Dark Knight Strikes Again Sadly, no. Not even close. Set three years after the conclusion of The Dark Knight Returns, DK2 finds Batman and his army of "Batboys" rescuing several heroes from the clutches of Lex Luthor. Carry Kelley now goes by the name of Catgirl and begins things by rescuing Ray Palmer (the Atom) from the petrii dish where he was imprisoned. Then the Flash is set free from the treadmill where he was providing cheap energy for the entire eastern seaboard. Superman is more interested in the status quo and sees Batman is making a mess out of a delicate situation. The inevitable conflict rounds out the end of the issue, as Batman and Superman butt heads once more. Miller's work fairs no better. There is simply less story here in 80 pages than the first series had in its' first 48. Too many full page spreads are occupied by a less that crucial image. Which brings us to the art. Miller's art has grown sloppier in recent years. It works well on some projects, but here it often looks chaotic and rushed. Where the first book was punctuated with terrific iconic images, this one spends too much space on bad color effects. Compare the full page shot of Batman on page 76 with the full page shot on page 26 of Dark Knight Returns. Both are pivotal Batman images, and while the new one is not awful, it simply doesn't compare favorably with the original. It's unfair to judge a sequel when the original is a classic the caliber of Dark Knight Returns. I still hold out hope that the series will redeem itself with the next two issues. Many of you will read the book and think that it is not near as terrible as the impression that I'm giving you. It's not a total loss, just a marked disappointment considering the talent involved that the big shoes it promises to fill. DC has been promising that "Lightning does strike twice." Unfortunately, DK2 doesn't carry enough current to fry a rabbit.
(DC Comics)
Finally after months of waiting, the sequel to The Dark Knight Returns is here. Pretty much everyone knows that I am a big fan of Frank Millers' work. The original Dark Knight Returns was a landmark book of the 80's, and deservedly so. It literally changed the way that we looked at superheroes and sparked a revived interest in the character of Batman. It's importance really can't be overstated. Following up such an important and popular book can usually lead to disappointments. Everyone's expectations get built up simply too high for anything to measure up. However, if there is anyone who can meet those expectations and even thrive under the scrutiny, it is certainly Frank Miller. So, despite my mantra of the last two weeks ( "Don't get your hopes up too high, take the book on its' own merits" ) I couldn't wait to get my hands on DK2. So does it live up? Does lightning really strike twice, as DC's marketing campaign boast?
The original book set the standard for coloring and production that has held to this day. We forget that before this book came along, comics were badly colored on the cheapest paper available. Lynn Varley wins awards for best colorist whether she has current work before the public or not. News that she would return to work with Miller again as colorist on this book seemed to insure an excellent look to the project. Instead, the book is gaudily colored with what appears to be computer processes. Where the original was beautifully rendered with subtle shades, this time out we get bright, garish colors that do not compliment the art in the least. Don't believe me? Take a look at page 18. Truely one or the more hideous coloring jobs I have ever seen on slick paper. It is simply unbelievable that this is the work of Lynn Varley. I understand that Miller has said in interviews that he is attempting a more colorful approach, in contrast to the more "gritty" look of the original. While breaking with expectations is admirable, aesthetically they fail miserably.
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