THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS - Legends Never Die

How Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" creates a Batman that lifts himself from man to living myth through heroic struggle in a dark and violent future.
PATREON - / mattdraper
TWITTER - / mattdraperyt
#Batman
#DCComics
#ComicBooks
MUSIC:
"Shadows (Instrumental)" and "Vampires" by The Midnight
themidnight.ba...
Sources:
• Frank Miller Interview...
www.cbr.com/fr...
www.hollywoodr...

[@MattDraper]

What's your favorite Batman story? Least favorite?

[@EdgardoSalas]

Batman: Zero Year

[@MattDraper]

I really like Zero Year!

[@rustybuckets2143]

Matt Draper My favorite Batman story is and will likely always be Long Halloween. My least favorite is Stan Lee's Batman.

[@CavemanBatman]

Grant Morrison's 6 year run on Batman is hands down the best! Requesting a video essay about it. Please and Thank You

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Tough one on most favorite...gotta go with Prey, Legends of the Dark Knight storyline by Doug Moench and Paul Gulacy. Least favorite, hands down, is DKIII, Miller's angry deathbed declaration on how he hates the world around him.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Worth noting: Mark Millar has explicitly stated that Old Man Logan was very much inspired by this story. And I'd argue that its loose film adaptation Logan has many of the same themes and methodologies running through it.

[@MattDraper]

Definitely. I think they are highly interlinked in both the comics and movie version.

[@Xehanort10]

Batman: All the people I've murdered by letting you live. Joker: I don't keep track. But you do. And I love you for it.

[@teenamazingsquad.2042]

Beautiful lines

[@DevonPalmer98]

Such a great story that ended perfectly and never had any sequels ever.

[@MattDraper]

I mean, why would anyone ever make a sequel to this story?

Devon Palmer : it's amazing to me nobody ever tried to cash in on the fame of this. But then I'm sure Miller would not have allowed it.

[@frankegordon326]

Why would you try to give a perfect end to a character a sequel. That would just be stupid

[@MutantsInDisguise]

This is why I think DKR's spirit was ruined by the sequels, and is, to me, far from being the best Batman story ever.

[@elefanteguerreropsiquicoan8951]

Why would they even make a 3rd one? That would completely destroy the spirit of the history, *right?*

[@nickasaro8789]

To me, this is thematically the “last” Batman story. I know there’s sequels but this is basically the end for the character. Also the first issue in particular is one of the best written comics I’ve ever read. Especially the bit about Bruce trying to “fight back” the Batman persona inside him and him breaking free and returning. And that first montage of Batman returning and stopping crime. Great stuff.

[@SuperSilver316]

I’m not finished yet. And you’re not finished with me. You’re never finished with me.

[@javib2978]

Before there was Dark Knight Returns, Daredevil Born Again, and Watchmen. There was Batman by Dennis O'Neil, Green Lantern/Green Arrow by Dennis O'Neil, and Swamp Thing by Len Wein. These stories may be influences to the 1980's post Bronze Age era of comics.

[@undead923]

Then Frank Miller got possessed by Parallax and lost his mind

[@jrhSTYLE]

Nah he's been ass. It just slowly got more exposed

[@brian.jrmontoya3227]

@@jrhSTYLE lol nah. He was a good writer, let’s not kid ourselves.

[@GiantAndShaman]

@@jrhSTYLE Now thats a crock of shit if i ever read one.

[@AldenRDavis]

This satirical version of Batman is regarded as an older, bitter and darker interpretation of the character who, after 10 years of retirement, resumes his role as a vigilante and, eventually, a revolutionary freedom fighter from the Gotham City Police force and the United States government.

[@MattDraper]

I think Batman's increasing pivot against the government here is pretty interesting and fairly extreme for the character. Great observation!

[@AldenRDavis]

Thanks, Matt!

[@dogbadger]

When I read this as a kid in the late 80's, i remember thinking the Clint Eastwood would be a good choice to play Batman if they ever did a live action movie. For what it's worth, I quite liked Richard E Grant as the joker too. I miss my copy - 'borrowed' by a mate 25 years ago and never seen again.

