Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2

Today marks three months since Batman's defeat of the Mutant leader...

... at the West River drainage site.

The Mutants have adopted Batman's methods as their own...

... leading to a series of brutal attacks on criminals.

So psychopaths go after bad guys?

Who cares? Why blame Batman, for chrissakes?

And in these strange times, people ask:

"Has Gotham traded one evil for another?"

This is the face of the future. Let Gotham's criminals beware.

Gotham City belongs to the Batman.

That statement came from the self-named Sons of Batman...

... shortly after the body of a known drug dealer was found murdered...

... in an East Side tenement. One of several splinter groups that formed...

... from the Mutant gang after their leader was defeated by the Batman.

They're using his name.

He could at least release a clear statement against what they're doing.

The Batman doesn't exactly come out with statements to the press.

No, he can't, because he's an outlaw.

How are the Sons of Batman his responsibility?

- He didn't create them. - He absolutely did.

They exist because Batman broke up the larger gang.

And we're better off for it.

Would you prefer the Mutant leader still be running things?

This Sons of Batman thing is exactly...

... why we didn't want these costumed heroes around 10 years ago...

... and why Batman shouldn't have come back.

Because of their effect on our youth...

... on the public, on the media, you get copycats.

I see my favorite patient is up and about. Just super to see how well you're doing.

- For years it seemed like you didn't have... - A reason to go on.

Exactly.

- I saw you on the TV last night. - Oh, that.

I get invited on the talk-show circuit now and then.

Must be wonderful to get to tell your side of things.

I know the world has every reason to hate me.

Don't say that. I always say, "Hate never heals."

But it's so disheartening.

I wish Batman could go public, but the police...

I bet I could arrange an appearance for you on one of the shows.

The home would have to approve a day pass.

They'll insist I be right beside you at all times, even on-stage.

Oh, please. No one wants to hear from me.

I think they'll fight for the chance to book you.

I'll make some calls right now.

What I think we should do is trust Batman...

... at least for the time being. He's saved us before.

Public uproar over The Dave Endochrine Show's announcement...

... that Joker will be appearing as a guest this week...

... while media analysts predict...

... it'll be Endochrine's highest-rated episode in years.

Meanwhile, the White House continues to decline comment on...

... the Batman's renewed activities...

... and the suggestion that his defiance is an embarrassment...

... to the current administration.

A White House spokesman only volunteered...

... that the president would deal with the situation...

... if and when appropriate and in his own way.

Son, you know I like to keep you out of domestic affairs...

- ... what with all the ruckus you stir up. - Yes, sir.

But, well, it's a ruckus...

... I'd like you to straighten out.

Involving a friend of yours in Gotham City.

It's all well and good to have a wild bronco on the ranch now and then.

Does the hands good to break him in.

But if the bronco up and kicks over the fence...

... and gets all the other horses crazy...

- ... well, that's bad for business. - I understand, sir.

Now, I'm not asking you to put him down. Not yet, anyway. But settle him.

Ride him around the yard a few times if you have to.

- You know what I'm asking. - Sir, I can talk to him but...

I'd just hate for things to get out of hand.

You know, how to get in touch with him, don't you, son?

- He's not hard to find, sir. - Good boy.

- What are you? - We Bruno's.

We nasty.

Bruno? Who's he?

- Bruno is a she. - Ha. Big she.

Kind of my nasty.

Aces, Don.

Bruno Joker's squeeze. He billy berserkest ever.

Yeah. Joker king of the billy.

Eh. Maybe he make us Jokers.

You Mutant kids go from one boss to the next.

- Too young to make your own decisions? - We not kids. We make decisions.

- You even old enough to drink? - Course we drink.

We slicer-dicers. We prove it.

Guess you're Bruno.

Those two morons don't have a brain between them.

So I'm gonna give them yours.

All over their suits.

Thief! You're a thief!

Store on Seventh Street sells this for 2.50.

Lady spud mine, Rob.

I need the points.

Hey, Bats! Bruno's taking off.

Pull that trigger and I'll be back for you.

Pull that trigger and I'll be back for you.

Bruno's heading your way.

Lead her into the alley. Don't let her see you.

Violate that order and you're fired.

Oh, yes.

If you're lucky, Bruno, you'll end up in jail tonight.

