Finally making it official after several months of rumors, DC Comics has formally announced the third part in Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns trilogy with The Dark Knight III: The Master Race. (let’s hope that Miller has a good reason for giving his book that particularly loaded title) According to the press release, Miller will be joined by acclaimed writer Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Joker, and Wonder Woman) on the eight-issue comic book periodical, to be published twice a month under the DC Comics imprint.  This third chapter marks the 30th anniversary of the original publication of The Dark Knight Returns series, and is slated for publication beginning in late Fall 2015. Artists for the project have yet to be announced, but expect an all-star roster of talent.

In a statement from Miller, “Batman remains my favorite comic book hero and a sequel to Dark Knight is going to be daunting; but we’ll do our best.” According to Azzarello, “It’s been an amazing experience collaborating with Frank these past six months. I think we have an epic story that these characters truly deserve.”

This is an opportune time for DC to release this, as the original Dark Knight Returns is clearly going to be a huge influence on the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, as the armor that Batman wears in the trailer right before the fight with Superman is lifted straight out of the original Dark Knight comics. Judging from the teaser image DC released, which features Batman perched above a bleeding Superman “S” symbol, it looks like the Superman vs Batman motif is going to be part of this story again (although I thought that conflict was resolved at the end of Dark Knight Strikes Again, Miller can’t resist seeing Batman beat up Superman it seems.) I can’t help but wonder how much of the less-than-loved Dark Knight Strikes Again is even going to be referenced for part three? I expect more details will be forthcoming on this book come San Diego Comic-Con time.

Are you excited for this threequel? Is Miller’s version of Batman still relevant? Let’s rap in the comments below.

HT: DC Comics