In 1986, the author unleashed “The Dark Knight Returns,” a new take on Batman. Stephen King called it “quite possibly the finest piece of comic art ever published.” Instead of a guy in blue tights with a utility belt full of wacky devices, Miller’s Batman was a likable sociopath obsessed with intimidating criminals off the streets. In the 15 years since, Miller has stayed busy writing various genres of comics as well as a few screenplays (including the two “Robocop” sequels) and fighting an ongoing battle against censorship. Now, Miller has created a sequel, “The Dark Knight Strikes Again,” which picks up three years after the events of “Returns.” The world has gone to hell, Superman is the stooge of an evil American government–and Batman is still mad as hell about everything. NEWSWEEK’s John Ness talked with the equally angry Miller about his new work and the world since September 11.
NEWSWEEK: The original “Dark Knight Returns” series took place almost entirely in Gotham City, and was basically about Batman and a few other superpeople in his circle of friends and enemies. By contrast, “The Dark Knight Strikes Again” goes everywhere and includes most of Justice League of America. Why so much broader?
Frank Miller: The first one was a rather monomaniacal attempt to bring a different level of, if not reality, than something that felt like it to the comic book. In this one, after 15 years of being away and seeing what’s been going on with superheroes, I kind of feel like [comics have] followed that path for too long.
The average comic is too real now?
No, not too real. It’s too depressing. There’s a glumness to a lot of the stuff that’s out there. I just thought I might be able to take on the scary task of turning adults into 8-year-olds: to convince somebody that someone can run the speed of light [like the superhero The Flash] or shrink down to the size of an electron [like the superhero The Atom]. Getting people used to that idea takes some real heavy lifting.
Did you always know you wanted to come back to the Batman’s antagonism toward Superman?
Without question. In fact, that’s much more the subject of this one. I also knew that first thing out of the gate I ought to have him beat the crap out of Superman because they’re gonna be waiting for that and I might as well throw it in right at the start [laughs].
Are you anti-Superman?
I’m not anti-Superman. I love the character. But that’s just his role in this story. And it seems logical, since comics went through all the trouble of castrating themselves in the ’50s with the Comics Code, and with all this talk these days of everything being a damned role model, it seemed logical to make Superman the agent of the status quo. And if Batman is combating the status quo, he’s got a real powerful enemy.
What was so bad about the Comics Code?
Beyond the usual censorious stuff, it also prohibited any authority figure from ever being shown as pernicious. It basically turned all the superheroes into these pasty deputies who told kids about the wonderful world they were growing up in.
You’ve objected to printing FOR MATURE AUDIENCES on the cover of your comics. Why?
Because I don’t think comics should be the first branch of publishing to concede that much territory to censors. Just like I don’t think there out to be mature labels on NEWSWEEK. These ratings systems don’t work at what they’re supposed to do, and they’re always run by the worst people. I don’t believe in putting apologies on covers.
What’s the status of next year’s Batman movie, which you’re working on with [“Pi” and “Requiem for a Dream” director] Darren Aronofsky?
We’ve been passing back and forth drafts. Other than that, Warner Bros. would get real mad if I said anything.
How does your vision of a cinematic Batman differ from the one Tim Burton put on the screen?
I’d think smaller and meaner. Other than that, I really shouldn’t talk about it.
If your Batman were operating in our world today, who would he focus his energy on: Osama bin Laden or John Ashcroft?
[Laughing] It might just be a toss up.
The new comic talks a lot about terrorism and at one point, Batman is even called a “terrorist” by the U.S. government.
Yeah, and the weird thing is I did the first two books before September 11. [There will be three books–issues–total of “The Dark Knight Strikes Back.”] The resonances just get stronger and stronger through the first two books. [After September 11] my editor and I sat down and really had to take a deep breath and think about it. And I finally decided that I really wanted to do it exactly the way it was.
Do you see yourself ever second-guessing a violent story line or image?
No, not at all. I think that would be completely foolish. That would be as foolish as digitally removing the trade centers from movies and TV shows. I mean, come on, we’re fixated on this. We should be living through it. Art isn’t here just to anesthetize, and neither is entertainment. I mean, I think there’s a good chance my stuff is going to get more violent for at least a while.
You’re gonna go for more violence?
I don’t know. But I know I’m really pissed off.
