Batman: The Dark Knight Returns # 3 Cover C Quitely Variant Facsimile Edition 2026 BN

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #3, titled "Hunt the Dark Knight," is the penultimate issue of Frank Miller’s legendary 1986 miniseries. It is widely considered one of the most intense issues in the series, featuring the brutal final confrontation between Batman and the Joker. 

Plot Summary

The story follows Batman as he is hunted by both the police and his oldest enemy: 

• The Joker's Return: Having awakened from a catatonic state, the Joker convinces his psychiatrist, Dr. Bartholomew Wolper, that he is reformed. During a live television appearance, he murders the entire studio audience and escapes.
• The Showdown: Batman and the new Robin (Carrie Kelley) track the Joker to an amusement park. Batman pursues him through the Tunnel of Love in a bloody battle.
• The Joker's Death: Batman paralyzes the Joker by snapping his neck but cannot bring himself to kill him. To frame Batman for murder, the Joker laughs and manually twists his own neck the rest of the way to kill himself.
• Superman's Intervention: Meanwhile, the U.S. government sends Superman to Gotham to stop Batman, setting the stage for their final battle in the next issue. 

Creative Team

• Writer/Artist: Frank Miller.
• Inker: Klaus Janson.
• Colorist: Lynn Varley.