Customer Reviews
Interesting.. - By: H. Jones, 12 Nov 2008 
Having read the numerous mixed reviews of this book, i decided to buy it & make my own mind up about this hugely controversial series. So here are my thoughts:
As many other reviewers have noted, the first thing this Graphic Novel possesses is fantastic artwork. Jim Lee has followed up his impeccable workin Batman: Hush with more of the same, from the luscious Vicky Vale to the awe-inspiring Batcave - simply incredible.
The story is a different matter however, as it is radically different from anything we've ever seen before. Frank Miller portrays the Caped Crusader as being on the brink of insanity & relishing being 'The Goddamn Batman!' as he mercilessly beats the living daylights out of numerous criminals, mentally & physically abuses Dick Grayson (the boy who goes on to be Robin) & regards the other superheroes of the DC universe as morons! Quite a contrast to what we're used to...
The purpose of this dramatic character change cannot really be explained until the rest of the tale unfolds (this volume only collects ASB&R 1-9), but as it stands it is an interesting take on the character & one that has made this book like Marmite among Bat-fans; you either love it or hate it.
If you are like me & like seeing different takes on characters like Batman, then it is well worth a read. Yes, it is odd & some of the dialogue can make you feel uncomfortable, but the fact that DC haven't pulled it yet, despite dwindling sales, suggests we have to trust what Miller is doing, something asked of us by DC editor Bob Schreckin the foreward.
Best Batman yet - By: Danny Hughes, 14 Oct 2008 
This is the best Batman i have ever read, there is not so much of a story line to speak of, but the character development is fantastic, making the Dark Knight darker than ever. This is Batman how i always pictured he should be, not only that, Miller actually makes Robin look like a decent character. Genius!
Miller Raises The Bar Again - By: BatDan, 11 Oct 2008 All Star Batman & Robin is a superb new release, featuring Frank Miller & Jim Lee producing an excellent Year One Robin story with a top drawer supporting cast (as the name suggests).
Although this is a 'volume one', & the story dosn't conclude at the end, I thought this was a brilliant graphic novel. The artwork is phenomenal & Jim Lee has produced the goods yet again. I particularly enjoyed the work on the Batcave.
The best thing about this story for me is the dark, gritty portrayal of Batman. This is the Dark Knight at his darkest, as only Miller seems to be able to do at this level. This is how I want my Batman to be - ruthless, angry & slightly insane.
I really like the fact that Miller has dispensed with all the continuity issues & gone back to the story of Dick Grayson, but given it a makeover that may be able to wipe away the tarnish that the 60s TV show has left on the adventures of Batman & Robin.
This effort goes straightin to my Top 10 Batman graphic novels list. Combine Frank Miller's storytelling & Jim Lee's artwork & you have a dream team that cannot be beatenin a Batman comic, so this was always going to be good. I can't wait for Volume 2.
Worst Batman story ever! - By: R. Ayavoo, 29 Sep 2008 
I must disagree with previous reviews.
This is the most derivative Batman story I have had the displeasure of reading.
Frank Miller is one of my favourite story tellers. His workin Sin City, Martha Washington, The Dark Knight Returns & Daredevil are peerless.
However this story appears to be a lazy reproduction of the hardboiled stories that inhabit the Sin City universe & Batman's character is mangled to fit the anti- heroes of that genre.
Jim Lee's art work is gorgeous as ever - but nobody needs to see Vicki Vale parading aroundin her underwear for no discernable reason (let alone propelling the narrative forward) - it's not hot it is sad!!
This type of story gives comics a bad name.
If you want a decent story - try Batman: Hush, The Long Halloween, Dark Victory or The Dark Knight Returns ( which is far more personal story from Frank Miller).
amazing - By: A. P. Whiley, 25 Aug 2008 a fantastic addition to the miller batman universe!
featuring characters from the dark knight returns & dipping into year one
