A BIRTHDAY SPECIAL: Miller turns 69!
It’s Frank Miller’s 69th birthday — he was born Jan. 27, 1957 — so how about we show off the variant covers for the upcoming Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 Facsimile Edition?
Dig these, by Miller and Jim Lee, respectively:
Miller
Lee
Naturally, there’s also a regular cover (and foil version)…
… as well as a logo sketch cover that boasts a special Dark Knight Returns 40th anniversary emblem:
Logo variant
A lot of people malign Miller’s modern work, but I’m of the mind that artists grow and mature, and their styles often evolve with them. It’s not only natural, it’s their right.
In this particular case, I really vibe to the minimalist linework and use of negative space. It’s standout.
The main issue runs $4.99, with the Miller, Lee and blank covers at $5.99. The foil is $7.99. The book is due Feb. 25.
—
MORE
— DC to Republish THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS As Four Monthly FACSIMILE EDITIONS. Click here.
— BATMAN: YEAR TWO to Be Re-Released As Four Monthly FACSIMILE EDITIONS. Click here.
January 27, 2026
I really, REALLY wish that DC had done a Treasury Edition version of The Dark Knight Returns.
Perhaps one day.
January 27, 2026
I agree. There is no story that deserves it more.
January 27, 2026
That Jim Lee cover is awesome
January 27, 2026
I’ll second that!
January 27, 2026
I stick with the original artwork on these, although usually foil. I generally wouldn’t look twice at blank/sketch variants, but this one is kind of cool. Looking forward to these, since I only have them in the leather bound Miller Batman digest. (I’m still kicking myself for not buying the 2nd edition hard cover when The Dark Knight Strikes Again came out.)
January 28, 2026
>> I generally wouldn’t look twice at __blank__/sketch variants,
>>
I was in the same camp. I just didn’t get the draw. I think Dan was who clued me in how fans were using them at conventions to have artist make custom covers. Since nothing by artist I would care about were still available, it just didn’t speak to me. Then I got the idea I would get a Golden Age BATMAN comic I wanted my grandsons to have and I would draw on the cover. Not only did my grandsons get a classic story I felt important for them to read but they also got a little piece of art from their Papa Buck to save. Hopefully they appreciate that.
January 28, 2026
Man, that’s painful on the eyes!