Jason is an award-winning journalist whose writing career dates back to when he developed the ability to use a crayon. He, most notably, worked previously as a "professional fan," as he likes to call it, at CinemaBlend, for which he wrote about anything and everything under the pop culture umbrella... especially Batman. His passion for the art of cinema began even earlier, stemming from repeat viewings of The Wizard of Oz.
This initially led him to pursue a career in filmmaking -- and even work briefly in the industry as an extra in the straight-to-video family film, Alice Upside Down -- before deciding that his talents would be better served discussing and showing appreciation for the various forms of entertainment he is passionate about.
Not every comic book series has had the privilege of reaching its finish line. There are even some writers who never got to complete a storyline that they were assigned to. Just ask Tom King about one of his earliest experiences writing for Batman.
Tom King was brought on to bring All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder to a close before the series was canceled. The acclaimed writer briefly dishes on the experience when speaking to John Siuntres on Word Balloon Comics Podcast.
Very early in my career, [DC Comics] had hired me for all of one day to finish [All-Star Batman & Robin, the Boy Wonder]… Both Frank [Miller] and Jim [Lee], who are both friends of mine, would agree that that is a crazy series. If you read it, it is a roller coaster ride.
All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder is a series initially written by the legendary Frank Miller and featuring artwork by the equally renowned Jim Lee, who now serves as the president of DC Comics. It is yet another reimagining of Bruce Wayne's earlier years, waging war on crime in Gotham City and the beginning of his alliance with Dick Grayson.
The series was published under DC's All-Star imprint sporadically between 2005 and 2008, and the highly anticipated first issue proved to be the bestselling comic for the latter year. However, as Tom King also recalls in his interview for Word Balloon, All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder was meant to last a total of 12 issues, but never made it past the first 10.
The writer, whose acclaimed graphic novel, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, with artwork by Bilquis Evely, serves as the basis for the upcoming 2026 film, Supergirl, was recruited to finish the series for DC before it was put on indefinite delay, based on his testimony. However, he never elaborates on the experience any further, instead transitioning to a discussion about collaborating with Lee on his upcoming Superman/Spider-Man project.
However, King does talk about bringing up the series to Lanterns' star Kyle Chandler after the actor, who stars as Hal Jordan opposite Aaron Pierre's John Stewart on the upcoming DC Universe TV show, mentioned the Green Lantern Corps' vulnerability to the color yellow. The writer then told him about a moment from All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder when The Dark Knight paints an entire room, and even his costume, the color of the sun, and sips on lemonade to intimidate Jordan, which caused the Friday Night Lights actor to burst out laughing.
All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder Is Not Remembered Fondly
Image via DC Comics
With revered talents like Frank Miller and Jim Lee behind the wheel, it may seem shocking to the unfamiliar that All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder was prematurely canceled. However, to those who have read the comic, the reason is perfectly clear.
Many comic book fans believe that All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder is the worst Batman story of all time. This is not even a mere retrospective opinion, as the book was met with a negative critical reception upon its initial release, despite its first issue's financial success, only for the reviews to worsen with each follow-up.
So, what went wrong for the mastermind behind classic Batman comics like Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One from 1986? Well, while those graphic novels are beloved for the way Miller redefines the character, audiences feel that he goes too far with his depiction of the Caped Crusader in this series.
Most notably, Bruce Wayne is an abrasive, abusive, and aggressively violent vigilante who repeatedly uses "I'm the goddamn Batman" as an excuse for his irredeemable behavior. His worst sin involves how he comes to join forces with young Dick Grayson as Robin. Instead of kindly taking him in after his parents' death, Bats kidnaps the child and forces him to be his ally.
Sounds like King may have dodged a bullet by only lasting a day for his All-Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder tenure. Then again, one can only imagine how the story could have improved with his involvement.
Superman/Spider-Man #1 is set to hit the shelves on March 25, 2026.
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