The official SUPERMAN/BATMAN discussion thread

[Binker]

Just like the my JUSTICE (which no one has went to for a while!) I decided to do a review topic on Superman/Batman, another one of my favorite titles.

To start off, I decided to review the first three arcs as a whole before going on its current arc; With a Vengeance. On that arc though, since its last issues for be released this month, I think I'll review that arc the same as the others.

Arc 1: PUBLIC ENEMIES

The World's Finest, we all that name. No, not the website. I'm talking about THE World's Finest: Superman and Batman. Before the new title, we saw either their team ups in either the Batman books, the Superman's, JLA, or etc (since theres alot). Now, the great Jeph Loeb gives us a title that has that team up in goo stories. Simply titled Superman/Batman.

The first pages tell it all:

"The dream always begins the same. My parents... Jor-El and Lara put me in the rocket as the planet Krypton breaks apart."

"The nightmare always begins the same. My parents... Thomas and Martha Wayne take my hands as we leave the theatre."

"I can only imagine how difficult it was for them sending their only son into outer space... as their world died around them."

"I can only imagine the fear that gripped them when the gunman stepped out of the shadows... never knowing that these were their last moments alive."

This explains how light Superman is and dark Batman is. By comparsion, I can't even think of them being friends Pre-Crisis 1986. It feels better here with them seeing the other as an ally and trust each other while not really agreeing with their actions.

One of the good things about this book, if not the whole series, is that this doesn't focus just on Superman & Batman. Here, we're given the JLA, JSA, and Outsiders with Robin and Batgirl joining. And a new Toyman, ally mind you and his...well you would have to see it. If you never got JLA, like me, this is your replacemnt 'til Vol. 3 launches. And like HUSH, this is important since Luthor says "there will be....a CRISIS!"

Now, the bad: theres good action moments but this leads to character development is at a minimum. If you haven't been getting Superman, you may be at a lost by the previous Supergirl. Since she's only featured here and never again. Your choice is either

a ) Ignore it.

b ) Get SUPERMAN: THE 10 CENT ADVENTURE #1, SUPERMAN VOL. 2 #190, & SUPERMAN VOL. 2 #200 to have the beginning and end to THAT Supergirl.

c ) Or...since Power Girl doesn't appear once this Supergirl does. Put in you brain and pretend that THAT Supergirl is actually Power Girl with a costume change because she wanted to change.

There are others but the main one: in the infinite expanses of space this asteroid just so happens to be on course to hit the earth? Drawn by Superman. Let me say this: this is better resolved in the nexr arc: Supergirl of Krypton. So you need both.

Overall, this was a great read or readers who haven't gotten, at all or in the long time, or ones who have gotten in their lives: Superman and Batman.

Rating: 8/10

Arc 2: SUPERGIRL

The previous arc on the asteriod continues and is resolved here with the appearence of Kara Zor-El, Supergirl. And a fight of sorts between Superman and Batman. Supes thinks she's the real deal, Bats however says she could be an impostor and they should be careful. And he's right, why did Superman let her in the Fortress when he waited a long time to do the same to Superboy.

How Superman feels is directly due to the fact that in this book, he explains why he's alone. Once Supergirl appears, he goes out of his way to bring her in, literally. And he's not gonna let Krypto (the dog is here) keep on barking at her, Batman saying she may not who she is, Wonder Woman (yes, SHE's in here too) just kidnap her and take her to the amazons, and Darkseid lay a finger on her.

Now thats cool.

Since the reboot, the rule was Superman was the ONLY survivor of his planet. Superboy appeared but was a clone. Many Post-Crisis Supergirls appeared too each with differernt origins. And Krypto appeared in his 2000 appearecne created from a Krypton trap to lure SUperman, the sog followed him home after.

With this Supergirl, I thought they were braking their own rules set in 1986. I guess her being the second and only second survivor was fine when she appeared. And she was cool so I had no beef as no one else did. (Her current Supergirl series does explain her more complete detailed origin but I'll review that as a special on a later date)

Wonder Woman, Big Barda and the whole DC superheroes and teams appear in this arc as since this series gives us more characters than just the World's Finest. Wonder Woman and Big Barda are the important ones too as they are important to the plot of the story. At first, I thought WW was a little evil at the Supergirl kidnap, like Batman. I didn't like it at first, nor them. But when I realized that they were helping her since she was inexperienced I cleared that up.

