In 1987, Batman went back to basics.
What makes Batman so special? This becomes clear when we place him opposite that other quintessential superhero: Superman. While “boy scout” Superman is good-spirited, optimistic and almost naïve in his belief in the inherent morality of people, Batman goes the other way. The murder of his parents by petty thieves has opened his eyes to the depravity of people and the corrupting effects of city life.
But although Batman was envisioned in 1939 as a vigilante and dark avenger of urban crime, that image was soon downplayed in favor of a more kid-friendly image. By the 1960s, Batman had lost its edge and Batman-comics mainly catered to youngsters. In 1987, Frank Miller decided to return to the dark and tragic roots of the Batman-character. He did so with The Dark Knight Returns (1986) and Batman: Year One (1987). Watch this video (in Dutch) for more information on Batman and Frank Millers comic Batman: Year One.
