One of the most iconic superhero’s just recently had a day devoted to him. This hero is Batman who has been captivating readers in stories that span many genres including mystery, crime, thrilling adventures, and his own death, for over 75 years. Batman has appeared in many different stories. Some are classics that all comic fans know and others retell his origins. Despite how different these stories are from one another they all capture and explore a different side of the Dark Knight.
Batman: Earth One
Batman: Earth One is a retelling of the origins of Batman for the modern day reader. The story focuses on a young Batman dealing with corrupt politicians, including the villain mayor, the Penguin, and corrupt police. Batman, due to this corruption, slowly begins to deal with the city’s criminals as the police are not addressing the situation. While Batman is dealing with these criminals a young cop, Gordon, is attempting to be a good cop and forms a working relationship with Batman to help bring justice to the city. This graphic novel focuses on a young Batman in his first year as he is learning who his allies and enemies are in Gotham City.
Batman The Dark Knight Returns
Frank Miller is known for writing and creating comics. One of the comics he wrote is Batman, The Dark Knight. The graphic novel focuses on a shattered Gotham City controlled by street gangs and criminals. Batman is nowhere to be seen as has been suppressing his presence through various means. Eventually, Batman breaks through and sets out to take Gotham city back at all costs necessary. The graphic novel primarily focuses on how far a superhero has to go to restore justice to his home and the consequences that follow. The graphic novel was received well and Miller produced a sequel. He is currently working on the third part to this story, which is set to hit in November of this year.
Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne
Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne portrays Batman as a strong character. As the name of the graphic novel suggests Bruce Wayne does return implying that Batman had died, in the events of Final Crisis. The concept of the book is that Batman is fighting through history to return to the current day. Thus the book provides the ultimate challenge, which is Batman versus history. As a result of this challenge Batman is made to look stronger as he conquers and succeeds at this challenge utilizing only his skills. The graphic novel reintroduces Bruce Wayne into the DC Universe, as Batman as he has fought through different time era’s to return. By reintroducing Batman he is made to look stronger as he just accomplished a feat that no other hero has done.
These three Batman graphic novels are very different from one another and capture different elements of Batmanl. As a result they utilize different techniques that showcase who the Dark Knight really is.
You can purchase some of the best Batman graphic novels here.
