All Star Batman & Robin the Boy Wonder #1

Genre action Author Frank Miller Publisher DC Comics External Links DC Comics

One of the most anticipated comics of the year, the first book in DC's new 'All Star' series lives up to its name. Hollywood heavy-weight Frank Miller steps in to pen another (yes, another) seemingly instant Batman classic. Teamed up with recent Hush famed artist Jim Lee, the duo rev their engines and pull up to the starting line.

The usual fare of Miller's marks are smeared all over the pages. Larger than life mob families and sadistically twisted cops litter Gothem's streets. Batman's determination to rid Gothem of the corrupt and wrong doers is never stronger, but he will need help. He must find a new recruit.

Although our lead character is left mostly lurking in the background this issue, it still retains a true action comic tone. Miller's words are patient and precise. Lee skillfully crafts panels with calculated motion. Even in the simplest scenes, Lee seems to find little subtleties to strengthen the atmosphere. His character drawings are equally impressive.

All Star Batman & Robin the Boy Wonder #1 will not knock your socks off with over-the-top action, but the story is solid and builds to a nice climax. Knowing Miller, it will only get pushed further and further. For the time being, we are left with a wonderful start.