Oh, the art. This is Michael Turner. When he does women, you go geeky. K? k.

Overall; while I did not explain any bad parts because...I couldn't find any, this gives you another good story and should be bought along with Public Enemies.

RATING: 8.9/10

Arc 3: ABSOLUTE POWER

When you talk about Superman or Batman, or even both, you have to talk about their origins. They're widley known by all. This story firasts bring you that. We see the familar elements of the Kents seeing Kal-El and the murder of the Wayne parents. But then, something bad happens: the Kents get killed and so does the murderer of Bruce Wayne's parents. The people take the baby and 8-year old child to their care. Now, Superman/Batman are the world's mightiest rulers with an iron fist.

This breaks away from the other two arcs as they are about the current continunity. This is parellel universes and what-ifs. And what I said, that ain't it. Theres more universes with differenr settings/actions, etc. It was cool and interesting on these what-ifs, even what would happen if Batman got the killer and save the parents of his.

Uncle Sam, Wonder Woman once more, the resurrected JLA, and Selina Kyle (I like what she was wearing) appear in this. Including the return of Kingdom Come Superman after his apperence in Public Enemies. Including a cameo of the Legion of Superheroes and their villians.

I don't wanna spoil but I have to say this: when Batman stopped the killer and saved his parents' lives which caused a great reaction (of course) and the world would end up being ruled by Ra's Al Ghul. When you think about it, and the great possibilites if Krypton never exploded. Are these tragidies really tragidies? I quote Batman in War on Crime "...my parents deaths were the best thing to ever happen to me..." BEST THING. With what these heroes face, and we face and the endless possibilites of both, are these bad stuff actually great?

I don't know.

Before I go, here's some bad points: the climax was fine by me and others see it as weak and not fully explained. Why were Batman and Superman bouncing around from alternative reality to alternative reality every time, and why were they being attacked by a bunch of DC's western hero's like Jonah Hex and Scalp Hunter in alternate Gotham? I'll leave that to you. Doesn't mean you can't get the book.

Overall; this was another exciting arc of Superman/Batman.

RATING: 8/10

Coming soon: the regular issues and the entire fourth recent arc.

[Binker]

#7:

Part of the good things from this series is that Superman/Batman isn't just about them. More DC characters come in and interact with them. They are important as the big two like the plots are.

In the case of this issue, we have another World's Finest team but still from the Superman and Batman families: Superboy & Robin. As teenagers, and in their Teen Titans book, they have problems teens face. But because they are teenagers, they think and act in ways that adults like their mentors can't. Which makes them different. For instance; Superboy & Robin are best buddies. You know what I mean when you compare them to their mentors.

In this story, Superboy & Robin are aksed by their mentors to see if the new, friendly, Toyman wants to be part of Batman's team. When it seems like Toyman's answer is a "no", they soon have to fight Metallo and his mecha stoled by the Toyman.

Toyman was in the first arc "Public Enemies". This issue is sort of a sequel to Toyman's involvment in the first arc, not its main plot. Since Toyman is japanese, just like in the first arc, expect mechas like in animes in this.

This issue is a quickie and its average. I would recommend it since theres nothing really wrong with it. Its just a good Superboy/Robin story. But it isn't REALLY needed in the case of Public Enemies nor the Supergirl arc which started after this. I'm not good in saying about art. Its fine, it looks like they're in a fog. I don't what I meant from that. So sorry.

In case you ask; this isn't in the Public Enemies TPB or HC. You'll have to find the issue itself to read it.

RATING: 7/10

[XwolverineX]

Since th' Supergirl arc it sucked. I dropped it..

[Binker]

#19:

After #7, we were given another World's Finest in Superboy & Robin. This second stand alone issue features on the return of a old character in a new fashion in post-Crisis and was introduced in this series: Supergirl.

Story: Batman and Superman have been watching Supergirl, one still wondering about her and one isn't, but this isn't so undercover as they think as she already knows them spying on her. But she ain't pisted at them, she's pisted at the other person spying on her.

