The Boy Wonder, All-Star Batman & Robin

This is the most disappointing, and infuriating at times, comic I have read in YEARS. The only saving grace is Jim Lee's artwork, which is quite good. Not "Batman: Hush" good, but still exemplary (especially his rendering of Vicky Vale - WOW). It's apparent in this work that Frank Miller has completely moved on from Batman creatively, mentally, and emotionally. Because this is NOT a Batman story. It's Sin City with people that dress up like bats. It's angry in a loud, obnoxious way - an absurdly over-the-top swear-fest that repeatedly slaps the reader in the face rather than immersing them in a good story. Instead of creating a compelling character that's enjoyable to read, Miller decided to make Batman a loudmouthed ***hole who laughs in maniacal Joker-style while mowing down cops with the Batmobile. He's not dark or brooding or even scary - he's just annoying. I'm the first to aknowledge Miller's genius in "The Dark Knight Returns", but those days are over. If you want to read an All-Star series that's not just WORTH your time, but DEMANDS it, pick up All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. In fact, maybe someone should mail a copy to Frank.

"All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder, Vol. 1"
Written by Frank Miller
Illustrated by Jim Lee, et al
(DC Comics, 2009)
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I was really looking forward to reading this book, and greatly disappointed by the contents. In another the store review, I saw someone describe Frank Miller's world view as "fascistic," which I thought was pretty harsh and name-cally, but after reading this book, I may be forced to agree. This book was unbelievably vapid and aggressively devoted to the mindless adoration of violence for its own sake. Many DC characters were shown behaving completely out of character -- Batman is a deranged, uncommunicative, unfocussed sadist; Wonder Woman appears as a grouchy, violent, foulmouthed, kill-'em-all-let-Athena-sort-'em-out man-hater; Superman and Green Lantern both appear as dim-bulb Boy Scouts, and GL in particular is depicted as a total tool, while Black Canary is a violence-addicted, thrill-seeking bimbette. And the entire Gotham police force is comprised of monstrous criminals who respond to a child's parents getting murdered (Robin's) by grabbing the kid and taking him off into the woods so they can beat and rape him. Riiiiiiight. That makes sense... why? It doesn't. None of it does, it's just there because it's violent, mean-spirited and moronic.

In general, this whole retconning of the Batman world seems designed for one purpose alone, and that is for Miller and Lee to be able to graphically depict teeth being knocked out of people's bloody gums. Wow. How groovy. Oh, yeah - and to show a lot of gratuitous T&A: the first five pages of the book are devoted to several softcore spreads of reporter Vicki Vale cavorting about in lingerie; similar sequences appear throughout. Indeed, this book is one of the most aggressively misogynistic comicbooks I've seen in a long long time -- all of the adult female characters are hypersexualized and mean-spirited. Miller would appear to have issues.

Anyway, this book was a drag. It's badly plotted, it's dumb, it's garish and fetishistic and it's really not worth the time it takes to read. Just re-read "Dark Knight" or "Year One" if you want dark, broody Batman. But in the present day, I'd say it's time to put Frank Miller out to pasture. He really has nothing to offer anymore, just violence and depravity in the vain hope that it will titillate and excite someone out there, god knows who. (Axton)

Before you read any further, I must tell you that I gave it 4/5 due to the art, not the story. When it comes to comic, I value art over anything.

This take on Batman by Frank Miller is a weird one. As I read through this book, all I could think about was how this was not the usual Batman we came to read and love. This Batman is portrayed as quite insane of sort.

He laughs when he fights crime. He uses weird 90s lingos. His way of speaking just kept throwing me off. After reading "The Court of Owls," where the art and the story are both amazing, I realized that this is Frank Miller's Batman, not ours. When I accepted this, I actually started to like this side of the Batman. It was entertaining to read.

In order to love this comic, you must love the art first. Jim Lee shows another one of his masterful skill on this graphic novel. Just as good as Hush. I loved flipping through every page with wonders. In my honest opinion, Jim Lee's batman is the best looking one yet. Any comic with Jim Lee as an artist hasn't disappointed me yet.

tl;dr
- buy it, if you like frank miller's script and story. I personally couldn't care less for it.
- its an absolute, must-buy if you prefer art over story like me. Jim Lee as the artist... what can go wrong?

This series flew under my radar until I picked up this collection at my local library and was stunned by its craptastic awfulness. Great Jim Lee art but the story (if you can call it that) by Frank Miller is godawful! I can't believe that this same man wrote the classic Daredevil stories of the late 70's and early 80's. What happened, Frank?

Frank Miller openly admits to the three things for which he is best known : 1.) Hating Superman, becuase Frank openly hates decent people who are selfless and do the right thing becuase its the right thing. 2.) He worships Batman like he is a religious figure. 3.) The Dark Knight Returns; is Frank Miller tried to have Batman beat Superman up but DC comics wouldn't let him.

Here we are decades later and Frank is once again up to his old tricks. Batman is once gain a perfect in every way genius, better than everyone else, who spends more time insulting every other superhero in the DC universe, instead of getting things done. Mix in the disgusting non stop parade of Child endangerment and massive violation of human rights that Batman peddles in for fun, and then add Miller's insistence (on to death) that Batman is the best hero ever and well... you have this abomination of writing.

Frank Miller is an uber Batman-worshiping fanboy who wrote exactly the kind of sixth grade power fantasy fanboy garbage you would expect. He openly uses the few comics he gets to write anymore as a way to insult every other superhero and to spread the same sexist and bigoted views he did back in the eighties.

Jim Lee's Art is of course beautiful but the story is so sexist and and vile towards all who are not Batman it is intolerable.

