Review of
Superman/Batman
Volume 1, by Jeph Loeb et. al. ISBN 9781401248185
Five out of five stars
There is no
doubt in the mind of any fan of comic books that Batman and Superman are the
two superstars of the DC Comics line. They are two different personalities, yet
both have a strong sense of decency and a desire to make the world better. In
this set of continuing, yet largely distinct stories, we see inside their
psyches while they face off against powerful adversaries.
An unusual and
very effective technique is used in the stories. Secondary segments of dialog
that are coded blue for Batman and yellow for Superman are included in the
captions. Their innermost thoughts regarding the current situation are
expressed there and the reader is exposed to some depth within their
personalities.
In the opening
story, Lex Luthor is the elected president of the United States and a large
asteroid made of kryptonite is headed for Earth. It is being drawn to Superman
and since his hatred is consuming, Luthor declares Superman and his ally Batman
to be criminals to be captured. A bounty of one billion dollars is being
offered for the delivery of Superman to federal authorities. Since this is a
task that only those with superpowers could possibly carry out, it brings out
the villains with superpowers as well as the heroes that have been ordered to
capture Superman. It creates a rift among the members of the JLA.
There is a
strong supporting role for Wonder Woman in the stories after Supergirl arrives
on Earth. With no understanding of Earth and the human cultures, Supergirl must
be educated in the ways of the planet and there are some things that Kal-El has
difficulty in dealing with. He takes on the role of an older, protective male
when he should allow Kara Zor-El to make her own decisions.
This is
simultaneously the most logical as well as the most illogical team-up of heroes
in the DC line. The difference in their level of powers is substantial with
that of their personalities matching. Yet, they also complement each other very
well, Batman trusts no one while Superman is inclined to be too optimistic
regarding human behavior. The combination makes for an excellent set of
stories.
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