DC Reveals Dark Knight Returns 40th Anniv. Editions, More
It’s been 40 years since The Dark Knight Returns forever impacted Batman comics by delivering a tougher, gritter version of the Caped Crusader. The four-issue series by writer-artist Frank Miller, inker Klaus Janson, and colorist Lynn Varley had a huge impact on the tone of 1980s superhero comics, inspiring more mature tales, and is considered among the greatest graphic novels.
It’s set in near-future Gotham City where a middle aged Bruce Wayne comes out of retirement to once again fight criminals as Batman, while also facing pushback from Gotham police. The book featured the returns of the Joker and Two-Face, had a big confrontation with Superman that helped inspire Zack Snyder Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and introduced Carrie Kelley as Robin.
In honor of the book’s milestone, DC has announced a yearlong celebration with “new publishing initiatives, creator retrospectives, special edition releases, and global fan focused activations,” per DC’s press release.
It begins at ComicsPRO in Glendale, CA, on February 19-21, 2026, where Miller and Janson will appear at a panel to discuss The Dark Knight Returns’ legacy, influence, and impact. ComicsPRO members can attend in-person or stream online Friday, February 20 at 4:30 PM PT.
DC will release monthly facsimile editions of The Dark Knight Returns #1-4 starting in February, which will be faithful reproductions containing the original covers, ads, and back materials.
During the summer of 2026, DC Will publish The Dark Knight Returns 40th anniversary variant covers. Artists will pay homage to Miller’s work in the series, utilizing a variety of artistic interpretations.
On Batman Day 2026, DC will release Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Deluxe Edition newly remastered collection hardcover.
The Batman: The Dark Knight Returns: DC Compact Comics Edition, offering what DC describes as a “new portable size” book, will be out on April 7. DC Shop is unveiling the Artist Collection with The Dark Knight Returns merchandise that includes a jacket, limited and hand-numbered art print in partnership with Sideshow Collectibles, t-shirts, a hoodie, duffle bag, and more.
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DC Reveals Dark Knight Returns 40th Anniv. Editions, More
It’s been 40 years since The Dark Knight Returns forever impacted Batman comics by delivering a tougher, gritter version of the Caped Crusader. The four-issue series by writer-artist Frank Miller, inker Klaus Janson, and colorist Lynn Varley had a huge impact on the tone of 1980s superhero comics, inspiring more mature tales, and is considered among the greatest graphic novels.
It’s set in near-future Gotham City where a middle aged Bruce Wayne comes out of retirement to once again fight criminals as Batman, while also facing pushback from Gotham police. The book featured the returns of the Joker and Two-Face, had a big confrontation with Superman that helped inspire Zack Snyder Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and introduced Carrie Kelley as Robin.
In honor of the book’s milestone, DC has announced a yearlong celebration with “new publishing initiatives, creator retrospectives, special edition releases, and global fan focused activations,” per DC’s press release.
It begins at ComicsPRO in Glendale, CA, on February 19-21, 2026, where Miller and Janson will appear at a panel to discuss The Dark Knight Returns’ legacy, influence, and impact. ComicsPRO members can attend in-person or stream online Friday, February 20 at 4:30 PM PT.
DC will release monthly facsimile editions of The Dark Knight Returns #1-4 starting in February, which will be faithful reproductions containing the original covers, ads, and back materials.
During the summer of 2026, DC Will publish The Dark Knight Returns 40th anniversary variant covers. Artists will pay homage to Miller’s work in the series, utilizing a variety of artistic interpretations.
On Batman Day 2026, DC will release Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Deluxe Edition newly remastered collection hardcover.
The Batman: The Dark Knight Returns: DC Compact Comics Edition, offering what DC describes as a “new portable size” book, will be out on April 7. DC Shop is unveiling the Artist Collection with The Dark Knight Returns merchandise that includes a jacket, limited and hand-numbered art print in partnership with Sideshow Collectibles, t-shirts, a hoodie, duffle bag, and more.
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