[@gast321]

I feel like this is the only Batman comic Zack Snyder ever read, and decided to base Batman's entire character on this version, despite the fact that this is supposed to be a more brutal version of him

[@Strato_Casterrr9898]

That was exactlt what zack was going for. He wanted his Batman to be one of the most Brutal version of him, which was to show that his Batman had fallen from grace long ago. Alfred even mentions it that they are no longer heroes, but criminals. Also, Zack is a huge comic book nerd, he has like the biggest comic collection in hollywood, as far as directors go at least. People just need to understand that his Batman is meant to be so far off from what Batman usuaully is. But I guess his mistake here was making Batman like that without showing people how he became like that. He should have made a prequel Batman movie

[@franciscs1604]

@@Strato_Casterrr9898 Yes. We need a prequel.

[@Strato_Casterrr9898]

@@franciscs1604 agree

[@lewisaino]

​@@Strato_Casterrr9898Is the most logical transition

[@The_Based_Batman]

​@@Strato_Casterrr9898I never minded it. I could piece together Batman's story and history. Show, don't tell. He did show a more hopeful batman in ZSJL though. Unfortunately WB is the villain in this situation and it all stands as a "What if" scenario.

[@vincentfranklin17]

As I said on Matt"s Batman: Year One video, this comic made me a fan of the character for life!

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

Yeah. I was expecting a new video from this channel. And it's about one of the greatest comics ever made. Fantastic.

[@MattDraper]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@matheuszache7943]

You almost convinced me that TDKR is better than year one lol. Perfect video man, yours and Grant Morrison's view of this comic are the best ones I've seen. I loved your attempt to connect it with Year One (I also made exercises to connect both as well) and you came out with the best conclusions out of it. And the legend of Batman is in fact eternal, thanks for spreading the message, I personally was morally influenced by Batman. I also think that the attempt to make Batman a metaphysical presence in Gotham, a myth/legend, was a highlight of the Arc and it's great that other writters continued this idea (such as Greg Rucka at No Man's Land and Morrison in RIP). Either way keep up the godlike work!

[@MattDraper]

Thank you very much! I personally like Year One more than TDKR, but I find both fascinating.

[@ta5777]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sISreoKJr6uInck

[@ShinbrigTV]

Matt, you never fail to impress. You made me want to go back and read this comic again.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you! Let me know what you think when you reread it.

[@ThatOneGuy7550]

Really love the aesthetic on this channel tbh

[@justaratherboredfella3646]

Always look forward to seeing your amazing analysis of these iconic stories, great video!

[@MattDraper]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@the2tribesofisrael69]

Another fantastic vid bro...One of my favorite KZbinrs. Always so melancholy.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you!

[@someokiedude9549]

I much prefer Year One, I find the story is tighter and the art is much better. But damn it, The Dark Knight Returns is still damn good, issues and all.

[@samuraijacques952]

Dude your channel is awesome

[@MattDraper]

Thank you very much!

[@bumblebastianprojects2403]

Literally my only complaint about the story is the art style but other than that, this is definitely one of Millers very best and one of the most important and greatest batman stories ever and just comics in general

[@Seacai150]

This film blew me away.

[@shreyankudale9610]

Where has this channel been all this time? Damn son. Subscribed.

[@MattDraper]

Welcome aboard!

[@imjmar]

Another job well done👏🏼👏🏼

[@MattDraper]

Thank you thank you!

