For those looking for an ending to one of the most contentious Batman stories ever created, even an iconic writer couldn’t salvage it. All-Star Batman and Robin remains one of the most controversial stories ever to feature the Dark Knight and it was this close to being wrapped up by a surprising writer.
During an interview with ComicPop Returns on YouTube, Tom King spoke with host Sal Crivelli to discuss his then-recent work with DC Comics such as Rorschach and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. King touched on several subjects, from his relationships with the artists of his stories to his influences as a writer.
Towards the end of the interview, the two discuss Frank Miller and Jim Lee’s work on All-Star Batman and Robin. King dances around the subject, but he does mention that at one point, he was hired to write four issues to wrap up the controversial Batman story.
Tom King Nearly Finished All-Star Batman and Robin
It’s Probably Best Those Issues Never Came Out
Long before the days of the Absolute Universe or DC Comics’ Earth-One imprint, the publisher attempted to pump new life into its heroes with a bold new direction and branding. Much like the Ultimate line under Marvel Comics, the All-Star imprint was meant to modernize DC Comics’ best heroes for a new generation and audience. However, despite multiple titles being announced, only two series ever saw the light of day, All-Star Superman and All-Star Batman & Robin, the Boy Wonder. Unfortunately, the new Batman series proved to be an extremely controversial take on the Caped Crusader.
Whether it was because of its portrayal of female characters or Batman’s surprising language towards Robin (not to mention Bruce’s harsh treatment of his sidekick), the series was plagued by controversy and was vehemently disliked by readers. Over three years, ten issues of the series were published, and while there were plans for Miller and Lee to reboot and finish the series, they never materialized and the All-Star imprint was ultimately shuttered. While the idea of Tom King finishing the series is intriguing, it’s probably for the best that they were never finished.
All-Star Batman and Robin is Best Left Where it Was
Focus on Batman’s Future, Not His Past
Tom King is no stranger to Batman, having written the main DC title during the “Rebirth” era. And even though he’s had some disputed moments that fans have not liked (namely killing Alfred Pennyworth), he’s still a top talent and delivers solid work. But would he have been able to give such a controversial story a satisfying ending? It’s a big ask, even for a lauded writer like King. Given how toxic the comic still is to this day, it’s best that King focused on his own work rather than try to salvage such a wild Batman story.
Source: YouTube
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
