Miller’s story has a near-constant focus on the news media: in what way(s) do they help (or hurt) the people of Gotham city

In Book One, Bruce sits and watches the news on television. None of the news is good; it only speaks of horrible violence being committed. Things are progressively getting worse in Gotham, and Bruce is struggling to come to terms with the reemergence of Batman. His inner struggle is coming to a climax that will result in Batman's comeback.

One of the key distinguishing parts of the book that is consistent throughout is the back-and-forth with the television news reports. It is quite possible that the reason for this is to convey a sense of how much information is given and received through this medium. Viewers respond to what they see and if they see the sensationalism before them, then they are likely to respond in kind. The result is violence and chaos in the city streets.