This is a very different type of story than what Scott Snyder was telling in his new 52 Batman title. It is a slow burn instead of all out action. The art by John Romita JR is fantastic! I think this reads much better as a graphic novel than as a monthly book

Batman and Two-Face go on a road trip ... with slightly higher stakes. Romita's artwork fits very well, and Snyder once again showcases new interpretations of Batman's rogues gallery.

It's always a worry when brilliant creative forces are re-shaken by the powers that be, The splitting up of Snyder and Capullo after one of the best ever runs on the New 52 was concerning to say the least. Pulling together Snyder and King on this project and restarting all over again...would it work?

Not so much. The story is as every bit a Snyder story, it ebbs and flows as it needs to be, but there is a lack of dynamics within the artwork that make the story a slog, hard to follow. But this isn't just this title that suffers from this many parts of the rebirth line feel...unfinished.

So in my personal opinion Snyder is an amazing writer and “All-Star Batman” proves it. Volume 1 is OMFG good; collecting issues 1-5 you are taken on a serious battle for Batman’s life that will have you cursing at allies left and right. You can expect the bad guys to take on a bounty on Batman’s head, but other NON-baddies, well, talk about an ungrateful Gotham.

I want to write soooo much more, but I only semi believe in spoilers, all I can say is that this is a must read. My only issue is with the cover, there were a few covers in issues 1-5 that I felt portrayed Batman in cooler cover, but that’s just me, I always end up thinking “oh this cover would be better”.

One last tidbit, there was someone that literally had screaming “WHATTTT”, I won’t say who but just, you won’t see that coming.

Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book Reviews

Netgalley ARC

Bats and Two-Face go on a road trip, to fix his face and maybe his mind, but Big Bad Harv isn't down for Mr Dent's self(ves)-improvement plan and sends every assassin he can after the Bat. There's a good energy to the writing, even for the well-worn Chained Heat premise. Snyder hadn't had a real chance to write Two-Face during his New52 run and seeing his take here is great. Romita Jr once again knock it out of the park art-wise.

Verdict: Get it. It's fun times.

The first multi-part story in this volume is “My Own Worst Enemy.” Firefly and Killer Moth bust up a diner. Small time crime, but Batman protects the diner’s patrons, only to discover that everyone is cheesed off at him (again), this time because he’s trying to get Two-Face out of Gotham, and Two-Face has threated to expose the hypocrisies of all the hypocrites in the state, which would be pretty much everyone, unless all the hypocrites stop Batman from having his way.

I sorta like the concept, although I suspect most people are too lazy to go chasing after Batman just because a supervillain is going to out their dark secrets. Still, everyone over the age of two has dark secrets and a credible threat to expose them might be a potent weapon. But the larger idea is that Batman wants to cure Two-Face because of their childhood bonding, and the story seems way over-the-top to achieve that goal. Still, over-the-top can be fun, and this volume has its moments. But it sandwiches those moments inside a convoluted story that only occasionally makes sense.

Other villains getting in on the act are Killer Croc and King Shark and Amygdala and Cheshire and Copperhead … wait, there’s more … Penguin, Black Mask, Great White, the Beast, the Royal Flush Gang … wait, there’s more … Tweedledee and Tweedledum? How’s that for a blast from the past.

Most of the villains fold pretty quickly — many of them seem to have been added for filler — but I liked the portrayal of Penguin’s sinister nature, and just the fact of so many villains popping up was kinda fun. So again, some good moments here but not quite enough to make me enthusiastic about the story as a whole. I’d give it 3 1/2 stars.

The next story is “The Cursed Wheel.” It’s sort of a “training Duke” story. I like it because it doesn’t try to do too much. It’s sort of a Batman and Luke bonding story that digs a bit into Luke’s past. The story carries the volume up to 4 stars.

The art is inconsistent, always a demon that bedevils DC. Some is good, some is bad, some looks like an artist’s rendering of Claymation. Why a character can’t look the same from story to story, or even from one page to the next, is beyond me, but that seems to be an ongoing problem at DC.

A solid trade that any fan of DC Comics can pick up and enjoy. Rebirth continues to be just that for DC and a breath of fresh air for the superhero genre.

Scott Snyder is, in my humble opinion, the best writer that DC has had in play for many years. I've happily devoured all of his Batman chronicles- his Court of the Owls arc is one of my favorite in the history of the DC universe. I cannot put into words how excited I was when I found out that he was writing All Star Batman (and now Metal!) and I greedily bought every issue as it came out. I've really enjoyed his take on Rebirth.

Snyder writes Bruce in such a human, relatable way while still making him an unrelenting badass. It's easy to forget that Batman is just a man in our superhero universe of mutants, gods, and flying people. I think that's what Snyder pulls off so brilliantly, he's true to what Batsy really- he gives us the action, he gives us the aftermath and the pain, he gives us the internal conflict... he gives us a MAN. A human. But while doing all of that, he somehow remains true to the character's history, believable fight techniques, weapons, and unique style. It's just so very Batman-y while being so well humanized.

