I didnt find another thread on this so here it goes:

Since the chronically late series debut some 2 years ago, Fans and Critics alike have universally panned it.

Miller's new take on the Batman was just so far from what anyone was used to seeing (but oh so typical for his Sin City Style).

I hated the book, even while giving Miller the Benefit of the doubt. He had to have something up his sleeve.
I eventually dropped the book - not due to the quality, but rather due to the schedule.

And now the TPB is out for #'s 1-8...

The folks over at AICN seem to think its worth saving, and that Miller DOES in fact have something in store for us... Is it?
At this pace is it even worth waiting for?

AICN Linky

People may say they don't like it, but each issue sells higher than average volumes despite the delays. I don't think there will be any major changes.

I wasn't really addressing sales perse.
More of the perceived artistic intent, the value of that approach etc.

But of course its due to the incredible popularity and the reputations of the creators that such a question even comes up.
(creator(s) - Ha! - Jim Lee's work in this book is very nice, but you have to figure hes in cahoots with Miller somehow right?)

But if the book is what AICN suggests - that is - a compendium piece to Miller's own off-cannon view of the Batman - it also makes you wonder how/why DC would agree to such a project in what should be a "beginners" look at the batman.

I also still cant understand how (no matter how famous they are) these guys get away with such a sloppy schedule. 8 regular sized issues in 2 years is pathetic. And it cant possibly be making anyone any money. (Least of all the publisher)

What do you mean it can't be making money? When it comes out, it sells extremely well. The creators get paid for page/script turned in, not hourly, so they get paid the same per book whether they hit the schedule or not. True, DC would make *more* if they got it out 12 times a year, but only if was still as good.

Between this, Ultimates 2, and various other titles shipping late and not losing readers, the publishers aren't going to change anything. You've got the right idea by dropping it, because voting with your wallet is the best way to be heard. Unfortunately, most everyone else is voting the other way.

I wasn't trying to make this thread a Vote either way. I only dropped it because of the eratic schedule. I'd much rather read the TPBs.

But my point about making money is - lets say Jim Lee makes $500/page, times 10 pages (for sake of argument). Well thats an awesome $5-Thousand Dollars.

But after two years, hes actually making less than $2000 per year, after taxes, materials, managers etc. and $2000/year isn't going to pay the bills.

That can be extrapolated out to the company. They dont make money by making ONE FANTASTIC thing they make their money by making many good-enough things over and over again.

I was just really impressed by points in the article and was thinking/hoping that my original suspicions were going to pay off.

I agree that the schedule for All Star Batman is wonky as hell, but money ain't the issue for Miller an Lee as they've obviously have other projects out. Maybe if this title were the only thing the two had time to work on it would be different. I can't imagine that Lee would be in cahoots, because if you look at his career (and I've followed his work since Uncanny #248) I don't remember him being this tardy with his books. Still its a shame for the fans to not know when its coming out. And you know what though, I still don't get that upset, most comic shops (here in Atlanta anyway) have a subscription service and I haven't missed an issue yet. I'm enjoying the series but I'm starting to wonder...there are four issues left and Robin's just now getting a costume. The pacing seems a little slow (or maybe its that each issue comes out every 4 months LMAO!)

I think they should just rename this book "Frank Miller Hated the F'ing DC Universe Except For His Version of Batman."

After reading that bit on AICN, I have to say that it basically sums up where I thought those books were heading after reading the first two issues.


Of course, I have to throw in a complaint about the distribution, which has been so wonky, I've ended up missing the last couple of issues. And unfortunately for me, most of the comic book stores around here don't ever seem to order enough books, bother to reorder those that do sell out fast, or keep back issues anymore - they're just not profitable enough (most of these stores make more money selling collectibles, cards and game crap).

personally, i bust out laughing when i saw Bats and GL in a yellow house

Thank God I'm not the only one.

Batman: That Yellow Bastard