Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Reading Order

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is one of the most famous Batman stories of all time. It radically changed the way Batman was viewed and written, solidifying the gritty and serious Batman we know today. However, the impact went beyond this, as this single story helped usher in changes that went on to impact the entire comic book industry.

Now, the story told in The Dark Knight Returns, by Frank Miller, spans multiple comics. It has received multiple sequels, some prequels, and even a few spin-offs. In fact, the story has grown so large that the universe of this world has been designated as Earth-31, one of the many worlds within the DC Multiverse.

So, how do you read The Dark Knight Returns and the stories after it? What is the reading order for these comics? This guide will show you exactly how to read The Dark Knight Returns and how these comics are related.

The Dark Knight Returns Reading Order

This storyline begins with The Dark Knight Returns. This comic told the original story and is what sparked this entire universe.

After this, the prequel, Batman: Year One, was released. This comic showed the same Batman at the very beginning of his career as a crime-fighter. Next, Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again was released. This comic is a direct sequel to The Dark Knight Returns and directly continues the storyline, taking place only a few years later. Then, All-Star Batman and Robin was released. This comic is another prequel, this time looking at Robin’s origin in this universe.

At this point, the series took a break for a few years before coming back strong. The next entry in the storyline is The Dark Knight III: The Master Race. This is the third entry in the main series and directly continues the story from Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again. This is immediately followed by the next entry in the story The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade. This is then followed by The Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child.

Alongside all of this, Superman: Year One was released. This comic stars the same Superman from The Dark Knight Returns but looks back at his early days.

TDKR = The Dark Knight Returns
TDKSA = The Dark Knight Strikes Again
ASBaR = All Star Batman and Robin
DKIII: TMR = Dark Knight III: The Master Race

Notes

1. Batman: Year One looks back at the origin of the Batman from this world. What is unique about it is that it is in-continuity for this world and for the mainstream Batman. So, this is the same origin story for a few different versions of Batman.
2. All-Star Batman and Robin was never actually finished. In addition, it is generally regarded poorly (with the exception of Jim Lee's incredible art) and is not referenced much. So, it is possible to skip this comic when approaching this reading order.

Other

• The Dark Knight Returns version of Batman also appears in Batman Vol. 3 #135, collected in Batman Vol. 2: The Bat-Man of Gotham.

The Dark Knight Returns FAQ

Is The Dark Knight Returns Set in its Own Universe?

Yes. The Dark Knight Returns is set in its own universe. It takes place in DC's Earth-31. This is where all the comics in this storyline take place.

Is The Dark Knight Returns Canon?

No, The Dark Knight Returns is not canon in the main DC Universe. Instead, it is set in its own universe, Earth-31.

The only exception to this is Batman: Year One. This story is considered canon in both universes.

Is The Dark Knight Returns a Sequel?

No, despite the "Returns" in the title, The Dark Knight Returns is not a sequel to any specific comic. Instead, the use of this word is meant to indicate that Batman is coming back after a period of retirement.

Later on, a prequel, Batman: Year One was released. This shows the same version of Batman at the very beginning of his career.

All DC Comics Reading Orders