While I did purchase the individual issues, this trade issue was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

If you're looking for dark visuals and super-serious Batman then you're in the wrong place. This is a massive road trip with Batman taking Two-face to find a 'cure' but thanks to Two-face's intervention everyone (villain, friends, and strangers) is trying to kill Batman and free Two-Face.
The artwork is okay but strange in places. But the colouring is great. Bright and inviting compared to other Batman comics I've read.

'All-Star Batman, Volume 1: My Own Worst Enemy' by Scott Snyder may not be much like other Batman stories I've read, but it's an absolute guilty pleasure.

Batman has a chance to cure Two-Face once and for all, so they are on a road trip together. The Harvey Dent side wants this. The Two Face side wants to fight it, so it has arranged a reward for the person who can stop Batman and kill him. If they don't kill Batman, then Two Face will spill the secrets he knows about them. All of them.

The story weaves back and forth in time, and the miles are counted down as they go. It's an adrenaline fueled trip that would probably make an awesome movie, like the weirdest buddy picture ever. And we do find out the history that Harvey and Bruce Wayne have together.

The writing is great. The art is also great. The plot is mostly breakneck, and I just really, really liked this one.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

Scott Synder has set a pretty high bar for himself writing Batman. This was just...OK. The main story is one big 500 mile chase. The whole thing feels so contrived to keep the story headed towards where Snyder wants it to go. Two Face is blackmailing every bad guy in the city and offering up millions to stop Batman from taking him to this house they spent time in as children where there is supposed to be a cure for Two Face's dual personalities. So it's nonstop Batman villains appearances for 5 issues. Batman pulls out some ridiculous gadgets during these fights. They approach Bat Shark Repellent levels.

I found the backup story to actually be the better story and features art by the fantastic Declan Shalvey. It's about Batman's training of Duke as they take on Mr. Zsasz.

Batman and Two-Face are on a road trip. One will be cured, the other will be killed, at least that is what the plans are. But then there is the bounty offered to anyone who stops the trip. Plus the gang of super-villains out to stop Batman and Two-Face. Plus there is Duke, the newest"Robin" and his tale of training.

I felt this had a lot of a potential, but fell short. I liked the psychological aspect of what was going on. The friendship between Harvey and Bruce could have been developed more and there could have been a bit more action than there really was. The whole concept of everyone not wanting their secrets found out and trying to kill Batman to find a cure for Harvey wasn't that interesting.

Scott Snyder has proven himself during his run (with Greg Capullo) on "Batman", and continues to impress with All-Star Batman. It doesn't hurt that he is teamed up with the amazing artist, John Romita, Jr.. Together, they have crafted a pseudo buddy-action storyline with frenemies Batman and Harvey Dent/Two Face. Bat-fans will appreciate an appearance from the re-vamped version of KGBeast, as well. The Duke Thomas-centric story at the end of this volume is also well worth the read. Highly recommended.

ARC from Netgalley.
WOW... I was worried when Scott Snyder said he was leaving Batman, but when I found out he just moved to a different Batman title, I was hoping it would continue the great legacy he laid down in the New 52 run. I'm satisfied. Snyder understands Batman.
All-Star Batman starts a bit confusing (mostly the time jumps) but stabilizes to be a great story. Batman, in an effort to bring back the Harvey side of Two-Face, decides to release him from Arkham to take him cross country to a home where Bruce and Harvey attended a kind of summer camp together where there is a cure for the "Hyde" side of Two-Face. Only problem? Before they leave, Two-Face puts a HUGE bounty out for Batman's death and his own rescue. So...out of the woodwork they come.... assassins and criminals making Batman and Duke's journey with Harvey extremely challenging. TONS OF ACTION here.
Upon arrival, the cure is revealed to cater to the stronger side (Hyde) and will make "Harvey" disappear completely. Batman administers a serum that foils his plans, and the "hit" is called off and they head back to Gotham. BUT.... while they are gone, Gordon is moving on Wayne Manor and headed down a secret stair towards the Batcave... but only finds a man cave. LOL How did that happen?
The following story involves Duke's training to be a "hero", not a "sidekick". The story of the case he follows strongly parallels the issues with his Joker-serum-infected parents. I really like Duke's full costume and hope he gets a nickname soon.
Overall, Snyder has a great story here. Not sure it needed to be as hard as it was for Batman, or that Two-Face should have so many connections, but very good and fast-paced nonetheless. Recommend. Hopefully future Volumes will get even better!

Snyder writing is always good stuff and in this volume he really explored the edgey parts of Batman's personality. The main story arc is abot Bats getting Two Face to a special location or he will literally rain terror on gotham. But nithing is ever easy with Two Face. He also releases a message that anyone who captures him from Batman will be exemot from having their darkest secrets revealed and will get tons on non traceable cash.