[@miguelcorleone6633]

Never was a fan of the Batman until I've read "The Dark Knight Returns." Thank you Frank Miller

[@DeltaAssaultGaming]

Fantastic video Matt. I've loved all your work on this channel. This really is a timeless treasure. However, I'd like to bring up my dissatisfaction with the DC animated adaptation. It felt like a very poor, low budget, botched adaptation of Frank Miller's 80s masterpiece. Out of the voice cast, the only ones I think they got right are Michael Emerson as the Joker and Ariel Winter as Carrie Kelly. Those two really nailed it. Peter Weller's voice is so flat and smooth and monotone that he just sounds like... well, like a robot. He doesn't sound like an old Batman, who I figure would be more rumble-y and coarse. Gordon's voice actor was also a wrong choice, because I felt he sounded like someone's elderly grandmother. It was oddly high pitched and feminine. Just didn't sound right. Right from the get-go, I could tell that the production was off. The opening scene of Bruce racing the Neumann 500 looked like it was out of a damn video game. The CGI race cars just looked so cheap and primitive and awful, it was insane. You could tell that they just did not have a budget to pull it off. Came out looking horrible. Again, like I said before, Peter Weller's Batman voice just doesn't sound good at all. It's even and flat and you don't get much emotion out of it. Old Batman shouldn't sound like RoboCop. There's odd stylistic choices that just don't jibe with what I know of the story. For example, in this adaptation, Martha Wayne looks like a blonde bimbo trophy wife for some reason? That made no sense to me and just felt distracting. It was certainly not that way in the Miller comic. You get lots of scenes that are directly lifted from the comic, but they're delivered shoddily and lose so much of the impact that they had in the comic. For example, the weatherman delivers the line "Like the wrath of God, about to hit Gotham..." in a disengaged, casual tone. There's nothing real or revealing behind that delivery. On the other hand, in the actual comic panel, the weatherman utters the line "Like the wrath of God it's headed for Gotham..." with this solemn worried expression on his face, as if he can feel the very thunder in the angry night announcing his presence. Indelible moments and lines from the graphic novel are inexplicably toned down and lose their original intensity. When Batman goes after the robbers after their car crashes into the construction site, he turns to the cops and loudly declares "THESE MEN ARE MINE!" in a big booming voice. In the comic, at least. In the animated movie, Peter Weller states "These men are mine" in a flat and almost bored delivery. It just loses all of its punch and power. Disappointing. When Batman and Two Face crash through the side of the skyscraper, there's a wonderful shot in the comic of lightning lighting up the darkness of the room. Yet in the film, this is completely removed and we're left with regular dark lighting. Just one more example of how shoddy and low budget this project was. The ending of the whole scene was also changed. In the original, Batman embraces Harvey in an emotional moment. In the movie, this is changed into Batman just standing there awkwardly. There's no reason for it and it hurts the resolution of the scene. I don't like it. The scene where Batman glides down onto the television studio and has to take on Yindel and the GCPD is a great example of how they completely botched the execution and created something ridiculous and stupid instead. In the comic, Batman glides down and immediately takes cover behind a wall and throws out his smoke pellets, completely obscuring the entire rooftop in a haze and enabling him to move out and take out the police through concealment. In the animated movie, this doesn't happen and he just runs around in full view of the police riflemen, casually knocking them out one by one while they all have clear shots and lots of time to shoot him dead, but somehow don't. It's completely unbelievable and loses all sense of reality. Instead of marveling at Batman's ingenuity and tactics, we're just astounded by the GCPD's stormtrooper-esque marksmanship skills. It's a laughingstock of a scene and completely took me out of the movie. And of course, who can forget that one moment in the hall of mirrors, when Batman saves the little boy from the Joker and then grimly admonishes him "Watch your language, son." Such a good moment! But alas, it's completely dropped from the movie.

[@photoholicflix]

Incredible summary!!!

[@Hollowdude15]

The dark knight returns part 1 and 2 is such great movies and nice video man :]

[@RyanLBrown9396]

This, Long Halloween and Batman ‘89 basically set the template for Batman in modern pop culture

[@CoinOpTV]

classic comics

[@r0w5tortion84]

DKR and year one are incredible, and ronin... damn, that plot twist at the end really got me. I really should get to reading sin city... Also, I seem to remember that batman was not trying to beat superman, he was buying time with the help of green arrow for some reason. Maybe a re-read should be in order. Damn it, so much to read and so little time...

