The Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child #1

The Dark Knight Saga #4

by Frank Miller, Rafael Grampá (artist)

Frank Miller returns to the Dark Knight Universe!
It’s been three years since the events of Dark Knight III: The Master Race. Lara has spent the time learning to be more human, and Carrie Kelley has been growing into her new role as Batwoman. But a terrifying evil has returned to Gotham City, and Lara and Carrie must team up to stop this growing threat-and they have a secret weapon. Young Jonathan Kent, “the golden child,” has a power inside of him unlike anything the world has ever seen, and it’s about to be unleashed...
Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child is Frank Miller’s triumphant return to the world of the Dark Knight and joining him is the superstar artist Rafael Grampá, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking Mesmo Delivery. Following work in advertising and film, this incredible collaboration marks Grampá’s first comics work in six years, bringing his extraordinary detail and storytelling to the Dark Knight saga, resulting in a Dark Knight story like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Batman, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Fiction, Superheroes

52 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2019

About the author

Frank Miller is an American writer, artist and film director best known for his film noir-style comic book stories. He is one of the most widely-recognized and popular creators in comics, and is one of the most influential comics creators of his generation. His most notable works include Sin City, The Dark Knight Returns, Batman Year One and 300.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Sam Quixote · Rating 1 out of 5]

DC and Frank Miller return to the cash cow that is The Dark Knight Returns Universe for another terrible, pointless addition with The Golden Child. Trump exists in the DKR world (le sigh, I know…) and Joker’s on his campaign team for no reason – along with Darkseid?! Carrie Kelley/Batwoman has to fight hordes of Joker-dressed Trump supporters in the streets (just cos she needs something to do) while Lara and Jonathan float above it all, sneering at the fragility of humanity because, well, as Kryptonians, they’re above it all (Superman cameos briefly at the start but Batman is entirely absent). Story? Who needs that???

What a load of rubbish. Is this Frank Miller trying to seem less like a far-right loon, after the trash that was Holy Terror, by telling everyone he’s anti-Trump? Otherwise I’m not sure what the point of this comic was. It’s basically just a generic dumb superhero fight between Jonathan/Lara and Darkseid in the midst of a political campaign for no reason – because 2020 is an American election year?

After all the scorn Jonathan and Lara exchange about humanity, it’s baffling to me why they would even bother to stop Darkseid from destroying it. And why did Darkseid need to be in the DKR world anyway?! And why is he involved with Joker and Trump and American politics… I don’t care really, I’m past expecting Miller to write anything remotely good anymore.

Rafael Grampa draws this one so we’re spared Miller’s increasingly awful artwork at least. And Grampa’s aesthetic does come close to replicating Miller’s mid-‘80s style. Jonathan, the titular Golden Child, looks awful though – like a cartoon baby with an engorged head – and I’ve no idea why Batwoman is literally wearing boxing gloves!

Joker’s doll trolls look like they’re tampering with election results on their computers – just like the Russians did with Trump’s 2016 election! Joker’s wearing a coat that says “I Really Don’t Care Do U” – just like Melania! I guess Miller thinks this is satire? Except repeating stuff in the news isn’t even slightly clever.

The Golden Child is a mess. A barely coherent, uninteresting story that alternates between dull superhero schlock and braindead attempts at satire, written poorly and boring to read. The DKR universe is worse for having this useless crap fused onto it – avoid!

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Miller and Batman - a team-up unto itself - and a very interesting (and topical) story. The Joker/Darkseid team-up is interesting: but I fail to see why Darkseid would seek a 'political' solution to his conquest topology: looking at his pattern it has always been 'total' destruction and then 'total' subjugation - as a 'slave world' (often managed by one of his lieutenants). We see the evolution of three characters: Carrie Kelley as Batwoman and Lara and Jonathan Kent (Superman’s children). Each represents a philosophical stance against tyranny. The 'Governor' character is clearly President Trump (will he run for governor of NY after the presidency) and raises interesting questions of the influence of mass media and 'character branding' in our new hyper-virtual world of information collection/dissemination. While not as complex or absorbing as the original DK story this will give comic fans their Miller/Batman 'fix' for the time being - and the art of Rafael Grampá is amazing!

[Chad · Rating 1 out of 5]

This didn't make a lick of sense. Trump is running for office now in the DKR universe and he's backed by Joker (who is inexplicably alive again.) and Darkseid. WTF?

[Mohamed Metwally · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a nice surprise for me when I found it on my to-read book shelf, I was under impression that the series ended with the 3rd part Master Race, and after reading this, my conclusion remains unchanged...
This story is a short extra story that doesnot add to the main arch, with no appearances by the Bat or Superman. In some quick strokes, the resentment of Jonathan Kent towards the human race is shown, yet when faced with Darkseid's desire to destroy and rule, he stands with the righteous path, but exits the scene quickly leaving an open ended conclusion with Batwoman facing off Darkseid..

