What Is The Political Theme Of The Dark Knight Returns

The 1980s was the first time when independent comic book publishers made their mark on the industry formerly governed by big publications. Anyone with a printing press had the chance to create their own comic book, and as a result, the public was spoilt for choices. This era saw the rise and fall of many publishing houses with only few of them making a name for themselves in the competitive market. Mirage Comics created Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which was enough to establish them as one of the most successful independent publishers of the era. Another company who shot to fame at this time was Dark Horse comics who produced three comic books which went on to become cult favourties – Hellboy, Star Wars and Sin City.
DC Comics made two major
The masked vigilante wages battle against a new gang calling themselves the Mutants who dragged Gotham City into an unprecedented era of urban decay and corruption. The concept of the proto-messiah is once again invoked when Wayne reappears as Batman and saves the city when the police and politicians have failed the people. The narrative of The Dark Knight Returns is a satirized portrayal of the American political and cultural environment of the 80s which Frank Miller tries to invoke by placing a clear depiction of President Reagan as a major part of the storyline. The political themes reveal an attempt by Miller to add layers of cultural and historical meaning to the superhero narrative. The Dark Knight Returns portrays Batman in a mature and hyper realistic manner that he is almost unrecognizable from the campy Batman of the 1960s. Satire is invoked by Miller throughout The Dark Knight Returns as it serves as social commentary on the political ideology of the 1980s. The most effective target of satirical means is Superman. As an agent employed by federal government, Superman is instructed to physically confront Batman’s unwanted crusade on crime. Superman’s moral values are being subjugated and exploited in the eyes of Batman. Batman favors a form of superhero rule rather than the government. He declares, “The world only makes sense when you force it to.” Miller
The storyline featured a group of masked superheroes who help America win the war in Vietnam, but gets outlawed for their role in escalating the Cold War. The graphic novel successfully captures the tension and drama of the time by showing an imminent nuclear war between United States and the Soviet Union. The storyline explores the contemporary critiques and anxieties regarding the idea of a superhero, and portray them as flawed human beings. The Watchmen features many intriguing character, but Rorshach stands out as arguably the scariest anti-hero of all time who shows the level of human depravity in search of