[@actually-will1606]

My 5th time rewatching this. My first time watching having read the comic :)

[@SnapperChannel]

A Matt Draper video about Batman that was posted on my birthday (13th)? Aw, yes. Great video. P.S. have you read Gerry Duggan’s Deadpool run?

[@MattDraper]

Happy birthday! I've read the first volume of Duggan's run, up until Secret Wars, but nothing after that. I quite enjoy it and think The Good, The Bad and The Ugly will make for an interesting video topic in particular.

[@lewisaino]

Downloaded the Duology so thanks for the content.

[@lturner7159]

The art that Miller drew with clause Jans and Lynn Varley is missed

[@Jabberstax]

The 2012 animated movie was awesome with a great soundtrack by Christopher Drake.

[@joeker5208]

As much as All-Star Batman & Robin is hated, I do in fact like Miller’s “The Last Crusade”

[@ClassicLow101]

This channel is everything ❤

[@MattDraper]

You're too kind!

[@roxastidus]

DKiii kicks ass. Dont let the failures of dk2 keep you from experiencing greatness. It deserves much more.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

Doubt

[@AAllen-br8it]

Would love to see you analyze Batman RIP

[@UndeadPasta]

After watching like 7 videos in a row I guess I'll subscribe.

[@djoneforever]

Batman: The Cult is my favorite

[@Nexion3653]

YES NEW VIDEO OMG HYPE

[@MattDraper]

Enjoy!

[@EN-mh4og]

Small correction, Herakles was Greek and Hercules was Roman

[@TreborPaulson]

10:12 I read/heard something interesting about Jokers last lines describing his predicament. The speech balloons are grey, just like Batman’s. Joker didn’t say those things, that was Bats way of justifying what he finally did, kill the Joker. Anyway, I thought it was interesting

[@mythicpeyote]

I feel like I'm watching daytime pbs

[@FOXZILLA5734]

Despite the questionable quality of frank Miller's work today I do respect and appreciate his work for both this and year one. The Dark Knight returns had a really unique noir style that captures the dark world of Gotham and Batman as a character, while it does have its flaws its no doubt a classic by how captivating the story of Batman returning to a world that has changed, although I just ignore the bad prequel and sequel of this as it is a complete story.

[@felixflitou]

Great work. I just wanted to note that, if Miller's fascist Bruce Wayne is much more obvious in DK2 and later works, there are still a few elements here that can let you see he already was on the same path in TDKR. The way Miller depicts the government employees and institutions, and how his Batman imposes from his own will some kind of totalitarian police force, are pretty reactionary ideas. That's also why I don't think he could ever write a good Superman story, Kal-El's too much on the left for Miller to be able to understand him.

[@christopher.saint.christopher]

2:12 That Frank Miller quote hit me a little too close to home 😟

[@thunderfeet]

The Year One batman is not the same Batman in The Dark Knight Returns.

[@tylerbertram7065]

That's because he was a younger and inexperienced Batman.

[@user-ri1gq3ec2q]

Year one and The Dark Knight Returns are set in the same universe (Earth 31)

[@thunderfeet]

@@user-ri1gq3ec2q people may say that now, but that was never the idea back then. DKR was an ending of the batman we had up till then. Year One is a new beginning to the character. DKR is not set in the future. It’s set in the 80s, as is year one.

[@roguebritgravy1]

I wouldn't exclude the sequels. Dk2 is flawed but has a decent story. Dk3 is better than you'd think.

[@jordanthomas4379]

now time for DK2

[@andrewpytko4773]

Alan Moore loved this story.

[@MrDudoma]

Active, alpha male protagonist, who forces the world to make sense. Just try to publish something like that today.

[@maureencora1]

2:19 Amen.

[@romelohdz]

Batmans like Big Boss, a child born from tragedy

[@AnwarAzlan7]

Good stuff here

[@DzustComics]

Quick question Matt. What do you think is better: Snyders Batman or the Sandman Run by Gaiman? I'm asking cause anything you do a spotlight on is fantastic so I really value your opinion!

