From the aftermath of Dark Knight Returns: The Master Race comes Frank Miller's next Batman project: Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child.
Miller returns to his own Batman universe in December, this time teaming with artist Rafael Grampá and colorist Jordie Bellaire for a 48-page prestige format one-shot set several years after the ending of his previous Dark Knight Returns project.
In addition to seeing Carrie Kelley taking full ownership of her Batwoman identity, the one-shot shows how she and Lara Kent, the daughter of Superman and Wonder Woman, deal with a new threat to Gotham City, and potentially the world. Luckily, the pair have a secret weapon, one familiar to current DC Comics readers, but which is new to the Dark Knight Universe: Jonathan Kent.
According to DC's release, Jon is the titular Golden Child, and "possesses power unlike anything the world has ever seen." In mainstream DC Comics continuity, Jon is the son of Superman and Lois Lane, but here, he's Lara's little brother, whom we saw as a baby in The Master Race.
"The Dark Knight Returns story began with its heroes getting older," Miller said of his the latest chapter in his Dark Knight Universe. "Now we’re seeing the next generation of heroes in action, and Rafael was the obvious choice for me to usher in these heroes that are vigorous, untested and loaded with promise. I think that Jonathan Kent in particular will surprise everybody with his unforeseen abilities and impossible mind."
Not only does the series feature the first comic book art Rafael Grampá has produced in over half a decade, the one-shot will feature "open to buy" variant covers by Paul Pope, Joëlle Jones, Andy Kubert and Frank Miller. According to DC's release, Grampá was "hand-picked" by Miller to collaborate on the project.
Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child arrives in stores December 11. The 48-page one-shot has a cover price of $5.99 and will release under DC's Black Label imprint with a Mature Readers warning.
