9 Ways That Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns Influenced Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice

1) Batman V Superman Comic-Con Announcement In 2013

When Zack Snyder took the stage for the Warner Bros. Hall H panel at Comic-Con in 2013, he wanted a special way to announce his next movie, which at that point still had no title or logo. So, he brought actor Harry Lennox (General Swan from Man of Steel) up on stage to read an excerpt from something, saying before-hand in Snyder’s typically cryptic way:

“He’s going to read a little thing and some of you will recognize it. We’re not adapting this thing, but it is the thing that will help tell that story.”

He was, of course, referring to Frank Miller’s Dark Knight graphic novels. Once up on stage, Lennox stated:

“I want you to remember, Clark, in all the years to come, in all your most private moments, I want you to remember my hand at your throat.  I want you to remember the one man who beat you.”

The room then cut to complete black and the Superman logo was first revealed, followed by the Batman logo behind it. Snyder never revealed the source of the quote, but we all knew it was from the third graphic novel by Frank Miller, The Dark Knight Returns.