#7 was a sequel to Public Enemies, this time #19 is a prequel of sorts (maybe just a prequel) to the new Supergirl series. The new series connects itself to this issue and the #0 issue of course. For art; it was pretty good. At tiems I thought it was by Lee but of course it wasn't. On the art based on Lee, maybe.

In case you ask; similar to #7 not in the Public Enemies TPB or HC, this issue isn't on the TPB/HC on the Supergirl arc. And it won't be in the Supergirl TPB in June. You'll have to find the issue itself to read it.

RATING: 7.5/10

[BlackOpsTengu]

I'll be honest, Public Enemies and the Supergirl arcs of Superman/Batman got me back into reading comics.:up:

[Binker]

Thats good. Hey, whats better than two iconic superheroes in one book?

Once its done, I will review the "With the Vengenace" as a whole.

[Calendar Man]

SPOILER ALERT for #24:

The Joker kills Batzarro!

[Purple Man]

Just a few notes.

Superman/Batman #19 is the same comic as Supergirl #0

Jonah Hex and the rest of the Western characters were killing Superman and Batman because the president (Lex Luthor) wanted them dead.

Superman and Batman were bouncing around realities because of the human bombs explosion near the time (and likely reality hopping) machine.

The Legion of Adult Heroes were gathered infront of their Pre-Crisis headquarters.

Uncle Sam gets a Green Lantern ring.

Lightning Lord, Saturn Queen and Cosmic King are old Superboy (Clark Kent when he was a kid pre-crisis) villains.

Metallo may be the person who killed the Waynes. Batman stops his parents killer in Absolute Power, he should know who it was since he remembers just about everything that happend in these alternate realities.

In the latest story arc we get to see DCs version of the Ultimates (along with Wolverine and Spider-Man knockoffs)

Superman from Red Son and Batman from Batman Beyond are shown with Batzarro and Bizarro respectively.

'Batzarro: Worlds Worst Detective' Gotta love that.

Batwoman and Superwoman in issue 24. Also every Supergirl ever.

My favorite book on the stands.

[Mogwai]

I always look forward to this book. Good stuff.

[Ultimate_Superman]

I just wish this book wasn't so late I mean this issue is almost 3 months or more late.

[Green Lantern]

I just wish this book wasn't so late I mean this issue is almost 3 months or more late.See how well you can hold a deadline when your son dies. At least Loeb has an excuse unlike say... Hitch or Wheden

[hippie_hunter]

The first arc of Superman/Batman was great. And set off some important things to occur in the DC Universe, particularly the fall of Lex Luthor. Though I wonder why writers are ignoring the fact that Bruce Wayne is now the owner of LexCorp.

The second arc with Supergirl started off great but then some really stupid moments occured such as Batman being able to to defeat not only one Doomsday but numerous Doomsdays, Batman being able to survive an encounter of fighting Darkseid, and Superman being able to defeat Darkseid. Also Binker, Turner sucks drawing women. His art isn't as bad as people say, but his women are just horrible.

Superman/Batman started to really suck afterwards to the point where the was no reason to pick it up. The writing was bad, especially Absolute Power. There was no superstar artist to back him up like Jim Lee does for Frank Miller in the craptastic All-Star Batman and Robin: The Boy Wonder. Superman/Batman was once one of the most important books in the DC Universe but because of severe delays and crappy writing it was eventually ignored.

Also for a book called Superman/Batman, is there really a need to put in so many heroes, such as Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, the Freedom Fighters, and others, in the book. When I read a book called Superman/Batman, I want to read about Superman and Batman. Not Superman and Batman interacting with the Harbinger, Artemis, and Big Barda. I'll go and read John's Teen Titans, Winnick's Outsiders, Levitz's JSA, and Meltzer's Justice League of America, when I want read a book staring a large amount of heroes. All-Star Batman and Robin: The Boy Wonder suffers from this same problem.

In my opinion, Superman/Batman should get canceled for the new Brave and the Bold book that Mark Waid is doing with George Perez or simply change it into a Trinity book and include Wonder Woman in the adventures of Batman and Superman.

[Ultimate_Superman]

I do agree that it would be a better book if it was just and Superman/Batman/Wonder Woman and thats it.

