Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 (DC, 1986)

Artists: Frank Miller (Penciller) , Lynn Varley (Colorist)

2 Comments - 1,448 Views - 9 Likes

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 (DC, 1986) Comic Art

Click Image to View Full Size

Next Item:
Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8 (Marvel, 1984)

Artwork Details

Title:	Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 (DC, 1986)
Artist:	Frank Miller (Penciller)
Artist:	Lynn Varley (Colorist)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Cover
For Sale Status:	Sold for $2,400,000 on June 2022
Views:	1,448
Likes on CAF:	9 10
Favorited on CAF:	1
Comments:	2
Added to Site:	5/16/2022
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Frank Miller's 1980s Batman tale The Dark Knight Returns is the graphic novel responsible for redefining the depth, tone, and range of storytelling possibilities for the entire super-hero genre, in the process paving the way as primary influence on the filmic universe that has taken over worldwide popular culture.
The dystopian future-epic was the lightning strike that revitalized the Caped Crusader's place in the DC Universe, and the original artwork for this cover to the first issue of the pioneering story is easily one of the most famous comic book covers from any era of all time, as well as the single most resonant image from the series, defining the entire superhero genre from the 1980s to now, not only in comics, but the broader culture, including the popular and acclaimed current Batman movie.
Such a widely reproduced, instantly recognizable, and transcendent original now lives in the broadest possible realm of American art, and the bold image speaks to generations. Miller's award-winning career as a wildly innovative creator reached its apex with this four-issue story, which was immediately recognized as one of the most important graphic novels of all time, and which has remained continually in print as a modern classic. As author of comic book and film properties such as Sin City and 300, all of Miller's formidable storytelling and artistic skill are in full display in this gritty, realistic, and emotionally moving tale, which transports the superhero from the world of adolescent fantasy into an increasingly realistic contemporary urban climate, single-handedly transforming Batman into one of fiction's most resonant characters within American culture.
Any original from this series is among the most desirable original art from the history of comics, but a cover of this magnitude � the key introductory image from a series with so much influence on the entire comic industry � has never before been offered at auction.

This piece sold for a Record price of $2,400,000 in our 2022 June Signature Auction.

Social/Sharing

About the Owner

	Heritage Auctions Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	March 2020
Last Login:	September 2025
Website:	http://www.ha.com
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

Contact the Owner

Use can use a contact form to send an email to this gallery owner,
but, you must be logged in to use this feature.

Comments on this Artwork

You must be logged in to make comments.

John Painz
Member Since 2005

4 - Posted on 5/16/2022

I mean, I've only got the one kidney to sell, but I'll sell it...

Vit Budin
Member Since 2016

1 - Posted on 5/16/2022

John Painz wrote:

I mean, I've only got the one kidney to sell, but I'll sell it...

I would say you have to add livers, brain and heart :D .

All
	Chris Johnson 9/5/2025 4:32:00 PM
	Michael Ingram 9/5/2025 4:20:00 PM
	James Cline 9/5/2025 4:12:00 PM
	Dan Moler 9/5/2025 4:09:00 PM
	J Murdock 9/5/2025 3:56:00 PM
View All


	Monty B 9/5/2025 3:53:00 PM
	Lee Dunch 9/5/2025 3:42:00 PM
	Jordan Woodgate 9/5/2025 3:36:00 PM
	Joe DellaGatta 9/5/2025 3:30:00 PM
	Robert Aigner 9/5/2025 3:27:00 PM