MiM

[Khurram · Rating 2 out of 5]

A crazy world where the heroes are a must as the villains. To be fair, I actually thought Lara was and Carrie characters were pretty consistent with the Master Race, but they act like lunatic.

I remember the quote from Demolition Man: "Send a manic to catch a manic." If Darksides wrote a recruitment speech, it is these two. The artwork is ok, the story of villains running for an election based on reality. Also, what is with killing a villain to make them stronger?

[Diz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was a bit confusing. This was mostly because it was hard to tell what characters wanted to do. Some of the hero characters went back and forth between expressing extremely negative comments about humanity and then fighting to save it. Also, it ends with a non-ending, so readers are left with no sense of closure on what is going on in this book.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely better than Superman: Year One! The story is a lot more coherent and clearly better planned out on Miller's part. The artwork by Rafael Grampa is really gorgeous and gives this a book a very cool art style! There are some Millerisms, you have to kind of accept, but its a lot more tolerable here than in Superman Year One!

[Alexander Peterhans · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stars are for Grampa's art, which I liked a lot. The story is a wet little fart.

[Max's Comic Reviews and Lists · Rating 1 out of 5]

Digging a Hole
If you are not looking for the DEEEEP hidden message in this book, this is just a nonsensical, politically charged, obvious, and poorly written sequel that has strayed so far away from the original it's insane. With not a character I care about here this was a misfire that reeeeeally could have benefited from being more than one issue. The art by Rafael Grampá is superb and the best part about my reading experience.
Letter Grade: (C-)

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank Miller returns to his Dark Knight universe with as major star the child of Wonder Woman and Superman when the mantle of Batman has already passed on to female shoulders that seem to lead the Dark Knights revolution pretty decent.
Darkseid & the Joker are in league to mastermind the elections, the Trump is doing a cameo but the comic steers clear of any Trump criticism, show the world how they are manipulated by media and are in danger of creating a war-driven world. Darkseid is interested in finishing Earth while the Joker is into chaos as always.
The confrontation is between The Volden Child and Darkseid who learns that the power inherited from his parents might just not be a culmination but perhaps something new altogether.

I am really curious where the story continues towards. So far no complains from me.

[Peter Looles · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's hard to explain the story of "Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child" cause it doesn't make any sense. I believe that Frank Miller didn't even try to write something good. The plot made as sense as I make when I try to speak French.
Other than that the dialogues where enjoyable and Rafael Grampá's artwork was beautiful. I believe this artist has a big and great future in the comics industry.
2/5

[Ronald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yikes that was bad. Oh well the Dark Knight Returns was a grand concept not actually amendable to sequels and on this most recent story it shows. Disappointed Mr Miller very disappointed you could do better if you tried and were not just taking the money.

[Benji's Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

To paraphrase my dog, "[this was pretty] ruff."

Yes, the Joker is back, but something tells me it's not the original. That's how these things always turn out, right? Darkseid is also somehow working with the Joker, which I'm sure was only written in to show how powerful the Golden Child truly is once facing off against Darkseid.

SPOILER ALERT: the Golden Child is given the Jack-Jack Treatment. No spoilers from here on out though.

The group of Batman resistance fighters remain from earlier Dark Knight Returns tales of long ago and I think that was nice to see how the original Batman still had an impact on them after all these years...I think? I'm not sure.

Time is confusing in this universe. In the 1980s, I thought the Dark Knight Returns universe was meant to be in the way future, and yet, in this book, Trump is running for president and the Joker is driving a 1930s Studebaker or something.

I can understand the car, I suppose, but current day presidential candidate? Much like the Joker returning, this could also be another one of those doppelganger situations comic book characters often find themselves in.

The art was good though, I will give it that. You could see there were some subtle nods to the original art and that helps this fit in more with the series. I'd say check this out for completionist purposes only.

2.5 Stars

[Bill Coffin · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I saw another return to the Dark Knight universe, I had mixed feelings. Frank Miller's output has been suffering seriously diminishing returns in recent years, and that's for those who would still take a chance on him after the hateful mess that was Holy Terror. But what the heck, as a long0time Miller fan, I had to take a look and what I saw was...disappointing.

First, the good. Rafael Grampa's art really looks the part here. On its own it looks great, and his style matches Miller's own in the DK without looking like a swipe. The stylistic match lends a sense that this is a special universe we're entering. And it is.