[Purple Man]

Let me shoot a few holes through your argument.

Batman being able to take out a Doomsday clone?

Two things: It was an animate made by Dr.Bedlam so it wasn't an exact clone. And, Paradise Island axe, probably enchanted.

Carlos Pacheo may not be a "superstar" artist, but he can draw a hell of a comic. He did a great job on Green Lantern as well.

As I said before.

Great book.

[El Bastardo]

See how well you can hold a deadline when your son dies. At least Loeb has an excuse unlike say... Hitch or Wheden

I'd say Hitch's excuse is the final product. That said, I'm not trying to downplay Loeb's loss. I'm just saying.

[El Bastardo]

Also for a book called Superman/Batman, is there really a need to put in so many heroes, such as Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, the Freedom Fighters, and others, in the book. When I read a book called Superman/Batman, I want to read about Superman and Batman. Not Superman and Batman interacting with the Harbinger, Artemis, and Big Barda. I'll go and read John's Teen Titans, Winnick's Outsiders, Levitz's JSA, and Meltzer's Justice League of America, when I want read a book staring a large amount of heroes.

That's your choice and viewpoint, sure. But isn't saying that a book titled Superman/Batman shouldn't guest-star or use outside characters the same as saying that heroes should not have any contact with those not in the title of the book? Therefore, the Batman title should be retitled Batman & Robin if we want to have Robin in it.
And if the comic is titled The Outsiders, why should it star any character but those in The Outsiders? Heh.

The book is titled Superman/Batman. It is about and stars centrally Superman and Batman. Other characters just wind up along for the ride. It's become a fun book of adventures, probably DC's version of Marvel's Cable&Deadpool.

[hippie_hunter]

That's your choice and viewpoint, sure. But isn't saying that a book titled Superman/Batman shouldn't guest-star or use outside characters the same as saying that heroes should not have any contact with those not in the title of the book? Therefore, the Batman title should be retitled Batman & Robin if we want to have Robin in it.
And if the comic is titled The Outsiders, why should it star any character but those in The Outsiders? Heh.

The book is titled Superman/Batman. It is about and stars centrally Superman and Batman. Other characters just wind up along for the ride. It's become a fun book of adventures, probably DC's version of Marvel's Cable&Deadpool.

I'm not saying that they shouldn't have had guest stars, I'm saying that Superman/Batman went overboard with the guest stars. WAY OVERBOARD. That was about half the books focus, on guest stars.

[hippie_hunter]

Let me shoot a few holes through your argument.

Batman being able to take out a Doomsday clone?

Two things: It was an animate made by Dr.Bedlam so it wasn't an exact clone. And, Paradise Island axe, probably enchanted.
It's still f**king Doomsday, Batman should never be able to land any attack on Doomsday, with an enchated axe or not, even on a clone of Doomday.

Carlos Pacheo may not be a "superstar" artist, but he can draw a hell of a comic. He did a great job on Green Lantern as well.

As I said before.

Great book.
I'm not saying the art sucked. Pacheo is a good artist. In my opinion the book needed a superstar artist to make up for the delays, to make up for the crappy story telling, and it fell into obscurity in the continuity of the DC Universe.

[BlackOpsTengu]

"Batman should never be able to land any attack on Doomsday"

That's the stupidest most biased anti-Batman crap I've ever heard. BOOSTER GOLD was able to land hits on the REAL Doomsday, as were the SCU with firearms, CADMUS with their shock cannons and even Apache helicopter pilots with their missiles, and Batman can't on a Doomsday clone? Please, take the "BATMAN SHOLD NOT BE A SI A GOD!1!" stuff elsewhere.

[hippie_hunter]

"Batman should never be able to land any attack on Doomsday"

That's the stupidest most biased anti-Batman crap I've ever heard. BOOSTER GOLD was able to land hits on the REAL Doomsday, as were the SCU with firearms, CADMUS with their shock cannons and even Apache helicopter pilots with their missiles, and Batman can't on a Doomsday clone? Please, take the "BATMAN SHOLD NOT BE A SI A GOD!1!" stuff elsewhere.

And those attacks did nothing. There's a difference between a failed attack and a successful attack.

