Batman the Western Hero

In our class discussions we often described Batman's publications as fitting into the comic noir genre, given his detective qualities. However, and may be contrary to popular opinion, I believe Batman: the Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller can be described as a Western tale; there are numerous similarities between the Dark Knight returns and the western genre, from its setting to the protagonist of the story.

Obviously, the narrative in this graphic novel is not set in the Western frontier. Nevertheless, elements of Gotham's setting is arguably analogous to the typical setting of a Western film. A few characteristics of the settings in Western films are the prevalence of an untamed frontier, open plains, and mountain ranges. While not exactly a carbon copy, Gotham also has these features. While Gotham is obviously settled land, crime still runs rampant through its streets untamed, eerily similar to crime in Western stories. Furthermore, the dumps in The Dark Knight are comparable to the open plains in Western narratives as large displays of action happens(ed) in these areas. Lastly, the myriad of skyscrapers within Gotham city is analogous to the mountain ranges in Western films.

As for the protagonist, there are numerous similarities between Batman and the western hero. Here is a description of a western hero courtesy of  Filmsite.org:

They are normally masculine persons of integrity and principle - courageous, moral, tough, solid and self-sufficient, maverick characters (often with trusty sidekicks), possessing an independent and honorable attitude (but often characterized as slow-talking). The Western hero could usually stand alone and face danger on his own, against the forces of lawlessness (outlaws or other antagonists), with an expert display of his physical skills (roping, gun-play, horse-handling, pioneering abilities, etc.).

This description might as well be written for Batman, especially in Miller's incarnation of the character. In the graphic novel, Batman is portrayed to be overly masculine as exemplified by his brazen attitude toward the Mutant leader. He is also portrayed as a man with strong integrity as he was the only superhero in the novel to not give in to the demands of the state. Additionally, time and time again proved that Batman is a self-sufficient, maverick character that could face danger on his own. Therefore, with all the similarities between the Western genre and Batman, I submit that The Dark Knight Returns can and should be considered a Western comic. 

Batman even rides a horse at one point in the story!