And the story has some fun moments, as Batwoman teams up with Superman and Wonder Woman's progeny to defeat Darkseid and the Joker. And Miller's concept of following the generation after Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman is a solid one.

Problem is, that's where the good news ends. Ultimately, this feels a lot more like a Superman book than a Batman one, and the story is itself really slim. Advertised as 80 pages, only 48 of those are story--essentially this is like if they produced a deluxe hardcover of a single issue of the original Dark Knight Returns and then padded it out with an extended gallery of covers, pin-ups, sketches, etc. Normally, I'm a sucker for that, but lately, publishers are using it more and more as filler, and it certainly feels that way here.

This is billed as Frank Miller's triumphant return to the Dark Knight. It isn't. Not even close.

[David Dalton · Rating 3 out of 5]

In for a penny....Started off years ago with Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. Read thru all the following stories in the Dark Knight Universe. This one is a bit odd. Lara sure seems to still have a big chip on her shoulder. Her opinion on humans is from a Kryptonian point of view. Batwoman (Carrie) is pretty cool (and ties us back to Dark Knight Returns). And this Jonathan Kent kid reminds me of Franklin Richards. Just too much power in such a small child. The story itself throw me for a loop. But the art is what this story is about. Great artwork by Rafael Grampa.

[Mizuki]

The cover art by Rafael Grampa really is terrific, I can only hope the rest of the artwork is as awesome!

More to come.

[RG · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wtf. Didnt like this at all

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible story, Worse art. Complete waste of time.

[Guilherme Smee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Batman é sinal de boas histórias? Frank Miller é um baita dum criador de narrativas em quadrinhos? Bem, ultimamente essas duas afirmações tem se revelado uma falácia. Tentei ler a terceira parte de O Cavaleiro das Trevas, a Raça Superior, por Frank Miller e Andy Kubert e não consegui chegar até o final, porque não entendia o propósito dauqela história. Claro que o propósito era encher o cofrinho da DC Comics e de quem participu destes especiais de grana de nós, incautos leitores, mas não precisava ser tão descaradamente descarado. Esta quarta parte de O Cavaleiro das Trevas, intitulada A Criança Dourada, traz como protagonistas a Batwoman Carrie e a Superwoman Lara que precisam enfrentar uma eleição forjada pelo Coringa e por Darkseid (?). Pois é. E a HQ vem cheia de imagens de Donald Trump dando a entender que o candidato dos malvados é o milionário estadunidense do programa O Aprendiz. Também preciso completar que na HQ temos um tweet do presidente JM Bozo dizendo que todo "cidadão de bem" deve ter uma arma em casa. É dificil entender Frank Miller ultimente, tanto nas ideias como nos ideiais de uma boa narrativa. Por outro lado, temos os belos desenhos do brasileiro Rafael Grampá fazendo um quadrinho completo depois de mais de 10 anos desde seu primeiro trabalho.

[Drew Canole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rafael Grampa's artwork is wonderful and Jordie Bellaire does a great job on colors. The artwork changes a bit through the book. Grampa delivers his usual highly detailed and textured work but incorporates plenty of pastiches of Frank Miller's art.

Darkseid is great in this book and Grampa draws one of my favourite versions of the character.

But that's pretty much where the praise ends. The story is short but still manages to drag. Joker and Darkseid are helping Trump get elected. Not sure why or what the message of the book is.

[Chris Greensmith · Rating 1 out of 5]

"All you can do is fight crazy with crazy."
Train-wreck, but the art was good...

[Blindzider · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't realize this acted as sort of a sequel to DKR 3, which I haven't read yet. Not knowing what happens in that book, I decided to go ahead with reading this. For anyone else doing the same, there's no type of summary about what's gone before. There are some things you can figure out but otherwise, you are on your own.

There are parts of this where Miller's writing is his classic style: the use of captions, describing actions or giving a character's thoughts, in short bursts. It's there and brings back that traditional Miller style. However, there are other parts where the dialogue is strange and he constantly repeats phrases, usually three times. Needless to say, it gets annoying.

As far as the story, I can't tell if it's over the top on it's own or if there was something from the previous story to help set this up. It's set during the election time of 2021 and makes direct reference to one of the candidates and in a way that's making a comment about that candidate. Take that however you like. Regardless of your feelings on the candidate, it just feels too "on-the-nose" as well as fixing the story into a particular time period.

Darkseid has a power I wasn't aware of and I don't know why he's even there. There's little explanation for why the conflict even exists. Also, the artist, Grampá, chose to try to mix his style with Miller's to maintain consistency within the universe. I get that, but except for the original DKR, Miller's art style has become almost unlikable to me. What you end up seeing is something like Miller crossed with Quitely, which I didn't want to look at.