After reading the reviews, I had my doubts, but I decided to give it a try. As with most everyone else, I wanted to pick this up because Frank Miller's Batman work (excluding Dark Knight Strikes Again) has been fantastic and Jim Lee's art (X-Men, Wildcats, Batman: Hush) has always been breathtaking.

Contrary to what other reviewers have said, the story is not bad. Batman is somewhat crazed (which fits with the Dark Knight version of the character) and the story is frenetic to say the least. There is a great deal of subtle characterization going on throughout, which is something that you don't see too often in comics. The art is, of course, powerful and mesmerizing.

The problem with the story is a couple of ridiculous points that are either satire or out and out stupidity in Miller's writing. Specifically, every third word (seriously, not exagerating) is damn or hell. He is the goddamn Batman a dozen or so times. Robin's reponse to every question is "Why the hell should I" or "The hell you can" or somesuch. If the dialogue is intended to be satirical, it fails in that the audience isn't in on the joke. These dialogue issues harm what is otherwise a good story.

Other than that, there are some things that just shouldn't be. Batman has sex with Black Canary on a dock following a large fight. Batman implies that he recently had sex with Catwoman. This just seems inappropriate, forced, and not in keeping with any version of the character.

If the story continues to evolve (and the hell, damn thing goes away), count me in for more, but otherwise, just publish future issues with Lee's art and we can all make up our own dialogue.

What do you call a raving sociopath, without any moral compass, running around a city, kidnapping children, killing cops, crippling people without remorse & generally being a dick? In other comic books you'd refer to that as the villain... In a Frank Miller book you refer to that as Batman.

An frankly thats all that really needs to be said about this book. Its got no redeeming features, its absent of anything approaching a plot & has the depth of a shallow end of a kiddy wading pool.

An as always with Frank, every woman is a sex starved bisexual nymphomaniac, prostitute, feminazi... Who will still drop her panties at the first sign of a strong alpha male.... Due to some magical alpha male machismo... Essentially this is Frank Miller at his worst, reprising every poor trait taken from the worst of all of Franks other pieces of work. Its pretty much the terrible mistakes version of "Frank Miller this is your life".

Avoid this book like its some sort of magical portal to a demonic hell dimension... Because it pretty much is.

I originally picked up this book for a few reasons; 1) It was drawn by the superb Jim Lee 2) Frank Miller was back on Batman 3) And I had heard it was something of a sequel to Year One and a prequel to TDKR. I was disappointed. Lemme say right off the bat, Jim Lee's art is still amazing, and his Batman looks slightly more Miller-like around the face area, which is great. The story sucks, though.
While it is funny hearing the phrase, "The g0d-d@mn Batman" every couple of pages, this Batman is a sadist in a Kevlar suit, abusing an eight year old, making out with Black Canary as criminals char boil around him, and nearly killing criminals mercilessly. I had a hard time connecting this Batman to the one from Year One. Not recommended.

My initial excitement after purchasing All Star Batman, instantly fled, after reading the first few pages. Jim Lee's artwork, is as its always been, nothing short of amazing. Frank Miller, is as he's always been, a complete hack, pathetic writer, not worthy of an extra slug to the back of the head. His writing seems to come from the mind of a sheltered teenager, writing noir for the first time. Lack of a cohesive story, unexplained events, obscure/outlandish violence, and a plot thats all but none existent. I truly regret having wasted my money on yet another Frank Miller penned book. Reading the first few pages after Robins family had just been murdered, I felt as I were watching an episode of NBC's How to Catch a Predator. Batman not only kidnaps a distraught Robin, he also drugs him, slaps him around, than proceeds to curse at him, while laughing joyously. For no reason, other than Frank Millers a hack! I gave the book 3 stars, solely because Jim Lee was involved.

Yes, Frank Miller, Batman is THE REASON that Gotham is so messed up. Someone with that much money, talent and motivation would wreak havoc on a city. Poor Robin.

Unfortunately this kind of thing happens all the time when people mistakenly think they are as smart as the obscene amounts of money that they have. Then the rich dopes use their money to start implementing all of their asinine ideas. It's a story as old as time. In Batman we get it condensed and metaphorical, which is very entertaining. The art in this book is also very good.

All star Batman and Robin is Frank Millers chance to do a "Sin City" version of the Dark Knight.
From corrupt cops, Psychotic Nazi villians, all the way to Batmans dialog (Hell Black Canary even has one of Dwights lines from Sin City).
Well the story is less than stellar, The artwork is amazing. Jim Lee went above and beyond any previous work he has ever done before. Looking back I dont remember as much of the story as I do the fantastic artwork.
Jim Lee is arguably the greatest comic book artist today.

Miller however has lost alot of his touch. Well the story was entertaining it would have been better suited with an "elseworlds" logo. This Batman is NOT the one that fans know and love.
Their is a difference between a Dark knight and a Psychotic knight and Frank Miller must have forgotten that.

Still well I didn't agree with the way Batman was made out to be (At least this wasn't part of the "main" Batman continuity) The entertaining storyline (3/5) and the more than amazing artwork (5/5) bring this title to 4 outta 5 stars.

Miller needs to bring back the Batman of Year One and Dark Knight Returns. Not use Batman as an excuse to make another Sin City comic.

Quite possibly the worst story I've ever experienced. In any medium. EVER! Miller's series of happenings (because God knows that wasn't a story) is jaw-dropping horrendous. No character is consistent, no dialogue is natural, and motivations are... wait, were there motivations? Do you enjoy energy, creativity, or just plain entertainment in your comics? Well Frank Miller says "SCREW YOU!" with this bottom of the barrel, ugly, and tasteless abomination.

