Review: Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child
The Dark Knight Returns is a classic series, covering many of the key elements of Batman, Gordon and of course the relationship between Bats and the Joker, all wrapped up in a satire filled bow.  The second series, took things further, some may say too far; it’s never carried the same impact or accolades as the first series, in much the same way it could be said that Tim Burton went too far in Batman Returns, focusing on the style and imagery rather than the cognisant whole. The third run was horribly miss-advertised; it wasn’t a Bat book, but somehow morphed into a Justice League Returns kind of affair, albeit with DKR overtures. Now we are back, for a fourth spin of the wheel, thanks in part to DC’s Black Label range.
Three years have passed since the The Master Race. Lara is now charged with babysitting and teaching Jon, the titular Golden Child. Seems every family has to have a favourite son! Problem is that Lara doesn’t have the same sort of faith in humankind as her father and her mother did. Her anger could cause confusion in young Jon. Throw in a more mature Carrie Kelly as a full fledged Batwoman and you have another possibly labelling error. Would the book have been better served with a Worlds Finest moniker?
Unlike the previous mini series, this book is written in full by Frank Miller, who once again takes to political satire in the shape of an election with a pretty recognisable face included. Through Lara we get to see her jaded views, making her the “grumpy old man Bruce” in this issue. Miller has also looked to carry on Carrie’s development. In keeping with the original, there are monologues running through the book, but with many different voices, Miller has to work to give each their own tone. It also seems that Miller has fallen into that old problem that faces most Bat writers at some point; even with the inclusion of Darkseid for the super people to deal with, we have a new Joker! Not only has Miller used the most over used villain as part of his story, he is doing so regardless that he in fact died all the way back in the first run, circa 1986! Some will no doubt say “it’s Black Label, it doesn’t follow continuity!” To that I would simply point out that the Previewworld blurb, from DC itself, states “It’s been three years since the events of Dark Knight III: The Master Race”.
The art is provided by Rafael Grampá, who is making his comic book return after six years away from the industry.  The look of the book is totally different from the previous runs, which given how over extended, almost caricature like Miller can become is actually a good thing. There are times where I am reminded of Chris Burnham, or even Frazer Irving; the art has an almost mottled feel to it. Figure work is great, with Grampá carrying on with the odd flying postures used in DKIII. There is even a nod to small bodies and big heads that seem to accompany DC kids (yes I am looking at you Damian Wayne!). I have to say that I loved the new Batwoman design which mixes up the color scheme, with a full body suit and a long jacket replacing the cape. The art does change slightly I feel, with the introduction of the villains, presenting a comedy vibe that didn’t quite gel for me. Colors are provided by Jordie Bellaire who again delivers a high standard of work, covering the darkness of Gotham, the crazy Darkseid and Joker pad and dealing with a number of big event worthy fights. John Workman and Deron Bennett provided the letters, working to ensure that every voice and monologue is presented differently. There are times when it feels that the font used is a little heavy, but I can see why it’s used; there is a lot of competition for the readers focus on most pages.
I love the original Dark Knight Returns and I liked DKIII eventually. I even enjoyed The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade (purchased in the discount bin), but I am a sucker for John Romita Jr. art With all that said, I am not sure why we have this book. Could it be that DC are going back to the well a little too often. After all, its not like there is a shortage of Black Label bat-centric books out there. For fans of Miller, rather than fans of Batman, this book may be of interest, as will perhaps the pull of Grampá on art. For me, I think this book is a bit of a storm in a tea cup, that once read actually offers nothing new to the world, and like that oft visited well, is seemingly running dry.
Writing – 3 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Colors – 4.5 Stars
Overall – 3.5 Stars
Written by; Frank MIller
Art by; Rafael Grampá
Colors by; Jordie Bellaire
Letter by; John Workman and Deron Bennett
Published by; DC Comics / Black Label
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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