Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

This is one where the message of the story appealed more to me than the story itself. As far as the story goes, I like the idea of an aging Batman trying to carry on his mission in his older years. Probably what bothered me most about the story was the profanity used. I realize people talk like this, and this is not Adam West's Batman, but the number of times the name of God or Jesus was used as an expression of excitement or despair was disappointing.

As for the message, I liked that the story shows that crime isn't cured simply through behavior modification. As a Christian, I believe the world and its inhabitants suffer from the sin disease. No amount of legislation or treatment can cure this. Only a heart changed by God. Batman realizes he cannot cure the evil himself and this resonates with my perspective. (I do not believe this story is meant to convey a Christian message, only that what I got out of the story reflects my perspective.)

I was a bit disappointed in this story. I think it is because I have heard and read many comments about this being the best Batman story written. Taste is subjective, but I think I came in with expectations that were too high. Overall, I think I would choose Year One over this one, but that's just my opinion.