As for Jim Lee's art. Yes, it's detailed but that's about it. There's no sense of creativity in the storytelling department of the art, and it feels like every panel has this ugly grimy aura. Sometimes it's hard to decipher what the hell's going on in certain pages (The batmobile is sawing a cop's car in half?) and eventually Lee just draws slash page after splash page after two-page spread after splash page. It's ridiculously lazy and caries no sense of weight.

Screw Frank Miller and this atrocity. Lee is doing the right thing in avoiding finishing this chore. THIS DOESN'T DESERVE TO BE FINISHED.

There's no question that Frank Miller is a creative genius. Unfortunately, Miller's gift is never a sure thing. For every "Dark Knight Returns," there is a "Dark Knight Strikes Again." And for every "Batman: Year One," there is an "All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder."

This could, I suppose, be titled "Robin: Year One," except that Chuck Dixon beat Miller to the punch several years prior, and he did a great job with it, too. This effort, which takes us from just before the murder of Dick Grayson's parents through his early days of training in the Batcave and first few outings as Robin, is a story only a sadist could love. "All-Star" gives us a Batman who is brutal, maniacal and without conscience. He doesn't rescue Grayson: he abducts him, then subjects him to mental, emotional and physical torture. He doesn't work with Gotham City's police department in any capacity; figuring the cops are all corrupt anyway, he beats them or kills them if they get in his way. And Jim Gordon, Batman's only ally on the force, doesn't seem to mind too much if a few cops get wasted on his watch. Meanwhile, Miller continues to show his disdain for the other DC heroes: Superman is a pompous oaf, Green Lantern is a talentless idiot, Wonder Woman is a raging man-hater. Other characters are rewritten to suit Miller's whims: Black Canary is now an Irish bartender who goes on a rampage after one too many customers called her "sweet chunks," Jimmy Olsen now works in Gotham, Vicki Vale is a hard-hitting columnist who goes damp at the mere mention of Bruce Wayne's name and Batgirl is just an eager girl with a gimmick.

The text -- both the dialogue and Batman's, Robin's and everyone else's inner monologues -- is endlessly repetitive and needlessly profane. The plot is simple and shallow, lacking any real direction beyond Miller's attempt to shock his readers. But, after so many stories that have actually shocked us with some purpose, this bland and witless parody falls flat. It's not edgy, Frank, it's just violent. On the plus side, Jim Lee's art is simply fantastic.

by Tom Knapp, Rambles.(net) editor

Some will like the violence, newbies will be confused, and children should not read.

Bad news first: This is not your typical Batman story. Uber-violent in all Jim Lee's glossy, gorgeous detail, this is not for the squeamish crowd, nor anyone under 14.

It works as a satire- people who like Frank Miller's original Batman stuff from 1986 will appreciate the series' over-the-top violence as a statement of irony about the superhero genre: the book's heroes maim, torture, kill and destroy stuff in every single issue.

A newcomer to the DC character cast and comic book world most likely will not appreciate that irony since it's drenched in a pile of dead bodies and characters who are just jerks for no reason. It's also heavy on enough of Frank Miller's signature empty-headed pinup-girls to make a thinking female (or anyone who's met a thinking female) consider throwing the book in the trash.

Good news though: Despite all the pandering, Jim Lee's artwork is beautiful, and despite all the violence, Miller's story is compelling. From a certain fractured mindset (Miller's), this series is the logical conclusion of how crazy a guy would ACTUALLY have to be to recruit a 12 year old into a war on crime. Batman is psychotic, but Miller has you rooting for him anyway.

I had to read this after reading all the terrible reviews for it on the store. I thought there was no way that this book could be as terrible as people had said. I am happy to say I was right. For starters, this book has beautiful artwork by Jim Lee, which is worth the cost of the book. Next, we have a darker version of Robin's origin story. Batman is different in this book than we usually see him. He is crazy, but this was before he met Robin (who helps to even Batman out). In this book, Batman kind of reminds me of Shadowhawk from Image comics. He is absolutely brutal. He viciously beats a gang of 3 criminals; but in his defense, they were going to rape a woman. This is a darker Batman, but many of the reviews on this website exaggerate how graphic this book really is. The only problem I really had with the book was the introduction of many classic characters and then not really doing much with them. I guess Miller was probably going to do something with some of these characters in Volume 2, but I don't know if that will ever see the light of day. I must say I enjoyed reading this book, just don't expect a masterpiece.

Frank Miller has brought has some great comics over the years, this is def not one of them. I feel Jim Lees art is actually pretty good but doesnt make up for the content. This book takes all our heroes morals and character and flushes them down the toilet. Especially making Batman a pshycopath, grinning and laughing as he cripples criminals. This is not the Batman I enjoy. Yes i do enjoy a darker batman but one that still had morals and is motivated by positve motives. If your a huge Frank Miller fan you might enjoy this, but personally i havent enjoyed anything miller has written in the past 15 years. So consider it if you enjoy frank miller, if looking for a good batman story leave this one alone.If your wanting a good book with All Star in the name go for all star superman and you wont be dissappointed.

If All-Star Batman & Robin had been my introduction to the characters, I never would have read another Batman comic. This is, without a doubt, the worst characterization of Batman I've ever read, and I'm speaking as someone who has read Andrew Vacchs' Batman: The Ultimate Evil. Miller's portrayal of the character as psychotic, self-indulgent, crass, and amoral flies in the face of 70+ years of development.

