Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Holding the 2nd position in the top 10 best free comic books online to read is "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns." This comic tells the story of an older Bruce Wayne who comes out of retirement to fight crime in Gotham City. The city has become overrun with violence and corruption, and Batman feels compelled to don the cape and cowl once again. This time, however, he faces new challenges as he confronts a more brutal and chaotic criminal underworld.
As the story unfolds, we see a Gotham that has changed since Batman's retirement. The government has imposed strict laws against vigilantism, and superheroes are either retired or working for the government. Bruce Wayne, feeling the call of justice, ignores these laws and takes on a new Robin, a rebellious teenager named Carrie Kelley. Together, they face not only traditional villains like the Joker but also a new and terrifying adversary in the form of a government-controlled Superman.
The comic explores themes of aging, the consequences of vigilantism, and the impact of Batman's presence on Gotham. Bruce Wayne struggles with his own mortality and the toll that a lifetime of crime-fighting has taken on his body and mind. The narrative is gritty and intense, showcasing Batman's determination to bring justice to a city that has lost its way.
Frank Miller, the writer and artist behind "The Dark Knight Returns," presents a darker and more mature take on the Batman mythos. The artwork is iconic, with bold, dynamic panels that capture the intensity of the action.
The story reflects the character's history and explores what it means to be a hero in a world that has grown more complex and cynical. "The Dark Knight Returns" is a seminal work in the Batman canon, offering a unique and powerful vision of the Dark Knight's final crusade.
Link to read: https://comiconlinefree.org/comic/batman-the-dark-knight-returns
