According to ComicBook.com, 'The Dark Knight Returns' Original Ending Had Batman Dying.
Speaking at MCM London Comic Con, comic creator Frank Miller revealed that his original plan was to actually have Batman die, cut down by gunfire from police. The ending would have been dark, but a perfectly poetic end for Miller?s Batman, who had a distinct anti-authority streak.
Miller ultimately went a different route. Instead of being shot to death by police, Batman went toe-to-toe with Superman.