Clever, cunning, thought-provoking... not necessarily words you'd expect to apply to a black and white Batman comic, but Batman Black & White #1 is a great return for the series with a lot of bang-for-your-buck action and storytelling ideas. Each story is gorgeously rendered, maximizing the dark shadows and flashes of light that bring so much drama to Batman, aided by clever ideas found in all five of its stories. Batman Black & White is no ordinary comic book. Read Full Review

Each one of Batman: Black and White #1's stories is a complete and fulfilling tale. It works perfectly as a taster selection of superhero comic books for the ever-elusive new reader, as well as offering something new and fresh to those who read Batman every 2 weeks. Everyone's favorite will be different, and that's the beauty of it. This is an anthology done right. Read Full Review

Batman: Black & White #1 is a hell of a start to the series. It had me lingering on pages in awe of what was before me and wanting more. It shows off some amazing art and will have you longing for more of this and fewer boxes on the page. This is a fantastic issue for Batman fans and fans of beautiful art. It also creates a high bar for future issues to reach. Read Full Review

No matter what style of Batman you like,Batman Black & White #1 will have something for you (and then some). Read Full Review

Overall, a very strong first issue that feels more like an art showcase than a traditional anthology at points. Read Full Review

When all is said and done, Batman Black and White #1is a strong anthology book for anyone looking for a set of varied takes on the Dark Knight. Featuring strong performances from some industry powerhouses, the book is sure to have something for everyone. Read Full Review

Batman: Black and White #1 ruminates on Bruce Wayne in a multifaceted, compelling, and surprisingly fun to read fashion, all while providing plenty of bang for your buck when compared to the average 22-page superhero comic. Read Full Review

Batman: Black & White is a fun exploration into the world of Batman as depicted by a range of creators. It gives us a glimpse in how different creators would approach Batman " often in ways that we would never see elsewhere. The art is definitely the standout here, and the scripts are equally as strong. No matter your take on Batman, there's something here for you. So, if you're at your shop today, go ahead and pick it up. This book is well worth your time and money. Read Full Review

Other stories include “Demon Fist” which focuses on a single member of the League of Assassins hoping to land one punch on Batman, “Weight” gives us snapshots across Batman's timeline while focusing on the weight of his childhood vow, the Batcave becomes infested with Ninja Man-Bats in “First Flight,” and Emma Rios offers a dreamy tale of the external struggle of Batman. Read Full Review

Though top-flight talent is on display, with one exception, each story offers very little to this Batman fan that will stick. Read Full Review

The best of the bunch was Tynion IV and Trad Moore's story. Taking a look at Batman as a living myth from a henchman's perspective isn't entirely new, but it was executed well here and the layouts were great.

Williams was basically a PSA. Not much to say about it.

Dini's was just okay, and I say that as a Dini fan.

Emma Rios' story was beautiful visually, but left a bit to be desired otherwise. Probably the weakest of the bunch.

G. Willow Wilson's was fine.

Lately Batman related Anthologies have been poor, but like the original mini-series that will celebrate its 25th anniversary this Summer, this has some good stuff and some lesser ones. It all depends whether the writer is any good or not. As usual, some are worth it, some, not so much. I figure to review this book I should review each story.
The Demon's fist: 7
Unnamed J.H. Williams story: 5
First flight: 6
Sisyphus: 2
Metamorphosis: 8

Anthologies aren't really my thing.

The Demon's Fist by James Tynion IV and Tradd Moore:
This was a cute story. It was simple and fun. Clearly just a vehicle for Tradd Moore to do his thing. I like Tradd Moore's art more in color, but there were still some really cool images.

Weight by J.H. Williams III:
This is just a mask PSA, and while that may be a bit preachy, fuck it. It can't hurt. Maybe a few idiots will be convinced to care about their own health and the health of those around them if Batman says it's a good idea. It may help that the art in this story is incredible. Maybe the best of the issue.

First Flight by Paul Dini and Andy Kubert:
This was fine. The writing and art were... Fine. This seems like the most standard story so far. I don't think Andy Kubert's art works particularly well in black and white, which is a shame.

Sisyphus by Emma Rios:
This is probably my favorite story. I like the way it's written and the art is spectacular. In fact, I think it takes the most advantage of the format than any other story here.

Metamorphosis by G. Willow Wilson and Greg Smallwood:
The writing here wasn't the best. It was fine. But Greg Smallwood, as always, kills it on the art. I wish he was given more dynamic things to draw, but even still, I really enjoyed his art.

Overall, this was a shockingly enjoyable anthology. Some of the art here is crazy good. If they took out the Paul Dini story, and maybe spiced up the James Tynion IV and G. Willow Wilson stories, this would be a great anthology. The two standouts ended up being the stories written and drawn by one person. more

I liked some of these.

J.H. Williams's art was glorious.