Frank Miller was once an excellent comics writer. His runs on Daredevil in the '80s, his Wolverine mini-series, and his seminal The Dark Knight Returns combined extraordinary line work with innovative storytelling, ushering in the new, grim, and "adult" era of superhero comics. But his recent work, reaching what seems like a nadir with All-Star Batman & Robin has been increasingly a portrayal of adolescent revenge fantasy peppered with misogyny and crudity, lacking any of the sophistication and intelligence of his earlier work. The final four pages of alleged redemption rang so false and contrived after the previous 200+ pages of self-absorption and cruelty that I literally scoffed out loud. Batman's treatment of Dick Grayson as a "soldier" makes R. Lee Ermey's drill sergeant in Full Metal Jacket look like a Cub Scout den mother. The last time I checked the long boxes, Batman wasn't a sadist. Nor did he speak like an unhinged offensive coach for an NFL all-felon expansion team. This comic can be offered as a reply to anyone looking for the antonym of "subtle."

Jim Lee shouldn't be left off the hook here. While he can sketch a dynamic page and deliver quality action scenes, he also has never met a crotch shot he didn't like. The Black Canary, Catwoman, and even Batgirl are drawn in poses that can only be described as lascivious. He also has a fondness for spouting blood and flying teeth. The dentists of Gotham must be in high demand. Now, whether Lee laid all this out on his own or worked under the direction of Miller, I can't say. But there's a heavy creep factor to much of the art that only exacerbates Miller's narrative excesses.

It's time for Frank Miller to take some time away from comics. And it's past time for comics publishers to stop giving him a venue for his misogynistic explorations of his own daddy issues.

The "All-Star" concept seems infallible on paper: bring together the most celebrated artists and writers together on an out-of-continuity title, allowing them carte blanche to loose their creativity. "All-Star Superman" was a shining example of how well this can work. Bringing Frank Miller and Jim Lee together for "All-Star Batman and Robin" should have repeated this success. SHOULD have...

Set sometime after Miller's seminal "Year One" storyline, this collection tells of Batman's adoption of Robin as his side-kick and ward. It should have been an ideal opportunity to explore grief, revenge and loss through the darkened lens of Miller's noir sensibilities. Instead, we have a flat retelling of the Robin origin that can't seem to give credence to its own style.

All too often attention is drawn to the fact that Batman's "Clint Eastwood impression" of a voice is ridiculous, that "The Batmobile" is a stupid name for a vehicle, that calling Dick Grayson his "ward" smacks of paedophilia - making us question whether Miller can even take himself seriously these days, let alone his subject matter.

Then there are the pointless appearances by the Justice League, the Black Canary and Batgirl - all of whom are given one-dimensional personalities and serve no other purpose than letting Miller poke fun at superheroes. A similar treatment is given to Vicki Vale whose sole purpose seems to be to parade around in her underwear until she can be hideously injured in a car accident.

Poor Jim Lee, who has to spend agonising hours illustrating this nonsense.

this is the worst story frank miller's written. batman kidnaps a little kid and beats him into becoming robin, oh, and batman kills people too. when frank miller started sin city in the early 90s, he started writing in the same gritty/sin city-esque narrative voice for all his subsequent work. this features that same "tough-as-nails/look-at-me-i'm-a-man!" voice, only its multiplied tenfold. if i were to rate this solely on the writing, i'd give it 1 star. (for the record i loved dark knight strikes again).

but the art is a different story. jim lee brings everything he has to the table. the art is almost identical to hush, but the coloring and inking is a lot smoother. the only reason i'm keeping this is because of the art (too bad i bought it new though). the art ranks 5 stars.

What starts out as an intriguing concept to retell Batman as more on the "edge" and who sees his fight against villainy as a war, where people for lack of a better word, are drafted (Robin) - ends up being a story, as many reviewers have noted, where it seems Miller is trying to push the limits.

While some of the aspects are in some way, part of the Batman myth (after all, it is a war of sorts), others are such a drastic retelling that Batman is more "crazed" than heroic, and Robin does not lighten things up, but one does feel sorry for him.

I wanted to love this comic. After all, Frank Miller has written - I assert - the best comic works ever in "The Dark Knight Returns" and "Born Again" (not to mention "Year One", "Love and War", "Sin City", and "Ronin"). This book has the art of a modern graphic novel or comic book, but the tone of a "Sin City" - except, Batman is, and never translates well into a "Sin City" genre. Miller's second writing disaster (The Dark Knight Strikes Again being the other).

I can understand some of the negative flak that this volume has received, since All-Star Batman & Robin is vintage Miller, doing what he does best: exploring, taking apart and playing with yet another icon of comic book lore. In this case, the target of Mr. Miller's satirical, cynical yet human wit is the partnership between Batman and Robin. The subject is not new to Miller- his seminal and revolutionary "The Dark Knight Returns" featured a young girl as Robin- but this time he revisits the traditional genesis of the Batman/Robin team-up.

As is his trademark, Miller doesn't hesitate to tear down and mock any aspect of the hallowed Batman lore. As such, Robin is a precocious little brat (though not as bad as Damian, Batman's son in the hugely disappointing other series going on in DC right now), with the wit and sarcasm you'd expect from a tough teenager. He makes fun of Batman, pokes holes in his mythos, challenges him in a very different way. This is not the Robin "Boy hostage" we've grown accustomed to seeing, nor is Miller's Batman the dark-but-not-too-dark hero making the rounds right now. This Batman is borderline psychotic, demented and dark, and clearly foreshadows the evolution we see in Dark Knight Returns/Strikes again.

The art is terrific, as is to be expected from Lee. I highly recommend this volume, as I think it's essential to challenge even the most revered of heroes and conventions. It's people like Miller who keep the genre fresh!

