Legendary artist and editor Dick Giordano says he regrets his role in popularizing "grim-and-gritty" storytelling in mainstream comics.

Giordano, 77, was vice president/executive editor of DC Comics from 1983 to 1993, during which time the company published Frank Miller and Lynn Varley's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen.

"The Dark Knight Returns ...  helped start the 'grim and gritty' trends in comic storytelling that still exist today," Giordano said in a brief exchange with the Toronto Star about Disney's planned makeover of Mickey Mouse. "That was an unintended result, and I am truly sorry it happened. Comics are much too dark today. Er – in my opinion."

When asked why we are "suddenly" so enthralled with good guys turned bad, Giordano responded:  "Who's 'we'? Not me! I miss the heroes of yesteryear. Maybe that's why I don't get much work. ... I think readers have become inured to the mindless violence on TV, the movies, and are comfortable with the anti-hero ... and the fact that there are so few heroes on our planet, the concept seems kinda silly to them."