Review:
Superman and Batman are far and away the most famous, storied and central characters of the DC Universe. No one else is close. Some may group Wonder Woman into a heroic holy trinity, but the volume of stories, significant characters and spinoffs from the Batman and Superman titles sets them apart.
The strength of this series is how rooted it is in the relationship of trust, understanding, respect and camaraderie between Batman and Superman. Whereas the similarly-named series "Batman/Superman" focuses on their teamwork, their working relationship, here it is their friendship, their shared history that takes center stage. It's the atmosphere these stories breathe.
The first storyline in volume 4, 'Torment' sees the lengths to which Batman will go to break Superman from Desaad's mind control, Scarecrow's influence and Darkseid's schemes. But Batman faces his own torment, with an irresistible sexual attraction to his fellow-rescuer, Orion's wife Bekka.
Author Alan Burnett conveys the different degrees f their torments with both power and subtlety. Artist Dustin Nguyen handles the many demands of this series with aplomb, fearlessly including the nudity of Bruce Wayne and Bekka, with exquisite skill and discretion. There is a sameness to the women's faces in his work, but with so few women in the tale it does not distract.
'K' is the other major storyline in this volume, by Michael Green and penciled byShane Davis. Batman and Superman choose to make the world safe for Superman by ridding the planet of the large amount of Kryptonite. Again, their mutual trust, the yin and yang of their philosophies and approaches are central themes throughout. This six-episode story arc still felt too rushed, like it needed another 3 to 6 issues to avoid moving so glibly through the battles, especially with Aquaman, Lexcorp, and to a lesser extent with Amanda Waller and her mutated All-American Boy.
And do not miss Toyman's lustful date with Power Girl, a real treat of a highlight!
Description:
HIS DEADLIEST WEAKNESS. HIS MIGHTIEST ENEMY. HIS DARKEST HOUR…
He’s faster than a bolt of lightning. He can stop a missile with two fingers. He can mold titanium between his molars like gum. But there is one substance that can tear Superman apart from the inside out. And there is one being whose power makes him look like a mere mortal in the clutches of an angry god.
The weapon is Kryptonite. The enemy is Darkseid. And unless he can find a way to fight them both, the Man of Steel is doomed!
In this incredible collection starring the most iconic superheroes in comics, the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight face two of their greatest challenges. “The Search for Kryptonite” sees Superman and Batman scouring the planet to rid the world of Kryptonite, the one weapon that can kill the Last Son of Krypton. And in “Torment,” the two heroes face the fight of their lives against the God of Apokolips and his sadistic disciple Desaad.
A trio of TV’s best superhero writers—Michael Green Mike Johnson (HEROES) and Alan Burnett (the BATMAN BEYOND animated series)—joins artists Shane Davis (SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE VOL. 1 & 2) and DUSTIN NGUYEN (BATMAN: L’IL GOTHAM) in this collection of SUPERMAN/BATMAN #37-49 and SUPERMAN/BATMAN ANNUAL #2. It’s the World’s Finest Heroes at their best!
Collects: SUPERMAN/BATMAN #37-49 and SUPERMAN/BATMAN ANNUAL #2
Authors: Alan Burnett, Michael Green, Mike Johnson
Artists: Shane Davis, Dustin Nguyen
Published By: DC Comics
Published When: Sept. 6 2016
Parental Rating: Teen
ISBN: 978-1401263850
Pages: 352 pages
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