Alternative Dark Knight Rises posters

After what seems like decades of anticipation (it's been just four years), The Dark Knight Rises is finally hitting our grateful multiplexes this week.

To celebrate the release, we're a) getting so excited we might throw up and b) sharing some of the greatest alternative posters for the movie with you all.

Even though it's not yet been released, it's already inspired some talented designers to give the poster their best shot.

These are the posters we deserve and need.

The Dark Knight Rises opens on Friday

(Images: Matt Ferguson, Stuart Dudokovich, Fernando Reza, Ryan Luckoo, Damien Wake, Chaz Russo, Olly Moss and Jock for Mondo)