Book cover of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Book description

It's the thirtieth anniversary of THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, and now DC Comics presents this classic title in a newly redesigned edition! Ten years after an aging Batman retired, Gotham City has sunk deeper into decadence and lawlessness. Now, when his city needs him most, the Dark Knight returns in…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Batman as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Time to put aside the history and cultural analysis. How could I understand the modern Batman phenomenon without delving into Miller’s classic reimagining of Batman? By his own account, Miller wanted to take Batman and the whole superhero genre out of the realm of kid stuff. Boy, did he ever! This Batman has been called dark and gritty, though Miller supposedly didn’t care for that description. But there’s no question Miller’s work influenced the movies that followed. The book includes the four issues that were originally published separately. 

From Michael's list on helping to rekindle a love of Batman.

A seminal work in the graphic novel medium, The Dark Knight Returns is an excellent and deep character study into the psychology and world of Batman. Years after retiring due to tragedy, an older restless Bruce Wayne finds his city plunged into chaos. He returns as The Dark Knight, stepping into a violent new world order. Frank Miller is at the top of his game here. The running inner monologue from Batman throughout the series is one of the best examples I’ve ever seen of using narration without it feeling like empty exposition. The grime of Gotham is portrayed in…

From Livio's list on riveting worlds.

If you love Batman...

Book cover of An Heir of Realms

An Heir of Realms by Heather Ashle,

An Heir of Realms tells the tale of two young heroines—a dragon rider and a portal jumper—who fight dragon-like parasites to save their realms from extinction. 

Rhoswen is training as a Realm Rider to work with dragons and burn away the Narxon swarming into her realm. Rhoswen’s dream is to…

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