The last movie restored my faith so I'm hoping they do it again. I'm still not sure about their pick for The Joker but I willing to give the benefit of doubt. http://ibelieveinharveydent.com http://ibelieveinharveydenttoo.com
I actually prefered the really dark comic book novels (need to find title / author) which I read in my teens. It suggested that instead of a superhero, Batman was actually a dangerous, mentally deranged, ego maniac who for the safety of the public was locked in a mental institution. It was a fantastic, Gothic graphic novel and a nice spin on the originals. Anyone here recognise the novels I mean, can you remember what they were called? Doing a search on Batman novels in Google becomes a bit of a trawl. Guy Pearce was rumoured to be playing the part. I guess he never got it then, which is a shame as he is an amazing actor.
You are talking about Frank Millers work, Year One (read year two too, even though it isn´t Frank Millers work, but it is a damn good one). Dark Knight Returns, and Dark Knight kick back, Batman: The Killing Joke, and may I recomend you the crossovers between Judge Dredd, and Batman ? those are dark. And awesome too. Not all of it is Frank Millers work, but I like the dark Batman alot, and loves to read good noir comics.
You could like the new All-Stars Batman & Robin comic from the Jim Lee/Frank Miller team. This Batman is a mix between the classic and the Punisher from what I've read till now and fits your description pretty well. I enjoy Lee's artwork, but find these new Miller stories (Dark Knight Strikes Again and this title) somewhat poor compared to Dark Knight Returns. Btw, I don't remember Batman in Year One as a dangerous man. It tells the story of the first years of Wayne as an anonymous crime fighter first and Batman later and the start of his relation with Gordon.