[@MattDraper]

I'd go with Gaiman's Sandman. Definitely an iconic run. I feel honored by you asking for my input!

[@stephenvelez9710]

TDKR has aged better than Miller has, tho I don't care for his treatment of Selina Kyle. Despite myself, I enjoyed TDK III.

[@nicklammle1661]

Year one hundred is great

[@digioverlord]

One of THE best books ever not just one of the best comic book imo. What’s your opinion of the animated version?

[@MattDraper]

I like it. Very faithful and I like the voice casting, but I could have used some voiceover.

[@bobbyshewan4229]

I do like DK3's ending

[@Ando1428]

Hey dark knight 3 was cool.

[@bintimes]

You've hurt me so much by calling heracles roman

[@emotea9485]

Good job, so you’ve done year one, TDKR is TDKR 2 next?

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! No plans at the moment, but never say never.

[@emotea9485]

Matt Draper I pity you if you do

[@MattDraper]

I will, too.

[@J-SH06]

I dunno man. Spuds awful big, and look at him!

[@Carlos-np7du]

I honestly like and enjoy all of Miller's work on batman 😤😎🦇👌

[@abonatabonament8238]

Can you do the dark phoenix saga next

[@MattDraper]

It won't be next, but I will definitely cover it at some point.

[@JazzDunn1]

Batman? Psssfff Im here for matt draper

[@captainjakemerica4579]

Gosh the best Batman vs. Superman story if only Batman v. Superman would have been more faithful to this comic!!!

[@MattDraper]

Yeah, that movie just ended up being a little bit of everything and a whole lot of nothing.

[@captainjakemerica4579]

Yeah exactly it sickens me that people actually like the movie and some call it the best movie of 2016 or that's it's better than Captain America Civil War. Yeah right that conflict was fully fleshed out with both sides getting equal time. Batman v. Superman is just a butchering of many great superheroes and comic books and the Martha twist is shit and lazy writing how the defenders try to defend makes me question modern moviegoers

[@keenanjones9142]

Captain Jakemerica Why would it sicken you that people like it?

[@captainjakemerica4579]

Because Hack Snyder buttfucks great comic book stories and people love him for doing it. He has tainted Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns he has no respect for source material let alone comic books and thinks every superhero movie needs to look and feel like The Dark Knight Returns

[@keenanjones9142]

Captain Jakemerica That's ridiculous. I have seen many people say that The Watchmen was a direct to film adaptation. Maybe your perception is a little skewed and what you think is reality, isn't, and just your perception.

[@SHDW-nf2ki]

Learning that Miller wrote this one after being mugged puts a lot of... Awful perspective on these books. man never learned how to deal with his trauma properly and when his unhealthy coping mechanism got so much praise and became his most famous work it explains why he want so batshit post 9/11

[@giorgisulkhanishvili7129]

Which chapter you like the most?

[@MattDraper]

Probably chapter 2 - The Dark Knight Triumphant

[@user-sd4le2tk1j]

I thought dk 3 was pretty good. Number 2 was weird

[@uncannydcmarvelous5732]

For me DK3 lost all the sense when certain scene of a revival happened.

[@MrJake4400]

All Warner Bros has to do is the comics book live action add a few more dialog stretch it out a little and they'll get good DC movies fuck what you doing now

[@MrJake4400]

Lower the budget make comic adaptation of good storylines

[@legendbemyname1638]

I get really excited for your videos. Could you bone.

[@kingslave021]

Batman is both man and bat.

[@E-Chap]

Just finished this incredible story. Sucks that Miller seems to have lost his mind and writes pure shit now.

[@Marchew1200]

in my opinion dkr 2 was good and dkr3 was awsome.

[@anthtan]

TDKR was coloured with gouache not watercolours.

[@KamenSentaiMetalHero]

I actually liked DK2

[@jlupus8804]

Don’t forget it’s biggest inspiration: Ayn Rand’s Fountainhead. Only Batman actually cares about people.

