Today Is the Perfect Day to Revisit Zack Snyder’s ‘Batman v Superman’

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Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious, now is a great time to revisit Zack Snyder’s DC movies. Snyder started with 2013’s Man of Steel, which received mixed reactions, and his run concluded with 2017’s Justice League (or 2021’s Zack Snyder’s Justice League, depending on your preference). Many fans consider 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice to be his most ambitious and successful DC film, and it was based on a highly acclaimed graphic novel series that recently reached a significant anniversary.

I’m a huge fan of both Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, and it’s amazing to realize The Dark Knight Returns is celebrating its 40th anniversary! It first hit shelves on February 16, 1986, and I think it’s the perfect time to revisit that incredible graphic novel. And if you’re going to celebrate, why not also watch Batman v Superman? It really feels like a long, loving tribute to Miller and Varley’s work – especially if you go for the Ultimate Edition, which is the way to experience it, in my opinion!

With Batman v Superman, audiences saw Henry Cavill’s final performance as Superman before a new actor took over the role in the 2025 reboot of the DC Universe. The film also marked the first appearances of Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot as Batman and Wonder Woman, both of whom quickly became popular with fans. Jesse Eisenberg played Lex Luthor, and while that portrayal wasn’t a hit, it’s best remembered alongside the poorly-received CGI monster, Doomsday.

Zack Snyder Put His Own Spin on Frank Miller’s Classic DC Comic Book

While Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice draws inspiration from The Dark Knight Returns, it’s not a true adaptation of that story. It’s more of an original film, borrowing elements from multiple sources, including The Dark Knight Returns and the 1992 story The Death of Superman.

Despite the title suggesting a connection, the movie Batman v Superman doesn’t actually follow the story of The Dark Knight Returns very closely. The main similarity is the fight between Batman and Superman, and even then, it’s mostly visual. Bruce Wayne’s armored Batsuit in that fight is inspired by the one in the graphic novel, but it’s a more streamlined design. Later in the film, there’s a more subtle reference: during the battle with Doomsday, Batman strikes a pose on a building that directly copies the famous cover image of The Dark Knight Returns, complete with a dramatic lightning silhouette.

‘The Dark Knight Returns’ Has Another, More Faithful, Adaptation


DC Comics

If you didn’t enjoy the movie Batman v Superman and are a fan of Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns comic, you might like the animated adaptation, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Released in 2013, this animated film was directed by Jay Oliva, a popular figure from the DC Animated Universe. Peter Weller provided the voice for Batman, with Mark Valley as Superman and Michael Emerson as the Joker. Unlike Batman v Superman, this version of the story is highly praised by DC fans, boasting a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (compared to Batman v Superman‘s 63% audience score and 28% critics’ score).

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2026-02-17 01:17