Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1

---

DC (1986)
Iconic Frank Miller Batman Series #1, 1st Appearance Carrie Kelly

The Dark Knight Returns #1 (1986) isn’t just another key comic... it’s one of the single most important issues ever published. This book fundamentally changed Batman, modern superheroes, and the entire comic industry.
 

1. It Redefined Batman Forever

Before 1986, Batman had drifted toward:

• Campy interpretations
• Lighter detective stories
• A softer, more “superhero-y” tone

Dark Knight Returns #1 brought him roaring back as:

• Older
• Harder
• Broken yet unstoppable
• A gritty, brutal urban legend

This issue single-handedly reshaped Batman into the darker figure we recognize today.

 

2. Frank Miller at His Peak

Frank Miller wrote and illustrated the series at a time when he was redefining what modern comics could be.

This Frank Miller era included:

• Daredevil: Born Again
• Wolverine
• Ronin
• Sin City
• 300
• The lead-up to Batman: Year One

He brought a noir sensibility, cinematic pacing, and psychological depth that blew readers away.
Issue #1 is the debut of that bold new vision.

 

3. Beginning of the Most Influential Batman Story Ever

Dark Knight Returns #1 launched a four-issue mini-series that:

• Inspired Batman: The Animated Series
• Influenced Tim Burton’s Batman (1989)
• Shaped Christian Bale’s portrayal in the Christopher Nolan Batman Films
• Fed directly into Ben Affleck’s TDKR-inspired Batman
• Influenced Arkham games, comics, and every gritty Batman interpretation since

It’s arguably the most important Batman comic after:

• Detective Comics #27 (first appearance)
• Batman #1 (first Joker/Catwoman)
• Batman: Year One

 

4. First Appearance of Carrie Kelley (Robin)

Issue #1 introduces Carrie Kelley, who becomes the new Robin—a groundbreaking moment:

• First female Robin in main continuity
• One of the most beloved legacy characters
• Her debut alone makes the issue a key

 

5. One of the Works That Kicked Off the Modern Age

Along with Watchmen (also 1986), The Dark Knight Returns #1 helped launch:

• More mature, psychological storytelling
• Complex heroes
• Social commentary
• Darker, more literary comics

These two series together changed the tone of comics going forward.

 

6. A True Cultural Milestone

This isn’t just a comic book—it’s a pop culture marker that newspapers, TV, film critics, and universities still reference. Time Magazine has ranked it among the Top 10 Graphic Novels Ever Written.  Issue #1 is ground zero.

 

7. Iconic Cover

The image of the lightning bolt slashing behind Batman in silhouette is:

• One of the most recognizable covers in comic history
• Frequently reprinted, referenced, and homaged
• Considered a symbol of Batman’s rebirth
• It’s a visual shorthand for the entire series.

9.2 NM
Pages: White
CGC 4072109022

Art: Frank Miller story & cover Frank Miller & Klaus Janson art


Key: 1st appearance of Carrie Kelly.