My feeling is that the hero has now been defined by phrases like the odious one that we were all raised with – crimes does not pay. Of course it pays, you schmuck. That’s not why we don’t do it. We don’t do it because it is wrong.

Meaning of the quote

The quote is saying that people often think heroes don't commit crimes because they don't get anything out of it. But that's not the real reason. The real reason is because it's simply the wrong thing to do, even if you could benefit from it. The hero doesn't do bad things just because they don't pay off, but because it's the right thing to avoid them in the first place.

About Frank Miller

Frank Miller is an acclaimed American comic book artist, writer, and screenwriter known for his influential works like Daredevil, The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City, and 300. He’s known for blending film noir and manga styles in his unique visual storytelling. Miller has won numerous industry awards and was inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame.

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More quotes from Frank Miller

You can’t have virtue without sin. What I’m after is having my characters’ virtues defined by how they operate in a very sinful environment. That’s how you test people.

Frank Miller

American writer, artist, film director (born 1957)

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Think of me as the weathered sheriff coming back into Dodge ’cause the youngsters are shooting up the church and scaring the horses and not doing right by the women.

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American writer, artist, film director (born 1957)

I will throw all my best efforts into it, my thoughts and political observations, but ultimately I want to create a narrative that keeps you turning the pages and leaves you with a sense that this thing has a reason for being there.

Frank Miller

American writer, artist, film director (born 1957)

Sometimes the solitary voice can be the best one.

Frank Miller

American writer, artist, film director (born 1957)

My feeling is that the hero has now been defined by phrases like the odious one that we were all raised with – crimes does not pay. Of course it pays, you schmuck. That’s not why we don’t do it. We don’t do it because it is wrong.

Frank Miller

American writer, artist, film director (born 1957)

The noir hero is a knight in blood caked armor. He’s dirty and he does his best to deny the fact that he’s a hero the whole time.

Frank Miller

American writer, artist, film director (born 1957)