All Star Batman, Vol. 1: My Own Worst Enemy

Not to be confused with the infamous Frank Miller and Jim Lee project, this new series from Snyder (Batman, American Vampire) showcases different all-star artists and a new direction for both the Dark Knight and the duplicitous Two-Face. Romita (Kickass) partners with Snyder in the title story, taking Batman on a violent B-movie-esque road trip to cure Harvey Dent of his psychosis. It’s a much better fit for Romita than his previous stint drawing Superman–his sketchy lines combined with White’s vivid, occasionally dreamlike colors make for bright yet gritty visuals. Snyder has the most fun of anyone, though, allowing Batman to finally make jokes again. Despite a cameo-crowded nonlinear narrative, his story never becomes tangled or impenetrable. A backup story, “The Cursed Wheel,” with art by Moon Knight’s Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire, is a quieter, more precise detective tale that contrasts with the main story both thematically and visually. As Batman collections go, this has it all. (Apr.)