Many claim that this is one of the graphic novels/comic book series that really changed the way superheroes are portrayed in the media. Batman has always been one of the darkest of the heroes presented by DC Comics, which is probably not all that surprising when you consider that he is inspired by the murder of his parents and the fact that he flirts with vigilante-ism and the darker side. That becomes quite evident as this story progresses.

This one is set in the "future." Batman retired from the business of being a hero 10 years earlier after the death of Jason Todd, who served as Robin for a period of time. He has fallen into being just Bruce Wayne, and Gotham City seems to have settled into normalcy. All of the supervillains appear to have been reformed or have found their way into Arkham Asylum, which is really more of a rehabilitation center with the kinder and gentler mission of helping the mad folks living their to recover rather than punishing them for past deeds.

Things in the city suddenly seem to be falling apart. A group of gang-related incidents are occurring as the city is hit by a crime way. The members of the gang, going by the less than friendly name of Mutants inspire Batman to consider taking the cowl once again, even as his age presents certain doubts about his abilities. Things become even more challenging when Harvey Dent (a.k.a. Two-Face) is released from Arkham under the idea that h has recovered. He quickly takes over the Mutants.

Batman returns to a very different Gotham. While many are pleased to see him working to bring back peace and control, many want to see him arrested. This includes the new police commissioner, who has replaced Jim Gordon upon his retirement. The result is that Batman finds himself under an arrest warrant with a growing number of charges.

Batman doesn't have to fight the good fight on his own. He is quickly joined (and saved by) Carrie Kelley, a girl who has taken on the costume of Robin for this new age. The two quickly form a tight partnership as they bring justice to the city.

In the backdrop, Miller has done his usual wonderful job with social commentary. Besides the obvious ideas relating to the aging Batman and the questioning of the effectiveness of vigilante-ism, readers are presented one tied to the time in which the book was originally written. America is led by a President that is clearly a stand-in for Ronald Reagan. This is evident in actions, words, and illustration. This President brings America to the edge of a nuclear war with the Soviet Union over a small island country because he knows he has Superman their to step in a act as a counter-balance to the shared nuclear arsenals. Superman can just stop the missile. The resulting imagery, actions, and dialog indicate that Superman's desire to do everything right and good does not mean that everything is going to turn out OK.

Those familiar with the Watchmen, either as a movie or the original books, will find a number of related themes about the darkness found in the human spirit and a look at the real definitions of good and evil. It is not the most upbeat perspective, but it is one filled with a lot of realism in relation to the nature of humanity.

This book definitely lives up to the reputation!