Review:
The three stories in this collection are a fun and fitting end to the two and a half year run of this entertaining and at times excellent team-up series. Since its start, Batman / Superman has explored the relationship between Batman and Superman, and their mutual respect and trust, despite vast differences in personality, approach, powers and abilities.
The first story, by Tom Taylor, takes place in space. The murder of a giant lizard-based interstellar explorer leads Superman into Scorch Space on a rescue mission. But as Lobo hunts Batman, the world's greatest detective discovers not all is as it appears. You will never look at a banana muffin the same way again! And with some clever sleight of hand and a beautiful death scene at the end, it is a strong story filled with layers of characterizations and developments. Robson Rocha's art helps carry the narrative, and gets stronger as the pages go by.
Next is a slice of the "Final Days of Superman" story arc. The whole story crossed 4 titles and 8 issues, only 2 of which are in this set. This taste of the whole is fairly well integrated, with "our story so far" capsules and directions to the next chapters. These are not small things, but are vital to readers who wish to see the complete tale, and it is surprising how often they are omitted in TPB collections that touch cross-overs. In the Final Days, Superman faces his mortality, with both courage and dignity. I especially love Peter J Tomasi and artist Doug Mahnke's classy depictions of Batman's grief at the news.
After the intenseness of the middle tale, the final arc is candy, but it sure tastes great and is loads of fun. In a hideout bar for super-villains, a group of Batman's Rogues bet with a group of Superman's on which hero is harder to defeat. How else to settle the bet, but to swap enemies! Four Batman villains - Bane, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy and Clayface - go after Superman while four of his - Atomic Skull, Livewire, Bizarro and Major Disaster - face off with Batman. The groups predictably turn on each other when it ends in a draw. Frank Tieri's tone is light and fun throughout. Alex Konat's drawings are compelling. A highlight is the superb middle battle section, with Konat taking the odd pages (the attacks on Superman) and Elia Bonetti the evens (the attacks on Batman).
Overall this is a delightful, fun read. An ending like this leaves this reader wishing that the team-up series had continued. 4 capes.
Description:
Superman is facing his end. The Final Days of Superman are here. Batman and Superman are working to prepare the world for the loss of the Last Son of Krypton, but nothing will truly prepare the planet for what is to come. The superheroes will find friends and foes as they traverse Earth in a desperate last attempt to save Superman
Collects: Batman / Superman #28-34 and Batman / Superman ANNUAL #3
Authors: Tom Taylor (28,29,30), Peter J. Tomasi (31, 32), Frank Tieri (33, 34, Annual)
Artists: Robson Rocha (28,29,30), Doug Mahnke (31, 32), Alex Konat (33, 34, Annual)
Published By: DC Comics
Published When: Aug. 22 2017
Parental Rating: Teen
ISBN: 9781401271565
Pages: 200 pages
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