22 March 2009

Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again

"Dark Knight Strikes Again" ("DKSA") is one of Frank Miller's crowning achievements. Building off of Dark Knight Returns, he continues to recreate the DC Universe in his terrifying image. And personally, I think it's never looked better.

Captain Marvel is easily my favorite character in this story. The separation of Billy Batson and Captain Marvel is a fascinating concept and one that I had not considered before "DKSA". My favorite Captain Marvel moment comes when he is dying and Wonder Woman asks him where he goes when he says the word SHAZAM and he responds: "Where does a wish go? Where does a dream go when you wake up?" Although to most this must seem incredibly corny, I find that corniness is the most important element of Captain Marvel's character -- one that is frequently played upon in continuity. That's what makes his final words so compelling, he retains Batson's childlike innocence despite their alleged separation.

Frank Miller is an extremely capable comic book artist -- both in his own unique style (demonstrated in "DKSA") and the classic sense. Chris Claremont even went so far as to hail him as one of the most talented comic book artists he has ever worked with (circa the Miller / Claremont run "Wolverine). But it is apparent at first glance that "DKSA" is not illustrated in the classic style. I personally found that his less-than-realistic design style coupled with digital inks perfectly portrayed an edgy, highly emotional, futuristic dreamscape.

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