If your looking for something a little lighter than Frank Miller's seminal Dark Knight Returns, you won't get any lighter than this. All-Star Batman and Robin is one of the sleekest, fastest-paced comic productions put together in for Batman in many years. Retelling the origin of Robin (in a way never before done) Batman is as scary here as he is stubborn and Robin is basically drafted into Batman's war on crime and begins to investigate the murder of his own parents.

What follows is non-stop action, great art (by the legend Jim Lee)and guest stats galore. The Justice League know that Batman basically kidnapped Robin and want to take action, meantime the Joker is back, Green Lantern is charged with bringing in Batman and the truth behind Robin's parents killer is still looming. Miller does a great job of dealing out great "badass" moments and with the help of Lee it never looked so great. The story is thin and focuses on action and hilarious dialogue more than subtext, but that seems to be the whole point here. It's just fun to read and even more fun to look at.

The only drawback? It might be many, many, many, many moons before we get to see the conlcusion of this story. Judging by the slow release of this series. But, until then you'd be hard pressed to find a book that makes Batman look this badass!

Saying that there's some hidden meaning in this story is just hoping for the best. The truth of the matter is that this is the worst thing Miller has yet written. It has no purpose and no meaning. He's capitalizing on The Dark Knight Returns by quoting that book(we've always been criminals, we have to be) and bringing back the babe with the swastikas on her chest. The idea that this was the beginning of it all is compelling, but the story HAS to match up, and it has to stand on its own. We can't congratulate ourselves for recognizing these references and give the work a credit it doesn't deserve.The Wonder Woman characters rage was poorly executed and insulting. This is Millers worst moment by far. Is it something about the DC characters themselves that with rare exception brings out the worst in almost ever writer? Personally I didn't like Jim Lee's artwork either. Miller is best when he illustrates himself with due respect to Bill Siekvitch. Lee's work is so juvenille. I would have preferred a better story illustrated by Jae Lee perhaps, but Jim's work is so played out and obvious. This is a very, very, bad book.

There is a reason why professional comics are hilariously funny and open-mic night at the corner bar is hilariously bad; comedy is a craft, just like writing a graphic novel about an iconic superhero is an art form.

Frank Miller takes the Batman franchise into his realm of schtick, which would be tolerable if he was showing the storyboards during a break in a meeting or as a special segment during a personal appearance. Miller's new Batman is more like a cheap clone of Joker and the "comedy" - mixed with crude violence and sex - quickly degenerates into scenes that are equally disturbing and bizarre.

The artwork is solid, but the text proves that every picture doesn't tell a good story.

Frank Miller has done it again. - In his prequel to the Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller has once again taught us something about Batman, we've made him too withdrawn. Batman has become too cold, too calculating, too withdrawn and unemotional in the past two decades. Through this series, Miller restores the wild, passionate, recklessness to Batman. And its OVER THE TOP. You have to take this "with a great of salt" or you'll miss the fun entirely. This Batman laughs maniacally while attacking thugs, talks about how "cool" he is, and hates the Justice League with a passion.
Jim Lee's art is beautiful, and Frank Miller's writing is hilarious. This is one of the most enjoyable comics I have read in a long time. I eagerly await the next volume.

Not counting Jim Lee's beautiful art, everything about this comic is just plain, downright terrible. Not only is the plot non-existent, the scripting completely misguided and appalling, the characterization on a par with the Joel Schumacher farce BATMAN & ROBIN, but to see that this is being published in a prestigious hardcover format is just about one of the worst things that DC has foisted on its readers (now I know how Alan Moore feels about them!).

When Rob Liefeld presented his HEROES REBORN version of Captain America, everyone and his dog blasted it as a waste of paper. Well, what Frank Miller is doing to Gotham City in this is about a billion times worse!

And let's not get started on the repeated delays to the scheduling/publishing of this book. It's not like it has a plot or any real sense of purpose or mystery. It's simply Frank Miller hack-writing to his bile's content. ENOUGH ALREADY! We get that you were a weedy kid who has to always resort to stealing from other's plots and yet always has to take all the credit and accolades bestowed upon you!

Man, that Wertham guy had nothing on what you are currently doing to the comic community! (At least he's no longer around!)

Any minute now and Alfred's gay lover is bound to stumble into the Batcave and catch Bruce with his pants down... (Don't say you weren't warned, readers! You know, there's a reason the rats are the first to abandon the sinking ship! I just wish Miller would learn from it....)

My introduction to this series of stories by Frank Miller was when I bought issue #4 at the local book store. I took it home, read it, and promptly HATED it. Not being a big fan of Frank Miller anyway, I thought who the hell was he to step in and turn my beloved Batman into a psycho blood shedding, violence loving S.O.B. who not only terrorizes Dick Grayson upon kidnapping him only hours after Dick's parents are murdered, but then makes him eat RATS??? I chalked it up to my dislike of Frank Miller, in my eyes a psycho himself who has an annoying penchant for turning every woman in his stories into a prostitute, and ditched the comic book on the bottom of my book shelf and there it lay, dusty and forgotten. Until a month ago when I had a gift certificate to use up at the bookstore. There it stood on the shelf, All Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder. That despicable book. Ten minutes and fifteen dollars off later, I brought it home. It still sat on my shelf for a month, still encased in plastic. Until this weekend for some reason I ripped off the plastic, propped myself on the bed, opened the offending pages - and LAUGHED OUT LOUD! A small still voice inside told me "It's a satire, dummy!" I hate to say it, I mean I reeeally HATE to say it, but this is one of the best Batman stories I have ever read. This Batman does no brooding, does not hang out at night at his parent's graves, this Batman "LOVES BEING THE G**DAMN BATMAN!!", in his words. He's a jerk, he's arrogant, he thinks Superman is a Candy Pants and Green Lantern is a moron. And he'll tell them to their faces. If you do not laugh insanely at the scene where Batman meets the Green Lantern privately to talk, in a room painted entirely in YELLOW, and not only that, but Batman and Robin are also dripping in yellow paint, then you do not love comic books. Everyone is a little warped here. Even Alfred seems to be harboring some deep inner sexual conflicts, punching his frustrations out on a punching bag down in the bat cave, in his underwear, and talking about his dark-eyed angel, Bruce. Hmmmm.... But for once, I love Frank Miller's interpretations of the women. Black Canary is an Irish bar tender in Gotham until she cracks one day and can't take the male jibes and groping anymore. Let's just say don't call her "Love Chunks." She kicks so much butt even Batman is impressed. And Wonder Woman, emasculating Superman with a few sharp words and her stinging assessment of manhood, only to literally spit her disgust at him, and then swap that same spit in the next panel in a liplock with him. Awesome. These women are tougher than the men, inside and out. This is an awesome book, people. I highly recommend it, I am going to be reading this several more times just to get a good laugh, and I hope you do too. Somebody tell me - is there a SEQUEL????!

