My Deep, Dark Comic Book Secret

Admittedly, this is a weird thing for someone who blogs (and thinks and talks) about comic books as much as I do to admit.  Hell, it’s something weird for anyone who enjoys popular culture to admit.  But it’s the truth.  I was actually inspired by a recent post Nancy wrote at Graphic Novelty 2 as well as one by Emrys M. over at New to Comics to just come on out and say this.  So here we are.  I’m going to be honest.  The truth – my deep, dark, comic book secret – is about to be revealed.  Are you ready?  Okay…let’s go.

The Dark Knight Returns…with Misogyny, Violence, and Emotional Abuse

This may be an unexpected admission for someone who teaches a course on popular culture, but there are certain cultural phenomena that I just don’t get.  I’ve never liked a single Quentin Tarantino film…not even a little.  I never saw what was so revolutionary or brilliant about the 2011 return-to-silent-films homage The Artist.  I can’t get into any reality singing or dating competition.  I’ve tried all of the above but I just don’t like them.  The exact same can be said of my relationship with Frank Miller’s 1986 seminal classic The Dark Knight Returns.  But, before fandom begins the crucifixion, let me try and explain why – and it’s not just because I’m not a DC guy.