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.