This book is absolutely insane, and I loved it!

What we have here is a Batman story free of any previous or current continuity. Writer Frank Miller is taking Batman and starting his story from scratch. (Or is he? More on that later.)

The Batman in this storyline is testosterone fueled, immature, and more than a little nutty. Miller takes him so over the top that I really and truly hope the writer is poking fun at his previous incarnations of the characters and his previous, ultraviolent works such as Sin City and 300. The fact that both Batman and most other characters in the book refer to him as "the g--d--n Batman" can only lead me to believe Miller didn't want us taking this too seriously.

However, Miller is also proving a point. We'd always heard that Batman needed a Robin to take the edge off the man--to bring him back to humanity. However, as a Batman fan of over twenty-five years, I'd never really seen an incarnation of the character that had him in DIRE need of a humanizing sidekick. That is, until now. Miller's All-Star Batman is a whack-job, and it's only through his dealings with Dick Grayson that he slowly begins to realize he's turned into a monster. Despite all the sex and violence in the book, Miller actually does a wonderful job evolving Batman's character--there is real character development taking place that is rarely seen in the comic book medium.

And because this is an all-star title, the artist must be as equally as big a star--enter Jim Lee. Jim Lee has always been a mesmerizing artist, but he truly outdoes himself with All-Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder. His figures look amazing--as always--but the settings are what really blew me away. His attention to detail is nearly genius-level, and I found myself studying every building in the skyline, every poster on the wall, every tread on a tire. He is absolutely astonishing.

So while I'm glad this book isn't the definitive and mainstream interpretation of the character, I am so glad we have this Batman as well. I couldn't put the book down. It was ludicrously fun and breathtaking to look at and had me addicted within the first few minutes of reading it.

Now, if you'll allow me a slight digression: Does anyone else think this is a prequel of sorts to The Dark Knight Returns? As I started reading it, I noticed some thematic links between All-Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder and The Dark Knight Returns, as well as The Dark Knight Strikes Again. This is nothing unusual with writers, many of them tend to have certain passions that they return to (consciously or not) in their work.

However, as I continued reading, things began to seem like more than just coincidence. For example, in the huge spread from Episode 4, doesn't that look like the Dark Knight Returns Batmobile being built? Also, we clearly see the cover to The Dark Knight Returns collected edition as a poster on Barbara Gordon's wall in Episode 6. The Wonder Woman design in Episode 5 is very similar to the Wonder Woman in The Dark Knight Strikes Again, as his her basic personality and attraction to Superman. I would also argue that Superman, Plastic Man, Green Lantern, and Jim Gordon all seem tonally the same as they are in The Dark Knight Returns and The Dark Knight Strikes Again.

But, the real cinchers for me occurred first in Episode 8 where the Joker's henchwoman was the same lady with the swastikas covering her nipples (wow, there's a sentence I never thought I'd construct) as from The Dark Knight Returns: Book Three.

And then, the big one--the HUGE one--happened in Episode 9 where Batman tells Green Lantern, "Of course we're criminals. We've always been criminals. We have to be criminals." Now compare that to Superman's internal dialogue from The Dark Knight Returns: Book Three, which was written roughly twenty years earlier: "When the noise started from the parents' groups and the subcommittee called us in for questioning - - you were the one who laughed ... that scary laugh of yours ... `Sure we're criminals,' you said. `We've always been criminals. We have to be criminals.'"

In my estimation, it seems Frank Miller is using All-Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder to build upon his mythos originated in The Dark Knight Returns, and I think that's both incredibly entertaining.

Of course, if I'm right, knowing what we know about the end of The Dark Knight Strikes Again certainly makes his developing relationship with Dick Grayson seem bittersweet.

~Scott William Foley, author of Souls Triumphant

Basically if you want great art and an overly angry Batman with little story then this is for you. If not you should wait and see if Vol. 2 ever gets completed and see if the story picks up.

This collects the first 9 issues of this series. I bought the first 9 single issues, even though they were often delayed. My problem wasn't the over the top take on Batman and the rest of the Justice League (which at times is annoying and a bit much), my problem is that nothing seems to happen in these 9 issues. Sure Jim Lee's art is great and Batman being a d&%$ is kind of fun but outside of Robin's tragedy and some random thugs and cops getting beaten up it's all set up. Set up for a second run that will take God knows how long for them to complete, if it ever happens.

If you want Frank Miller and Batman buy: Batman Year One or Dark Knight Returns.

If you want Jim Lee and Batman buy: Hush.

