subscribed.individualistic programmer airships ...

I wholeheartedly agree with you and I apologize to everybody, if I came off as a troll. But you hit the nail right on the head!!!

It's hard for me to consolidate that the same Batman who got jumped by two Hookers and a Pimp, in Year One; is the same character who can take on God & the U.S. Army in ASBAR.

It's also hard for me to see that the same writer (who I know is capable of so much more) just throws: characterization, plot, story structure and substance, out the window.

This Batman... just isn't that much different from the one we saw in Spawn/Batman, back in the 90's.

If anything, Batman has been desensitized to accomodate the over the top shock storytelling of the Mark Millar Era.

In other words, I think that back in the 80's when Frank Miller wanted to out do Alan Moore; we got Batman:Year One. And now it seems Miller want's to out do Mark Millar, and that is why we are getting ASBAR.

Either that, or Frank is still pissed about not getting proper recognition for his body of work serving as the inspiration to Nolan's Batman Begins; and doesn't want to give up any stories of substance that serve as something other than a political commentary.

Regardless, I don't think ASBAR #9 was a turning point in his writing. Not at all.

But I do think that, in and of itself, ASBAR #9 was one of the most memorable Dick Grayson (as Robin) stories ever. The only other one that I can think of, at the top of my head, is the classic Rogers/Englehart "Hugo Strange" story from the 70's and the original 'Who is Donna Troy" (which was as much a Robin story as it was a Wonder Girl story).

So yes. I definitely liked this issue. But I can't recommend it. Not yet. Not until next issue. Specially if, from the look of things (and Next Issue's Blurb), Robin is going to learn about the Birds and Bees... ASBAR style.

Are you kidding?

No, really... I DON'T KNOW!!!! I can't tell no more!!!

I'm really asking!

I mean, me & the rest of the World thought you guys were joking when George W. Bush got elected for President!

Look at it in the context of it being all out action. This comic is written directly for people who go see the action movies in theaters because of all the explosions and sexual situations. This is the ultimate action flick movie in comic book form.

In this era where Adam Sandler, Pauly Shore, and Will Farrell are proclaimed comic geniuses, in an era where 60-year-old men make action/adventure movies based on characters they first portrayed decades ago (Willis, Ford, Stallone), this book epitomizes what the general public wants in their entertainment; ..... I have to ask why so many people can't see this book for what it is...the best Batman story ever.

I’m just the sort that likes my superheroes to actually be… oh, I don’t know… HEROIC.

Well, yippee-skip for you.

That would be a nice counterpoint if the argument was, “Man, All Star Batman sure is heroic!”

But no one is arguing that, right? Heck, in this very issue, Batman SAYS he is a criminal."

Fair point. I didn't know that, since I haven't read the issue in question. I do still flip through ASB&R whenever I'm at the comic shop. It's the same sort of impulse that makes me slow down to see a car wreck on the highway.

I'm just the sort that likes my superheroes to actually be... oh, I don't know... HEROIC.

Call it a quirk.

You almost had the sense that he knew what he was doing with this issue.

I’m assuming it’s because of the lack of females.

Could very well be the case.

"I liked it, but I don’t recommend it.”

Heck, I didn't even recommend the issue, did I?

But Dan, you just don’t “get it”!

Miller is writing a hilarious parody of something… everyone on line says so!

Can’t you see how funny it is because it’s apparently allegedly hilarious!

Or maybe it’s just a mediocre book that people feel a weird need to justify….

U-Decide!

Yeah, I think Grant's "It's a farce" is the more accurate description of the book than "parody."

I thought the bit with Batman having Robin paint the room and themselves to mess with Green Lantern was a funny piece of farce.

Doesn't mean the comic is GOOD, though, of course.

Ummm… he had to be TOLD not to do that? How heroic.

That would be a nice counterpoint if the argument was, "Man, All Star Batman sure is heroic!"

But no one is arguing that, right? Heck, in this very issue, Batman SAYS he is a criminal.

I'm assuming it's because of the lack of females.

Whatever his motivation is it's still farce.

"If you can’t enjoy Batman taunting Hal Jordan with a pitcher of Lemonade, then your life is sad and lonely."

on the front cover though.

Actually, one of the funniest things about this issue was the "next issue" blurb at the back of the *previous* issue, where they called Hal Jordan the "Emerald Imbecile". When was the last time a main player at DC was insulted like that in a "coming next month" blurb?

Even the back page gets in on the act in this thing!