Bob Murphy Show Ep. 439 Adam Haman and Bob Murphy Analyze Batman, the Dark Knight Returns
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Aug 29, 2025 In this episode, Adam Haman, an economics and philosophy writer who co-hosts a podcast exploring fiction and central bankers, joins Bob Murphy to dissect Frank Miller's iconic graphic novel, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. They explore Batman's transformation from a campy character to a gritty hero shaped by trauma. The conversation highlights the graphic novel's complex narrative, Batman's political dilemmas, and his relationships with figures like Superman. They humorously weave in sponsor mentions as they delve into the deeper societal themes found within Batman's story.
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1980s Comics Shifted To Adult Themes
- Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns shifted Batman from campy to gritty and inspired later portrayals across media.
- The comic and Watchmen marked a 1980s shift toward adult, politically aware superhero stories.
Batman Vs. A Politicized Superhero World
- Miller portrays an older Batman who returns because Gotham deteriorates and superhero regulation suppressed vigilantism.
- The book explores political capture of superhumans, showing Superman obeying presidential orders.
Vigilantism Multiplies Social Pathology
- Batman's presence spurs copycat vigilantes and escalates pathology across Gotham, complicating moral outcomes.
- Miller uses man-on-the-street vignettes to show society's varied, sometimes ugly responses to vigilantism.