Seems like some people love this title, and some people hate it. That's cool - to each his own (I am loving it, personally). However, I have a question: in doing my little internet research, it looks like they did a total of 12 comics in this series before going on indefinite hiatus. It also looks like maybe only issue #10 made it to shelves, but many copies were pulled for indecent language/content/whatever. Issues #11 and #12 are being released....later maybe? I noticed the book we are reviewing here has issues #1-9 collected, so would they bother to make another volume with only 3 comics inside (issues 10-12)? I would like to read the rest of the story (especially because it looks like it is going to feature the Joker!). My question is does anyone know if they are going to be putting these remaining issues out in graphic novel form, or should I just look around and see if I can buy the individual comics (#'s 10-12) on e-bay or something?

For decades writers have hinted that Batman is just as psycho as those he fights. Miller and Lee stop hinting and show it outright. This Batman is a sociopath and he knows it. He relishes the pain he causes the bad guys, and he gives in to baser instincts and his passions. I loved this story, but I have to admit that for the first time in my life I don't like this Batman. That's what makes this great. By the way, Jim Lee can draw sexy women! Vickie Vale and Black Canary never looked hotter.

Frank Miller proves onces again that he is excellent at telling the darker side, and in my opinion, more realistic take of Batman. It is great seeing the formation of Robin along with the similarities and differences between what drove Dick Grayson to become Robin versus what drove Bruce Wayne to become Batman.

I do have a couple of complaints:
There is use of a phrase repeated various times that is normally censored on television. My complaint is not the use of the phrase, as much as how it seemed to be almost used gratuitously, too often, and by too many different people. Even Robin blurts it out at one point. For me, and this is just my opinion, it makes the story a little less realistic as I would not think so many various people would use the same curse phrase, and I felt at times as if I were hearing Frank Miller speaking instead of the actual characters.

This leads me to my second complaint which is simply that the graphic novel should have had a parental advisory on it. There is nothing that indicates that this is for teens and above, and it really should say so.

Regardless, if you are a Batman fan, Frank Miller fan, and a teen or older you will truly enjoy this retelling of the beginning of the Boy Wonder.

Brilliant, gritty, hilarious, retelling of the Batman & Robin myth.
I understand a lot of fans not liking what Miller has done with their beloved character but, jeez, loosen up.
If anything, I think this version is pretty close to what a real Bruce Wayne/Batman would actually be like: single-minded, fascistic, violent, and (more than) a little insane. How else would Batman have gotten his side-kick? To my mind, this is the only plausible way Batman could justify putting a child in danger.
There are several subtle nods to Miller's The Dark Knight Returns that I like to think puts this in the same universe.
Now, if only they'd actually finish the whole thing. There's apparently 6 issues to go but nothings materialized in over 2 years.
Not for kids.

This book just makes Batman seem like a jerk, not hardcore. It also contradicts many other parts of the Batman continuity. Dare I say that both Miller and Lee were arrogant with their approach. They thought that we would buy and like this storyline just because of the names on the cover. When one sees Miller or Lee we have come to expect great storys and artwork. The artwork was good, but since these books are usually collaborative efforts, they are both to blame for this utterly disappointing effort. I hope we see some new material from both of them so they can redeem themselves.

I just read the hardcover edition of this book and loved it. I just don't understand the hatred that has been shown towards this series. If read as a companion to the Dark Knight Returns this book is awesome. It reads like a prequel to DKR which is also a non continuity book. Its FUN seeing these characters behave so out of character. Batman's treatment of Robin has drawn heavy criticism even though Batman's inner dialogue shows why he is being cruel. The art by Jim Lee is incredibly vibrant and detailed. Forget what you know about Batman and just enjoy an over the top book with funny dialogue and amazing art.

The much delayed All-Star Batman & Robin seemed to have a can't miss formula. Frank Miller, the man behind the greatest Batman story to ever see the light of day with The Dark Knight Returns, as well as Sin City, 300, and Ronin, gets the scripting duties, with another industry legend in Jim Lee providing the pencil work. A recipe for success right? Sadly no. All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder is instead a supremely disappointing new take on the Batman mythos (hence the term "All-Star", which is basically DC's answer to Marvel's "Ultimate" universe) that draws all it's problems from Miller's script. First off, the dialogue is nothing short of atrocious (the much maligned line, "I'm the g*******d Batman!" will either make you laugh hysterically or cringe), and the story as a whole just plods along with no real direction. Perhaps Miller is gleefully throwing caution to the wind and satirizing himself with his methods? Perhaps he's just phoning it in? Who knows for sure, but either way, there just isn't anything enjoyable here other than Jim Lee's work. His pencils are spectacular as always, made even better with the inks of his longtime collaborator Scott Williams. Once you lay your eyes on their rendition of Vicky Vale, you'll be absolutely salivating. Other than the artwork though, there's nothing here worthy of your attention, which is an absolute crying shame. You may like it however if you approach it with a different perspective, but as a whole, All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder is a supreme disappointment in nearly every sense of the term.

The art is great and the story is garbage. Torture Porn is what I'd call this. Disgusting depictions of some of the most Iconic characters in Comics. The writing is overly repetitive and just plain bad. Don't walk away from this one, run.

Portraying strong female characters (like Wonder Woman) as angry meat is lazy and lame. My eyes rolled so much at the dialogue that I had a hard time seeing the art. That's what I get for buying off a shelf rather than checking reviews first!