[BlackOpsTengu]

No, you said Batman should never be able to LAND a hit on Doomsday. Accuracy is different from effectiveness.

And Magic Uber +20% when HP ^50% Axe of Undead Doomsday Slaying > Retarded Doomsday Clone. The Amazonians had the weapons to take down the Clones, but not the skills without taking massive casualties. That's why Batman showing them how its done was so cool.

[Purple Man]

Batman with an axe was an amazing sight.

Those Doomsdays didn't have close the power or the mental prowess of the original.

Cloning Doomsday would probably be much harder than cloning a Kryptonian. And if you do manage to clone something similar, it would most likely be a watered down freak.

I can't wait until the Powergirl/Huntress issue.

[Arkady Rossovich]

Personally i liked the idea,but the comic was plagued with horrible shipping schedules.So i stoped reading after the Supergirl arc.What happened from there?

[Mee]

Have there been any previews for #26? I stopped picking up this series after Public Enemies but I want to check out #26 for all the great writers and artists. I was wondering how much, or if at all, Bats and Supes are actually in it. I know there's suposed to be a Superman for All Seasons story, but besides that is it all about Robin and Superboy?

[Purple Man]

There was one preview page shown that had Batman in it. I'm sure Superman will make an appearence as well.

[Binker]

...sorry for being so late...

Arc 3: WITH A VENGEANCE

One thing is common in the DCU is the concept of the multiverse. It hasn't been new then and now (even with Infinite Crisis). This idea is interesting to see an alternate version of a character(s) in a world similar to them and us. Consider this a tie-in of sorts to Infinite Crisis.

In an alternate universe, a superhero group called the Maximums fight their own villians until Superman and Batman come in and end up killing one of the Maximum's members before they escape. Now with revenge on their brains; the group goes out and finds the real Superman & Batman, who don't know why the group is fighting them, and are then being taken and hunted as they pass through every of any parallel world that has their own version of the World's Finest. Plus; who's pulling the springs?

Previously, the ABSOLUTE POWER arc didn't have anything to do with the continunity of the DCU. I thought it was the same here, until the end of it. That end leads this storyline to be some kind of foreshadowing of Infinite Crisis and the future in 52 and OYL and beyond. Even Darkseid asks about his role in it, which there isn't. And thats true.

The best things was the alternate World's Finestes. We had the communist President Superman from Superman: Red Sun, the Terry McGinnis/Batman from Batman Beyond (NOTE: the issues made a mistake of Tim being the Beyond Batman, TPB will correct that), female versions of Superman & Batman as Superwoman & Batwoman in a world where women are the dominating class insyead of men (didn't the show Sliders have that?), and we also have Bizarro and also a connection to Bizarro World we have a Batzarro.

Plus, there are elements from the Silver Age in this as well. Maybe because the multiverse was introduced in the Silver Age. For example: we have SUPERGIRLS. Every incarnation, even the modern one of course. One of them is the Supergirl from the Silver Age. The first one. Also, a returning character from Batman's campy, goofier days: this series also has Bat-Mite. Was I pleased to see him? Not really, he is a classic character I can give you that but I'am not fond by him. I'am glad that he doesn't last that much.

Those were the good points. Now here is where I explain my low, dislike/bad points: I know this was the last story Loeb was gonna do and add that with his son's death I don't really wanna give anything bad about it but I'am a reviewer so....I kinda have to. The low point was the ending. THE ONLY LOW POINT AT ALL. I was expecting bigger and it was in a way but not extended I should say. The whole thing was explained and why it happened also, I can give you that, had a little tiem-travel gimmick, but I thought maybe a few pages more of action would've worked. But nothing that meant this was bad overall.

Overall; this was another exciting arc of Superman/Batman. I hate to see Loeb go as he was the genius that started the series to a good start but there is a reason, and we can't fight that.

RATING: 8/10

Up next: Sam's Story.

[Fledermaus]

Did anybody else have two covers on their issue of S/B 27? Because I did.

[Ultimate_Superman]

I didn't thought I like how they paid respects to the Earth-2 Superman and Batman and its good to finally see Superman/Batman coming out on time again.

[lceman]

Did anybody else have two covers on their issue of S/B 27? Because I did.