Thys becomes a road trip to hell. We also get a back story on Duke a new companion to Bruce who wont be cast into tge typical sidekick role. I love that Duke is a black man and that Snyder avoided the typical pitfalls in his origin story that other writers fall into. No gang violence or drug refrences, a good kid from a good family ( no absent/criminal father) whose life is changedby the joker venom attacks

ALL-STAR BATMAN VOL. 1: MY OWN WORST ENEMY (REBIRTH) by Scott Snyder has a cast of thousands and non-stop action, but it's also a deeply personal character-driven story. I highly recommend having a book like DC COMICS ENCYCLOPEDIA ALL-NEW EDITION on hand while reading this story. Even for the hard-core comic book junkie there are so many classic, yet perhaps underrated, villains with complicated histories in ALL-STAR BATMAN VOL. 1: MY OWN WORST ENEMY (REBIRTH). I completely fell down the rabbit hole, as I'd take a break from the story to look up character bios and find how some of the villains have somewhat surprising past connections -- like Great White and Two-Face.

ALL-STAR BATMAN VOL. 1: MY OWN WORST ENEMY (REBIRTH) is told in a mashup of flashbacks, flashforwards, and scenes set in the present - creating a beautiful syncopated rhythm. I think this style of storytelling fits with Two- Face's fractured psyche. Due to some machinations by Harvey Dent's psychotic alter-ego Two-Face, Batman is dragging Two-Face on a road trip from hell in order to try and save him. Batman's protégé Duke makes a staunch ally for Batman in a sea of people out to get him. I love how it's revealed that Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent had a friendship as children, lending another layer to an already amazing story. The psychological and philosophical issues in ALL-STAR BATMAN VOL. 1: MY OWN WORST ENEMY (REBIRTH) are a great counterpoint to the thrilling chase and fight scenes.

I love the team-ups in ALL-STAR BATMAN VOL. 1: MY OWN WORST ENEMY (REBIRTH). It's fun seeing Firefly and Killer Moth as an assassin tag team, as well as Killer Croc working with fellow monster King Shark. I've never really been a Penguin fan, but his alliance with Great White and Black Mask make an interesting criminal triad and I'd like to see that villainous threesome in future stories. KGBeast is, for me, a little reminiscent of Bane with his sadistic obsession with Batman. John Romita Jr.'s stunning illustrations complement the high-octane story.

ALL-STAR BATMAN VOL. 1: MY OWN WORST ENEMY (REBIRTH) is a treat for Batman fans and a book that's hard to put down. The secondary story at the end of ALL-STAR BATMAN VOL. 1: MY OWN WORST ENEMY (REBIRTH) involves Duke and the always creep-tastic villain Mr. Zsasz. Some incarnations of Bruce Wayne as Batman leave me cold, but this version as written by Scott Snyder has me cheering Batman on like I did when reading about his comeback in the classic "KnightsEnd" series.

Three and a half stars for this, which proves you can actually get a decent Batman story out of Scott Snyder – who knew?! Yes, the contrast between Harvey and Two-Face, so necessary for the story, is too great, and the artwork (even if from the pencil of John Romita) needs improvement, but it's a heck of a lot better than the other Bat stories around in 2017. I'm being made to work to like the new sidekick, and don't appreciate that, but at least I found a little hope here – at least I don't have to give up on Batman comics til the next reinvention.

The pairing of Snyder and Romita is good news for comics readers. Snyder shuffles the timeline of his story, encouraging greater and greater attention from the reader, and reduces the expository and explanatory dialogue that often mars other titles. Romita's pencils are strong, and rarely is the action unnecessarily difficult to follow--we can almost always understand the information being given in a panel, even when someone is reaching into said panel from beyond its borders.

All-Star Batman Vol. 1: My Own Worst Enemy marks the return to the character by fan favorite and Batman genius, Scott Snyder. After Endgame and what has to be one of the most successful runs as writer of the Batman comics, Snyder stepped away from the main franchise line after DC's Rebirth and has ended his hiatus with this new comic series; All-Star Batman.

In this comic book tale, Batman has the opportunity to help his old friend Harvey Dent rid himself of his alter-ego, Two-Face forever. Only two things stand in his way. Batman has to get Harvey clear across the country for the procedure and Two-Face has set in motion a plan to stop the Dark Knight. There is a bounty on their heads and betrayal at the hands of Batman's most trusted allies.

What has always separated the Batman from other comic book heroes is the storytelling and in the hands of Scott Snyder over the last few years; we have had some of the best Batman stories to have graced the comic book page in a very long time. This is why Rebirth, with a new writer and new artist and new characters, the ill-fated Gotham dude and Gotham dudette were met with such luke-warm fan fare. By myself as well, though I have to admit I am beginning to warm up to some of the DC Rebirth storylines, but that is for another time and another blog.

Snyder has always been a smart writer, not relying on the Batman mythos to sell his story but more than willing to step outside the norm and with All-Star Batman, he has created a kick-ass road trip story filled with angst and regret and violence and blood and more blood. John Romita Jr.'s artwork lends a harsh and gritty line to the story and Two-Face is perhaps the best villain to kick this series off. The history between Batman and Two-Face, or better said between Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent goes back to when they were children and Snyder explores that here as well as a deadly and horrifying pact between the two.

All-Star Batman is its own series and doesn't really work with the timeline set in the other Batman books. That is fine because it stands so well on its own. This is one of the better books to come out of the the throes of Rebirth and one to eagerly follow!