny1555]

If you like the idea of older batman then may I suggest Batman Beyond? On your own time that is, not for reaction, series like that might take too long.

[@keny1555]

@@fynnthefox9078 well she does have her gaming channel as her main so, lot on her plate.

[@BobbyMoore2-mp8wb]

Got this awesome 😎 movie on Blu-ray

[@Aadhi95]

Will you be reacting to The Batman 2022 movie ?

[@awesomeinspector5270]

1:09

[@P0RKINS2]

Without capitalism, Batman wouldn’t exist. All that tech costs $

[@madnessarcade7447]

Reginald the vampire Plz

[@BlackMoogle]

Yindel looks like she could pass as Barbra's older sister. Gordon has cheated before, just saying.

[@njerisonko1384]

Will u watch my adventures superman series.

[@CosmicTroubles]

“This is very dark” Well it’s not called ‘The Light night returns’ is it 😂

[@ItApproaches]

Those gun sounds were sooo annoying lol. If you were censoring it for some reason, I'd prefer you just silenced the sounds lol.

[@MegMageReacts]

It makes some people (including myself) laugh, so I will encourage you to mute if you find them annoying in the future, because I tend to add random elements I find funny - Caleb

[@ItApproaches]

@@MegMageReacts Who is Caleb? You the editor? If so why do you have access to her channel?

[@Darkangelus429]

(Looks at PS5) I see you are a woman of class.

[@demianoff]

Im here early.

[@sebastianvillavicencio836]

like

[@bryanthuggins7396]

watch batman returns 1992

[@thesmilyguyguy9799]

=)

[@Regenmacher175]

"Stop calling him fascist"....I mean, when you think about everything Batman does (potentially crippling people for life when he beats them up, psychologically torturing people, etc.) and how little accountability he has, Batman does act like a fascist. Frank Miller, who created The Dark Knight Returns, is also very right-wing politically so...

[@arobin6695]

my only complaint about these two movies is batman's voice, doesnt sound strong or intimidating enough

[@depsoul1604]

Too bad, this Batman's backstory suffered from poor writing. Also, this Batman is insane, which I kinda liked.

[@jaydenjones1374]

​@@fynnthefox9078*Billionaire. Millionaires are so last year

[@andtheneverythingchangedwh5234]

Hey Meg! I was curious if you're still reacting to the Superman animated show on your patreon? There is a big crossover event in season 2