Legendary comic creator Frank Miller has signed a five-project deal with DC Comics. The deal will include Miller's previously announced authoring of a new Superman: Year One book with artist John Romita Jr. to kick off DC Comics' new Black Label line devoted to superhero stories set outside of the main continuity of DC Comics' Multiverse.

Miller is one of a rare few comic creators to find mainstream success and fame outside of the comic book industry. His original graphic novels Sin City and 300 were adapted into successful film franchises, with Miller co-directing the Sin City movies with Robert Rodriguez. His Batman graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns inspired much of the look and action of Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, after having been adapted into two well-received animated films. Miller is also responsible for redefining the character of Daredevil from a swashbuckling superhero into a dark defender of the night - an aesthetic choice that informed the character's portrayal in the popular Netflix series.

Related: Frank Miller’s Superman: YEAR ONE Launches DC Black Label

DC Comics announced the deal with Miller, releasing several images tied to Miller's upcoming projects that can be viewed in the gallery below. In addition to a first glimpse at the interiors of Superman: Year One,  the press release announced Miller's second project under his new contract - a graphic novel aimed at young readers, centered upon the Carrie Kelley incarnation of Robin (who Miller created), with art by Prez artist Ben Caldwell. Miller released a statement about the deal:

I am psyched to continue my partnership with DC. Developing the Carrie Kelley project and SUPERMAN: YEAR ONE with Dan and Jim has been a dream. It’s thrilling to have Carrie Kelley take center stage for the first time, and the energy that Ben is bringing to her is new and different—it’s incredible to see. It’s also a lot of fun working alongside John on SUPERMAN: YEAR ONE, this project is a childhood dream come true for me.

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A Carrie Kelley-centered graphic novel for young readers is something that nobody saw coming as part of Miller's contract with DC Comics. Miller is synonymous with comic books aimed at older readers and is largely credited (or, in some cases, blamed) for inspiring the darker, more cynical aesthetic that gripped American comics in the late 1980s and 1990s. This so-called Dark Age of Comics saw vivid artwork emphasized over story, as the heroes of old were replaced with more violent anti-heroes. Miller's previous works have also come under fire for being sexist, racist and prejudiced, particularly his original work Holy Terror, which was written as a Batman story that DC Comics declined to publish.

While it remains to be seen if audiences will embrace Frank Miller's first attempt at writing for young readers, the results of Miller playing against type should prove interesting even if they turn out to be a metaphorical trainwreck. Either way, DC Comics is sure to see big sales from their continued association with the legendary creator.

More: Frank Miller’s 300 Sequel Finally Arrives in April

Source: DC Comics