Superman and Batman. One is a modern god, as visible to the public as the sun, who inspires and leads with his example of protecting the innocent and believing even Lex Luthor has some good in him. Another strikes fear in the superstitious and cowardly criminals from the shadows, using the darkness as a weapon, a man who became a legend. Both are heroes. What happens when you put these two, seemingly opposite, superheroes together? Well that’s what this book aims to answer, see how it does with your Major Spoilers review!
SUMMARY
Pros
Greg Pak has a great understanding of the characters and offers interesting plot hooks. Jae Lee’s art is incredible (if you are into that sort of thing).
Cons
Jae Lee draws odd faces.
READER RATING!
[ratings]
Batman/Superman #1
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Jae Lee
Cover Artist: Jae Lee, Kenneth Rocafort, Guillem March
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
IT’S SUPER, MAN
This issue tells the story of the first meeting of Superman and Batman, the usual fighting that happens between two heroes when they first meet, and then throws in some other twists and turns that will not be spoiled. While this meeting and fighting of heroes may seem a bit cliche, but Greg Pak understands Superman and Batman so well that it seems fresh. The book switches perspectives between Superman and Batman, feeding the reader their respective inner monologues as the events unfold. The result is a beautiful exploration of the character’s psyches that has the potential to make for some very poignant moments down the line. This convention also manages to make the idea of two heroes fighting upon first meeting seem completely natural, when other times it seems rather forced. The almost jarring story surprises at the end of the issue pique my interest in the best kind of way and have me imagining the plethora of possibilities for where the series can go.
THE BETTER LEE
Jae Lee’s art is a unique mix of gothic stylings with softer colors. I personally love it, and if you like his style then you will be pleased to know he is at the top of his game throughout the entire book. There are some wonderful designs for robots and bat-gadgets that really separate this title from the rest of what DC is putting out. Lee also has a really good sense of how to use negative space and simplistic shapes both to communicate what is happening and in his page layouts, and the result is gorgeous. The only problem is that Lee’s facial expressions are a bit odd, in a bad way, and that really stands out against the quality of everything else.
BOTTOM LINE: WHY AREN’T YOU PICKING THIS UP?
This is easily the best thing DC is putting out right now. If it continues down this path then it could easily end up on a number of “must read” lists once its collected. Do yourself a favor and read this issue.
2 Comments
One of the things I always dreaded back in the 60s was when Batman and Superman teamed up in a comic. The two never seemed to mesh properly: Batman was completely out of place in a sci-fi setting, and Superman didn’t fit in Batman’s world either. The problem was clearly demonstrated, decades later, in Miller’s “The Dark Night Returns” when Bats is working his way down the food chain, as it were, and Supes cheerfully and stupidly blunders in just as the perp was about to spill the beans. Bats growls “You’ve cost me hours!”
So I was pleasantly surprised when the perfect bound Batman/Superman graphic novels turned out to be so darned good! And it sounds like this series is going to be just as good! I am going to see if I can find this on Amazon…
Miller was quite the water-splitter when it comes to Superman and Batman, no doubt.