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Volume 1
By Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee and Scott Williams (DC Comics)
ISBN: 1-84023-718-X
 
Volume 2
By Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee and Scott Williams (DC Comics)
ISBN: 1-84023-738-4
These are collections of the multi-part, mega-epic that ran in Batman #608-619. The plot is pretty negligible, as a mysterious foe assembles all the Dark Knight’s arch-enemies to have another pop at him, and despite only introducing one new character, dares us all to guess who the mastermind can possibly be.
Overblown, over-hyped and histrionic, it’s the perfect equivalent to the mindless, summer-movie blockbuster, technically and visually attractive but with no real meat on its bones. Such a disappointment considering the quality that all the creators are capable of producing.
Still, this is the shallow stuff that modern dreams seem made of and absolutely reeks of glitter, angst and testosterone in equal measure. Flashy and, I’m sure, a secret, guilty pleasure for many, I can only hope that as often happens, what succeeding creators do with the aftermath will make all the fuss eventual worthwhile and sensible.
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