This one takes a lot of grief from traditionalists, and it should if it's seen as any kind of in-continuity story. The general expectation about Batman over the years is that he seems crazy but is utterly calculating and deeply moral. Not so with this one. Bruce here is Rorschach with a billion dollar checkbook. He's crazy, violent, paranoid, and prone to muttering insane things to himself and aloud. Dick Grayson's the same way after his initial shock. Miller has taken Batman to the extreme logical end of what we have seen before. He's heroic only insofar as he wants to destroy crime. Of the good guys, only Alfred and Jim Gordon come off well at all (and maybe Babs, who's a wonderful character that I would like to have seen more of, though she gets in over her head and has a bit of a Kick-Ass experience).

Apart from the dialogue, which gets pretty lame at times, one of the bigger complaints I have read is how horrible the Justice League comes across. Maybe it's my recent reading of 50+ issues of The Boys comics such as The Boys Volume 1: The Name Of The Game Limited Edition HC , but I thought it was an interesting interpretation. If you were Plastic Man, wouldn't you be mad as a hatter? If you'd been raised on Paradise Island, wouldn't you hate and distrust men? People on the store were complaining about the scene where Bats & Robin meet with Hal Jordan, saying it's disrespectful and over the top. I thought it was hilarious, and it reminded the reader that Batman prepares for any eventuality. Plus, you have to remember that most of the scenes with other heroes are filtered through Bruce's perception of them. They're bound to come off as idiots because he sees them that way -- and even when he's not there, we're still seeing everything his way.

What can be said about Jim Lee's art? When he's on, there's no stopping him. (see also: Batman: Hush and Absolute Superman: For Tomorrow) Breathtaking! His Vicki Vale had me flashing back to my teen fanboy days, drooling over Betsy Braddock in a bikini. (although seriously, what woman paces around her apartment in bra, panties, and heels while working on a story?) Batman & Robin, the batmobile, the cave, Gotham - they all look amazing. His Gordon and Batgirl are great, too. I would say the only real miss is Black Canary, as she seems inconsistently rendered.

Not for everyone. The story is rightfully criticized for not going anywhere. But I loved it as a series of vignettes exploring Bruce Wayne and his world from a dark perspective.

Never mind the negative comments. I guess some people don't want their childhood hero exposed for the mentally unstable, notorious violent, self-righteous brute that he is. The same mentally unstable, notorious violent, self-righteous brute that I love. That give the character such depth. That shows him as more than just a guy in a cape. A true consequensialist who does not stray from his path, even if it includes some collateral damage by the way. Who could say a guy dressed as a bat during the night isn't a schizophrenic lunatic? A guy jumping roof tops has to be an adrenalin junkie. A guy with his logo on everything he owns has to be a narcissistic bigot. Miller exposes Batman for who - and what - he is; the relentless, merciless crime fighter: a crime fighter who fights his own personal demons in every rotten, corrupt or violent criminal he sees. This isn't about superheros fighting supervillains; it's one man trying to accept his life, and in the same time rejecting that life.

This is a dark and violent Batman. And honest, brutally honest. And I love it.

This was awesome. A completely ballsy reimagining of a character you've already read a thousand comics about. I loved the complete deconstruction of every character featured in this story. Its just batman going around kicking some ass without a care in the world. Doing crazy things that a lunatic that chooses to dress up in a bat suit because his parents were murdered in front of him would do. I had no problem with this idea for a story. It was completely original and of course the artwork by jim lee was phenominal. If you want a typical detective batman story read the long halloween or something. If you want something different read this. Ignore every review on here including mine and make your own decision. Go into it with zero expectations of what you want it to be or what you think batman is supposed to be and youll love it.

Foe me personally, this book was great. Miller has always been gritty and his characters are hard as rock. This is exactly how he portrayed the Batman. He gave us a militant butt kicker that revels in scaring criminals so badly that they fear even the mere mention of hi name. He is hard nosed and completely unyielding and he is at war. He has just recruited his first soldier and is determined to make him just as hard. This tale is NOT for the cerebral detective fans. So if you want warm and fuzzy, look elsewhere. Oh, and of course Jim Lee gives us sheer perfection with his art.

jim lee as always was stunning with his art, however this is the very worst of frank miller.if not for the art i would have quit half way, biggest pet peeve in this book is the way characters are displayed.

Every Batman fan has read the incomparable works of Frank Miller in the "bat mythos" which have come to redefine character. Many people became fans of the character thanks to Frank's darker, noir setting which made Batman a tougher and more tunnel-visioned vigilante. Year One and The Dark Knight Returns remain in the top lists of Batman lore that have become must-reads even if you aren't a fan of comics. Any time Frank Miller has the opportunity to give the public another Batman story, people should be excited. This story is no exception.
Far too many people expected this to be along the same lines as Year One and Dark Knight Returns, which is why it fell to so much scrutiny and negative feedback. A writer shouldn't have to go back to the same well that brought success, but have the freedom to tell a story built on originality and creativity. If the reader doesn't like the story, they immediately criticize the writer based on previous works especially if the writer is of legendary status. Almost all of the negative reviews posted for this book have the same phrases of "Miller at his worst", "Miller's worst effort yet", and "Miller has lost his touch". It's a shame that people can't recognize when a writer wants to create something fresh and original. Instead of pleasing the masses, Frank was inspiring the masses.
It's also worth mentioning that he had the legendary artistic abilities of Jim Lee which are NEVER subpar! Lee's work from panel to full splash page are nothing short of exceptional.
Still waiting for the rest of the story, Frank!

Wow, what a book. Before this item was released, I had read all comics in this series, and I could not wait till DC released a graphic novel. It was worth the wait. It's a beautiful book, with some neat special features. I recommend this graphic novel to anyone who supremely enjoys Sin City. Because in a way, Miller and Lee make Basin City come to mind mind every time I read it. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do!