EXCLUSIVE: One of comics’ greatest stories is back, beginning in February…
Do you call Frank Miller’s all-time Batman epic The Dark Knight or The Dark Knight Returns? I call it The Dark Knight Returns.
Doesn’t matter, though. Either way, the landmark 1986 miniseries is coming to the Facsimile Edition ranks starting in February, with the three subsequent issues due from March to May.
This is actually one of two classic Batman four-parters getting the monthly Facsimile treatment starting February. Click here for the other one.
Meantime, dig the solicitation info for DKR #1, which will be released officially by DC on Friday:
THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS #1 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by FRANK MILLER
Art and cover by FRANK MILLER
Variant covers by FRANK MILLER and JIM LEE
Foil variant cover by FRANK MILLER ($7.99 US)
Blank sketch cover ($5.99 US)
Ten years after the last reported sighting of the Batman, a retired Bruce Wayne spends his nights fighting only to honor his vow to stay retired. Amidst the rising threat of a new breed of gang violence, old enemies from the past—and an inner demon that will not stay caged—ensure the Dark Knight’s return in this masterpiece of comics storytelling.
$4.99 US | 48 pages
ON SALE 2/25/26
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Several thoughts:
— I think the Frank Miller/Klaus Janson/Lynn Varley classic has been released in just about every format known to man. I’m surprised it never occurred to me that DC would publish it as a set of Facsimile Editions.
— Reader Ian in the comments makes a great point that escaped me: Book One came out in February 1986, so this makes this a 40th anniversary release. Also, I looked it up: The issue came out Feb. 25, and so does this!
— Variant covers by Miller and Jim Lee, huh? Hmm.
— As we’ve been reporting this week, February will be an amazing month for DC Facsimiles. Dig the links below!
— Obligatory Price Comparison: The original Issue #1 — or Book One, if you prefer — had four printings. An unslabbed, NM copy of a first printing recently sold on eBay for $197.50.
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MORE
— BATMAN: YEAR TWO to Be Re-Released As Four Monthly FACSIMILE EDITIONS. Click here.
— THE BATMAN ADVENTURES: MAD LOVE Gets Facsimile Edition. Click here.
— WHOA! SUPERMAN VS. SPIDER-MAN Treasury Facsimile to Get ALEX ROSS Variant. Click here.
— ACTION COMICS #419 — Featuring NEAL ADAMS’ Classic Cover — to Get FACSIMILE EDITION. Click here.
— SECRET ORIGINS of SUPER VILLAINS Set for TREASURY FACSIMILE EDITION. Click here.
November 20, 2025
Honestly, this landmark series should be getting the Treasury treatment. No series deserves it more. Then we could say it has been presented in every format.
November 20, 2025
So i guess WATCHMEN in facsimile form is not out of the question?
November 20, 2025
Y’know that’s a really good point. I would say nothing is out of the question.
November 21, 2025
Both Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen came in 1986. Since the first issue of DKR came out in February 1986 and the Facsimile is coming out in February of 2026, we’ll probably get a Watchmen facsimile in September. I be excited if DC announces that in their September Solicitations.
November 21, 2025
Very smart thinking!
November 20, 2025
I like how Rich Johnston just grabs Dan’s early solicitations without credit.
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/9-dc-february-2026-solicits-frankensteined-k-o-facsimile-vertigo/
November 20, 2025
I would expect nothing less!