[@axeltrujillo5693]

Yeah Batman, the Joker kills himself by breaking his own neck after being paralyzed... Sure, whatever works for you Bruce... We all know he is the one who killed him right?

[@MattDraper]

Yeah, I mean, in reality, Batman would be responsible for a lot of deaths from his brutality.

[@FantasticalFlorance]

Its alright but now that this is the Batman status quo it's not that impressive.

[@HighMarshalBiggusDickus]

Hey Matt whats the name of the song you put at the end of all your videos?

[@AldenRDavis]

4:29 - "This should be agony. I should be a mass of aching muscle, broken, spent, unable to move. And where I'm an older man, where I surely would be...But I'm a man of thirty of twenty again. The rain on my chest is a baptism -- I'm born again." - Bruce Wayne

[@franciscs1604]

👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@erikthomsen4768]

As the Joker once said: "There's nothing mere about that mortal."

[@DJNLdabest]

Love your analysis. You are one of the few people that truly understands this terrfic tale of Batman. I hate when people think of TDKR, the only thing they say is: Batman returns, Batman kicks Superman's butt, and Batman is better than Superman and would always win against Supes. People don't seem to understand the real context and stakes of the Bats and Supes fight. They just focus on the kicking and punching side of the fight, even ignoring the fact Batman was always assisted during the confrontation. The same error Zack Syder made for BvS, just adapting the fight just because it looks cool.

[@BenjiDWJ]

"The time has come." "You know it on your soul." "You try to drown me out." "But your voice is weak."

[@danielitoalcazar]

Let me just say that your channel is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for. A channel that analyzes story and art of comics is something I’ve wanted since I started reading not too long ago. You have some quality content and if you keep it up I know for certain you’ll get a bigger fan base. Keep up the great fucking work.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you very much! I hope my videos can be a nice accompaniment to your reading.

[@chasdffdf]

Matt Drapper is back! Now THIS is proof legends never die

[@MattDraper]

Hahaha Love it

[@captainjakemerica4579]

He never left Matt has always been amazing!!!

[@krustykruss9685]

i love the musical aesthetic of your content. i love The Midnight song you used in this, it made me so happy. great content as always

[@MattDraper]

Thank you! I try to pick something that enhances the feel of the video and put a lot of effort into it, so I appreciate you noticing!

[@judeconnor-macintyre9874]

I love how little sequels this series has.

[@AstenRegisTheFlipside]

Definitely The Dark Knight Returns. Then the Long Halloween. Actually really like the Batman vs Predator too, great story. Nice video, keep up the great work.

[@radentruman7535]

Isn’t Batman vs Predator out of print?

[@SapLow]

never change your microphone it makes you sound cool!

[@willberman1562]

I thought at the beginning he was gonna say “Batman: he is both man and bat”

[@onewingedanime]

This story is amazing! But it also came with a big cost in the way the public views Superman because for many it is one of the first stories they read. Its really meta that the Dark Knight Returns was about the rise of man over the Superman, both in context and in the real world because of its influence.

[@LegendaryAntiHero]

I did not think Batman not looking old in the first issue then getting wrinkles in the last 2 issues was unintentional. The story is mostly told from Batmans perspective. He felt rejuvenated when Bruce was motivated to become Batman again. Then Bruce quickly felt the years catch up to him since he was still an old man.

[@basementguy7281]

The Master Race is actually sick though.

[@bryannguyen1067]

Hey Matt, great video here! I just want to ask, when it comes to a story of batman in the future, which story do you prefer more; Batman: The Dark Knight Returns comic or Batman Beyond animated series? 🤔

[@arthurdrew4933]

Ah Devon ,no sequels ever?Remember Dark Knight Strikes Again?No? Don't blame you.Nuff Said!!

[@gnb_2476]

I've just discovered your videos and wow what a great analysis. Keep up the great work and you've got a subscriber. Would you be able to do one on Under the Hood?