DC Comics will honor the 40th anniversary of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, the landmark four-issue series by writer/artist Frank Miller, inker Klaus Janson and colorist Lynn Varley with a yearlong celebration that includes new editions, reprints, variant covers and more.
The celebration kicks off later this week at the ComicsPro meeting, where Miller and Janson will appear together for a panel for comics retailers. Also beginning this month, DC will release monthly Facsimile Editions of The Dark Knight Returns #1–4, reproducing the single issues complete with their covers, original advertisements and back matter. A DC Compact Comics Edition will arrives April 7.
Later this summer, DC will publish a series of 40th anniversary variant covers paying tribute to Miller’s iconic visuals. The celebration culminates on Batman Day 2026 with the release of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Deluxe Edition, a newly remastered hardcover collection. Here’s a look at The Dark Knight Returns #1 Facsimile Edition variant covers by Jim Lee and Frank Miller:
And did I mention the merch? The online DC Shop will launch what it’s calling the Artist Collection, a merchandise line tied to the anniversary featuring apparel and collectibles, including a commemorative jacket, duffle bag and more:
First published in 1986 by Miller, Janson and colorist Lynn Varley, The Dark Knight Returns reimagined an aging Bruce Wayne returning to the cowl in a near-future Gotham City. The series introduced Carrie Kelley as Robin and has since influenced generations of writers, artists and filmmakers.