Description

The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade         Trade Paperback
Writers: Frank Miller & Brian Azzarello
Artist: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Peter Steigerwald
Colorist: Peter Steigerwald
Letterer: Clem Robins
Editors: Mark Doyle, Rebecca Taylor, & Dave Wielgosz
Main Cover by: John Romita Jr. w/ Danny Miki & Dean White

In February of 2016, DC Comics published “Dark Knight Returns III: The Master Race”, which is the third part of Frank Miller’s iconic The Dark Knight Returns franchise. This series of titles portray a future version of the character Batman, in his twilight, weakened by old age, aware of his own mortality, yet unable to turn a blind eye as his world descends into chaos.

Unlike “The Master Race”, “The Last Crusade” is a prequel. The title follows Batman and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, years before he became the overly cynical, angry Batman in the pages of “The Dark Knight Returns” (1986). Here, we see him only starting to come to grips with his age – struggling with a body that can no longer keep up with the rigors of being the Batman, and the realization that he needs to start preparing a successor.

The focus on this story is Bruce and his protégé, the second Robin – Jason Todd.

Story/Spoilers:
“The Last Crusade” tells the story of the final days before Jason Todd was abducted by Batman’s arch-enemy, the Joker. Batman and Robin hunt the villains Killer Croc and Poison Ivy, both of whom are running a racket that involves seducing and manipulating wealthy businessmen. This is a feat that is made possible due to Poison Ivy’s ability to emit pheromones that make weak-willed men susceptible to mind control.

Meanwhile, the Joker, who has been captured prior to the events of the comic and interred in an insane asylum. Inside the asylum, the Joker takes advantage of the mentally unstable inmates, using mind games to work the asylum’s residents into a violent frenzy and then directing them towards the asylum’s guards and orderlies. He escapes in the middle of the chaos.

Unfortunately, Batman’s refusal to acknowledge the progress of his protégé becomes Jason Todd’s undoing. It leads to the young man doing unnecessarily dangerous things on his own as a way of seeking the Batman’s approval. This ultimately includes a solo expedition to locate the recently escaped Joker, which results in the capture of Jason Todd by the madman. 

Consequently, Jason Todd died at the hands of Batman’s nemesis The Joker in the story arc “A Death in the Family,” which was published in December of 1988 to January 1989 in issues #426 to 429 of DC Comics’ “Batman”.

Trade Paperback is bagged & double boarded and will be carefully / securely packaged then shipped via USPS Priority Mail to ensure that it arrives to you perfectly and quickly.   

First Printing   
Publisher: DC Comics   
Publication Date: 2016   
Format: FC, 64 pages, TPB, 10.25″ x 6.65″   
UPC: 761941337739

Collectible Entertainment note: Trade Paperback is in Very Fine condition.  Very Nice!  Please See Scans!!  A must have for any serious Batman and/or Joker collector / enthusiast.  A fun & entertaining read.  Recommended.   

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