2 Covers?? What were they. I only saw was this one with Huntress and Powergirl.
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/5199_400x600.jpg (javascript:void(0))

[WOLVERINE25TH]

This series is one twsiting confusing mind****. Should be retitled The Strange Adventures of Supes/Bats.

[Ultimate_Superman]

Not really the story was about Earth-2 Superman, Batman,Power Girl and Huntress (Batman and Catwoman's Daughter) The story is Power Girl remmbering hier days with them sort of like a Crisis tie-in you could say. But it is more like Power Girl not forgetting her past and how Earth-2 Superman will always be with her.

[Motown Marvel]

i f**king despise verheiden....he seriously is the new chuck austen.

[Purple Man]

Most definitly the worst issue of Superman/Batman since the Pat Lee issue.

[Binker]

On #26: It was too good of an issue but a sad oen to review. So its not something for me to rank, lets say.

On #27: I didn't get it because it wasn't what I wanted to see. So don't expect a review from me on the issue. Its skipped.

[regwec]

It was an amusing and refreshing varient on the exhausted mind swap/control theme, and its shoddy scripting can be excused in favour of good old fashioned villain-bashing.

A few things made it suffer- I've had enough of "alternate realities" for at least a decade, the artist made Huntress look like Madeleine Albright on occassion, and any story that ends in waking from a dream loses half its points.

[Fledermaus]

2 Covers?? What were they. I only saw was this one with Huntress and Powergirl.
http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/5199_400x600.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:void(0))

That's what mine was. But when you open up one cover, there is another cover behind it. It's the same cover. I was just wondering if I got lucky and got a mistake that made it out.

[lceman]

That's what mine was. But when you open up one cover, there is another cover behind it. It's the same cover. I was just wondering if I got lucky and got a mistake that made it out.

That happens sometimes. It is just a printing error but there is no real extra value to it.

[Spike_x1]

I'm holding out on buying this series again until #28 comes out. Then it'll have my full attention.

[Kal-El 8]

I won't deny it Superman/Batman #27 was a confussing issue.

However I think this issue is proof that The baby Selina kyle has in : OYL is in fact Bruce's baby girl Helena Wayne who will one day become Huntress . just like her adult version [from Earth II].

[Kal-El 8]

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/3952/056cg.jpg
lol

[Ultimate_Superman]

Its just good ol' Pre-Crisis stroy telling.

[Tropico]

I loved how "Huntress" (really Batman) kept staring at Power Girl's chest.:D:up:
The issue might have not been rocket science but it certainly delivered in the nostalgia department. A fun issue and self contained, a rarity in this day and age. I liked it.

[Purple Man]

I guess it wasn't that bad because it had more cleavage shots than any book with Superman and Batman I thought would be allowed to have.

The scheduling really hurt this issue though. If it came out before the current Supergirl arc it would have been enticing to see what Powergirl is doing in Kandor with Supergirl and wearing that weird ass armor with the names "Nightwing and Flamebird" but we're already two issues deep in the Supergirl story before this issue even came out.

Also it is not a dream like some may think. It's a repressed memory coming back to her.

[kiuju2k]

All i know is currently it sucks. Is this even in continuity anymore?

[Tropico]

Yes, it is. The fact that they show Supergirl and Power Girl in their Kandor alternate personas makes it obvious.

[TheCorpulent1]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/thecorpulent1/tropicowned.jpg

[Tropico]

:eek:

Don't'chu start troubles!!!:O

:D

[Darthphere]

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn!

[Ultimate_Superman]

All i know is currently it sucks. Is this even in continuity anymore?All their stories are in continuity its just that they come out so late its hard to tell what place it is in.

[kiuju2k]

I don't try to break my neck for this one. I'm on and off. All I could tell is that its pre-crisis.... I don't read much supergirl unless i'm at the shop and browsing. It still sucks btw.

[supes_el]

i'm glad next issue starts with a new arc...this was hard to read

[Anubis]

I enjoyed it. Love Silver age stories with a modern spin. Didn't even mind the dream thing. They could have just had PG telling Supergirl about one of her crazy adventures back when Earth 2 exsisted, which would have seemed less silly, but over all, I liked it. Versions of characters we are likely to never see again. It's good that they are remembered now.

