Which is better, The Watchmen or The Dark Knight Returns?

Question

Why?

Thanks for the answers so far. I did pick up the Watchmen paperback, so it's all inclusive. Very good points.

Answer 1

It's good that you chose two series from the same era to ponder.

I wouldn't say that either is better than the other; they both have their strong points.

The Watchmen - You find something different every time you read it. BTW, get the trade paperback, not the single issues if you plan to read it. It saves time and is more efficient that managing multiple issues.

The Dark Knight Returns - Something that had not been done in the past (other than the odd imaginary story from 60s DC comics); an aging superhero coming out of retirement. We usually only see superheroes in their prime. Frank Miller took on the task of taking a peek into the life of Batman/Bruce Wayne in his 50s and did an admirable job. The same cannot be said for the sequel to this series published a couple of years ago. What a disappointment that was!

Answer 2

Depends on your prefs. For me, it's The Watchmen. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons did such a multi-layered, satisfying, and inspirational job on this that (along with Dark Knight) it virtually rewrote the face of comics. He created a new cast of characters and, by the 12th issue, you knew them as well as, say, the Fantastic Four. There was intelligence, politics, symbolism, great dialogue and art, and an ending that, whatever you may think of it, was decidedly not what you get in your everyday super-hero epic. Make mine Watchmen.

Answer 3

The Dark Knight Returns much better.

Answer 4

Loved them both!
I liked the 'dark knight' a little better!

was great to see a hero past his prime(batman)

and i'll never forget the scenes where green arrow is in battle
even though he has only 1 arm!! great stuff!