DC Comics will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson with a ton of new stuff from covers to merch and more!
The classic “TDKR” written and drawn by Frank Miller with inker Klaus Janson and colorist Lynn Varley changed the landscape of comic books when it was released in 1986. This four-issue series cemented the modern Batman mythos and has also become one of the most-celebrated graphic novels of all time. Now in 2026, DC Comics will honor the legacy with a year-long celebration of new publishing initiatives and fan-focused activations.
Here are some of The Dark Knight Returns stuff announced by DC Comics.
First we have a new TDKR # 1 Facsimile Edition shipping out starting February, which will include issues 1-4 of the Dark Knight Returns books. Everything from that book’s release will be retained in the Facsimile edition so whatever people saw back in ’86, new readers will also see. Below is the cover for Facsimile Edition issue 1.
The release will also have a variant cover done by Jim Lee and Alex Sinclair. We already have a look at Jim Lee’s cover as you can see here but DC Comics may also release and announce some new variant covers soon.
For DC Compact Comics fans, DC will also release Batman: The Dark Knight Returns DC Compact Comics Edition. This is scheduled for release on April 7, 2026, and will be available where books are sold. Locally, we’ll probably get this at Comic Odyssey and Fully Booked.
Over at the DC Shop, we will be getting the Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Artist Collection. This collection art by Frank Miller, including some iconic art and panels from TDKR rendered in quality apparel. For this release, the DC Shop will be selling a limited edition hand-numbered jacket with art, washed black graphic tees, drop shoulder hoodies, duffel bag and more. Don’t know what else they have but you may want to visit the DC Shop for more.
Batman Day will also arrive soon, and this year it will celebrate The Dark Knight Returns. DC Comics will release a Deluxe Edition hardcover, a newly remastered premium edition, among other things.
According to the DC website, they will also be announcing more stuff and even events that are lined up to celebrate the anniversary!
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