But first you're gonna tell me what Joker has planned for his TV appearance.

Somebody do something.

- There's a train coming! - Do something!

There's one more. It's coming!

Tell me what Joker's planning.

No. Not him. Not now.

What is this? Unh.

- We have to talk. - I'm busy.

My place, in the morning. Until then, stay out of my way.

Was that him?

Soviet representatives stormed out of talks over the conflict in Corto Maltese today...

... calling American military presence in the region pure fascist aggression...

... and pledging total military commitment to ousting the U. S...

... from the Latin American island nation.

Well, all that sounds like to me is the bluster of bullies.

And we don't back down from bullies. No, sir, we don't.

Mr. President!

How about that smartly dressed youngster in the front row?

Mr. President, what's your position on the Batman controversy?

It was our understanding the government reached an arrangement with him...

... and his colleagues years ago to cease their activities.

Doesn't his return defy that arrangement?

Well, can't say I know what arrangement you're talking about.

But as for what's going on in Gotham, it's not my row to hoe, now is it?

That's a matter for the state level, and they've got a solid...

... clearheaded governor there, yes, they do.

Sorry, guys, I've got a whole state to run...

... and I trust the judgment of Mayor Stevenson on that.

My job is to administrate, not render moral judgments.

We've just appointed a new police commissioner...

... and I'm not about to interfere.

The job will officially change hands from outgoing Commissioner James Gordon...

... to incoming Ellen Yindel at a formal dinner this evening.

Neither has commented yet on Ms. Yindel's plans.

To try to quote Ellen Yindel's outstanding record in the time I have...

... would do her a disservice.

Instead I offer the new commissioner my sympathy...

... knowing the impossible job she is about to face.

The life-and-death decisions. The city of thieves and murderers...

... and honest people too afraid to hope.

Recently, a man returned to the public eye...

... who refuses to do nothing while chaos runs rampant.

A man who shows us we can seize our city back from fear.

Many have asked how I can condone this man.

My answer is that we all have something, or someone, worth fighting for.

I have my wife, Sarah.

Any time I wonder if I'm doing the right thing...

... I think of Sarah, and the rest is easy.

Now it's Commissioner Yindel's turn to face this man.

She may make him her enemy, or maybe she'll learn from him.

Either way, I wish her well.

Thank you.

James Gordon dedicated his life to keeping this city safe...

... and I'm honored to share a stage with him.

But this office will no longer tolerate the actions of a criminal.

As my first official act as commissioner, on the charges of breaking and entering...

... assault and battery, and creating a public menace...

... I hereby issue a warrant for the Batman's arrest.

You cost me hours of work last night.

Then I'll get right to it. You have to go back into retirement.

You're upsetting too many people.

Mm-hm.

Why do you always have to be like this? You played right into their hands last time.

When the parents groups came after us, you're the one they pointed to.

You act like a criminal.

Heh, we are criminals, Clark. We always have been.

You're still one too. Only difference is you have a boss.

And you answer to no one.

You know, we almost had this talk 10 years ago...

... when you wouldn't go along with the deal we made.

Everyone else agreed. Diana went back to her people...

... Hal left the planet.

And Oliver? Did he agree?

That's not how I wanted that to go.

He was all torn up about it too.

- He made it necessary. Like... - Like I'm about to?

- Do you even remember why you retired? - I remember.

Look. Either shut it down or one of these days someone with authority...

... is gonna tell me to come stop you.

- And when that happens... - When that happens...

... may the best man win.

I have to go. We'll finish this later.

No hurry.

Brave American forces are now engaged in direct combat...

... with Soviet troops in Corto Maltese.

Now, those Soviets would like to see us turn our tails and run.

But we've got to protect our interest... I mean, stand up for freedom...

... and the good people of Corto Maltese.

So don't you fret. We've got God on our side.

Or the next best thing, anyway.

We got a sweet show tonight, folks. Dr. Ruth Heizraumer...

... the wet hamburger bun contest...

... and a man who's brought a lot of smiles to the world.

See you then.

It was great to hear from you, boss. Most of the other guys...

... well, they gave up on you. But I knew you'd come back.

Oh, you look great. Anyway, I whipped up the lipstick you asked for.

And Bobby and Mary, they can't wait to help.