I guess if you liked everything else set in this universe, you would probably enjoy this, but it was a waste of time for me.

[Alex E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frank Miller returns to his Dark Knight universe to tell a tale set after the events of the last stories. Here we have a short story about Darkseid and Joker teaming up to push their political leader to prominence. That leader? Well, they don't say it outright, but its Trump. And as tensions rise and riots ensue, its up to Batwoman and SuperWoman to try and maintain some sort of balance. Their secret weapon? Franklin Ri....uh I mean, Jonathan Kent.

So the thing I enjoyed most about this book is the art. Rafael Grampa is an amazing artist who doesn't do a ton of work, so when I see his name on something, I have to check it out. And to see him working on this title, mixing his version of Miller's style with his, man it is a treat to see. I gave the book an extra star just for the art alone.

The story itself.... its a bit out there. I mean, why would Darkseid waste his time on human - hell, American - politics??! I mean, it doesn't really make a ton of sense. But he does, and Joker (yep he's back and it is not explained at all how) is there helping him. ...the story is a bit of a mess really, but the thing is... it's kind of fun in a way. Once you get over the ludicrous setup, seeing SuperWoman and Batwoman teaming up vs Darkseid was pretty cool. And again, the art really pulls you in and holds you for the story.

Overall I would say, if you enjoy Rafael Grampa, and if you like the world of the Dark Knight after the Master Race, then this one is for you.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im being generous, but it's a lot better than Master Race and Superman: Year One.

This is kind of a fever dream of ideas, and this format with a rotating collection of high end artists (maybe Geof Darrow!) Could be a way to keep it relevant.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miller managed a philosophical debate that was anything but boring. This is a terrific series. Look forward to seeing where this goes from here.

[Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

One word...

Pointless.

Some history:
'Dark Knight Returns' was an instant classic. It's the mid 80s. Unique. Bold. Different.
Then we got 'Dark Knight Strikes Again'. It's 2001. Bland. Forced. Uneven.
2015 rolls in and we get 'DK III: Master Race'. Rushed. Erratic. Padded.
then....this...
a one-shot released under DC's Black Label. It's a direct sequel to Master Race and it's more of a prelude to whatever else Frank Miller wants to subject us all too.
----------------------
I don't hate it, but I'm not a fan of this. This series is TIRED. Frank Miller has written some great things for both companies but this isn't one of them. Characters, thought dead in previous storylines are brought back without any reason as to how they got there. Darkseid has a mystifying power set. He's not a clearly defined baddie like he was described in the classic Legion of Superheroes run. Jonathan Kent is written like he's a baby genius. Can't tell in the character panels just how old he might be. It's just.....weird

Bonus: Darkseid 'dies' and comes back as a storm cloud?!
Bonus Bonus: Trump (or at least a satirical duplicate) is part of the DK universe now?!

[Dave Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing saga of Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns series (which started back in 1986 with his masterpiece) continues with a focus on Lara, Jonathan Kent as the Golden Child and Carrie taking the reins as Batwoman. Batman/Bruce Wayne is mentioned in this story but is a righteous menace always just off the panels.

The story is politically charged as citizens of Gotham City take up protests and air their grievances behind a newly elected governor who is Trump. Joker is feeding off of this negative energy and the arising of fascism within Gotham City. Darkseid makes an appearance as well. Calling himself the "final God", he seeks to be done with earth while going up against Superman's son, Jonathan Kent. Youthful hope versus the tyrannical oppressor.

The art by Rafael Grampa is really great and detailed. A quicker read (as in this is a one shot) in Miller's Dark Knight series but a very good one.

[G. Salter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The political commentary/satire doesn't land like it did in the first Dark Knight Returns - mainly, I suspect, because whatever your views on Reagan, the Reagan era at least had a veneer of rationality and reasonableness that satire could contrast to. It's hard to satirize the weirdness of 2016-2020... And then the pandemic took us into new fields of bizarreness.
Misfiring political satire aside, this is better plotted than some recent Miller projects. And the apocalyptic content involving Darkseid is quite fun.

[Jamie Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was awesome. Definitely a step up from Master race and two steps up from superman year one. Totally not what I expected but very happy. I hate political commentary in my comics and I didn't like it here either. But I ignored it and the book was still great. The first half of the story was nearly perfect in my opinion. 5 stars. Looking forward to the rest of the story.

[fonz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Una patochada sin pies ni cabeza dibujada de la hostia, Grampa fluye entre el Miller del primer DK, Geoff Darrow y Frank Quitely, merece la pena echarle un vistazo al tebeo sólo por sus sensacionales dibujos.