just finished Batman, the dark knight returns.... holy crap.  I've been a fan of batman for a long time now, I would watch the TV series, the movies, some of the comics, in that respect, nothing holds a candle to this book. the story telling got a bit bogged down with the constant, panels displaying the TV reporters.  and at one point I decided not to read those as I continued through the book.  after going back over those panels in particular I now realize their expressed purpose.  the book itself would lack much of its gritty and controversial content if not for those panels covering the public reaction to batman.  as a fan I've know the batman back story and some of the more famous storylines for a while now.  up until this book, however, I never really placed my perspective in that of the public eye on Batman.  it is this element that I believe defines this novel in such an incredible way.  

if this were a movie, valuable time would have to be dedicated to public interviews and news publications, things that would disinterest the common moviegoer.  

on top of that, the ending was brilliant.  the only lax in the story I might have is the demise of the Joker. it was dark and psychotic and perfect, and rivals that of the joker's fate in Batman:Arkham City.  

overall Fantastic stories, make you feel and think, and this book was beyond that.  I liked it much better than Watchmen.  

my only grip is that it so clearly ends the batman legend. but all good things must one day end. 

if you're a batman fan. don't miss out.  get this book now.