- Not to be confused with Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy of movies
The Dark Knight Universe is the reality of Earth-686, a parallel earth within the DC Multiverse. Initially considered one of the fifty-one divergent realities from New/Prime Earth, it is the setting of all of Frank Miller's DC works (although Batman: Year One was once considered part of the canonical DC Universe). In stark contrast to typical prime canon, the world is depicted as more violent and unruly, superheroes are not used to instill high moral values in children. It is aimed at a more adult audience, with a satire of society, political upheaval and the superhero genre in general. Miller has speculated that Elseworlds was later created to explain his Dark Knight series.
Batman himself is imagined as a more ruthless vigilante willing to use extremely brutal methods. In prequels and sequels published after the turn of the millennium Batman will often murder his enemies without hesitation, though that wasn't the case at the inception of this continuity. He is also less protective of his Robins, regarding them as "soldiers" and displays a neglectful abuse for their feelings. Batman also has a taste for casual sexual relationships, having a love affair with Catwoman and whimsically engaging in intercourse with Black Canary. In addition, he "fires" Dick Grayson, retires after the death of Jason Todd, and eventually returns at the age of 55 to lead the return of superheroes to overthrow the corrupt government, led by Lex Luthor. Batman also allies himself with Carrie Kelley, who eventually succeeds him as Gotham's next protector: Batwoman.
Story Arcs[]
- Batman: Year One
- Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
- Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again
- All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder
- Spawn/Batman
- The Dark Knight III: The Master Race
- The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade
- Superman: Year One
- Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child
Reception[]
Although initially positively received thanks to stories like The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One, praise towards the "Dark Knight Universe" have gradually diminished due to follow-ups following 2001. Both stories are widely regarded to be two of the best Batman stories of all-time and in-part responsible for the character's return to popularity after the end of the 1960s show. They also grounded the character and established later features, such as the more grounded takes on the character and the establishment of psychological problems.
However, following entries have often been criticized for their writing, characterizations and artwork. It's version of Batman was also critized for becoming more violent and his differentiated relationships with other heroes, most prominently Superman and his Robins. The Dark Knight Strikes Again was met with mixed reviews at the time, with criticism being focus on the artwork and writing of the entry. However, the third book, All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder, is often regarded as one of the worst interpretations of Batman due to his portrayal and actions, including physically and psychologically abusing Dick Grayson/Robin, killing without remorse, and inflicting violence on civilians without considerations. Miller's writing, particularly in All Star, has also faced criticism. The Dark Knight III and Golden Child has also received mixed reviews, often for villain characterizations and lack of direction.
A prominent criticism towards the entire universe is its version of Superman. In The Dark Knight Returns, the character is portrayed as a government stooge who is only directed by the Present personally. In subsequent stories, he is portrayed as less capable than Batman and at times only a figurehead of the superhero community. Superman: Year One has also been criticized for portraying Clark Kent as selfish and deviating from the character's origins heavily. Some have also noted the influence on later interpretations of the character, including Zack Snyder's version in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Links[]
- Earth-686 on the DC Database