[Darthphere]

Meh, im used to Superman/Batman's crazy ass stories, but this one was pretty good in comparison.

[Conundrum]

In which month does Pat Lee's arc begin?

[Mogwai]

How do you guys like verheiden & van sciver's first arc so far?

[kpjoon]

Batzarro should get his own comic book hahahah.
For some reason I really like him.

[regwec]

I liked the most recent issue- decent, solid storytelling without any Loeb-insanity.

[Anubis]

Yeah, I thought it was okay too. Wonder who they're fighting. Shapeshifter that can duplicate powers too. Composite Man?

[Hush]

It was rather interesting, but I do not like the artist cpae for Batman. Nitpick yes but its just that annoying.

[The Leaguer]

I was overjoyed when they accounted for the change made to J'onn's weakness in Trial by Fire.

[Darthphere]

I really liked #28. And yes im bumping old threads.

[Spike_x1]

Yeah, I thought it was okay too. Wonder who they're fighting. Shapeshifter that can duplicate powers too. Composite Man?The real Parasite? He fits that description.

I dunno. I skimmed through the book in the store, but I haven't fully read it yet.

[Knives122]

I really liked #28. And yes im bumping old threads.

Which one was 28, the Superboy/Robin one with Toyman?

[Green Lantern]

That was 26, 28 was the first issue of the new arc

[Magneto]

Issue 27 had one of the best covers so far. :)

[Darthphere]

Superman/Batman #28 LOL! A fairly normal issue by S/B standards as Verheiden and Van Sciver do a pretty good job playing it straight. It seems something is wrong in the DCu as villains once forgotten start showing up and Superman and Batman find the cause. A personal fan of Loeb's run (one of few) I liked the return to some normalcy and im looking forward to see what transpires in this run. 8/10,

[Bullseye]

I'm tempted on dropping Superman/Batman. I enjoyed S/B #27, so I decided to see what S/B #28 would do. Perhaps I give it a little more time.

I really wish Loeb didn't comit to Marvel. I enjoy Loeb's writing, but he should only write Kryptonians and The Batman.

[regwec]

I think that Loeb is past his use-by date.

[Darthphere]

Thats pretty harsh, considering hes not even on the book anymore.

[regwec]

But he's still alive. :)

[Darthphere]

Jeph Loeb wrote The Long Halloween, Daredevil Yellow, Spider-Man Blue, Hulk Grey, Batman Hush, SUperman for All Seasons, I can take a bad title here and there from him.

[regwec]

I also, but I shall still stamp on his testicles for each and every one.

[Bullseye]

Loeb's last story arc in Superman/Batman didn't appeal to me at all. McGuiness didn't help it either and I thought his art was a little off compared to his first run on Superman/Batman.

[Spike_x1]

I think that Loeb is past his use-by date.Indeed.Loeb's last story arc in Superman/Batman didn't appeal to me at all. McGuiness didn't help it either and I thought his art was a little off compared to his first run on Superman/Batman.Yeah, McGuinness' art really did bring that arc down, and I'm usually a big fan of his work.

The only exceptionally good Superman story I've read from Loeb was For All Seasons. I've seen people call Loeb the best Superman writer of all time, and it boggles my mind. With Batman, he's proven that he's really good (Hush, TLH, DV), but Superman? Not in my eyes. Loeb's had way more misses than hits when he writes Supes.

[Bullseye]

I've read through Loeb's run on Superman, which also marked the debut of McGuinness first work Superman although I'm not positive it is McGuiness first work on Superman; I thought Loeb did good work with his run on the book.

I think Loeb is truly good when he writes Kryptonians and Batman, it's not perfection from him but it is his some of his better work.

I'm enjoying Van Sciver's work on the current story. I really enjoy Van Sciver's work on Green Lantern so I knew I'd like this.

[Hush]

I hate the spines Van Sciver puts in bats cape! That is so annoying!

[Bullseye]

I've noticed the extra detail Van Sciver adds to Batman's cape. It really doesn't bother me all that much. And really, his addition to the cape makes the cape looks more adequate to help Batman glide over the streets of Gotham.

[Binker]

In case anyone wants to know, I always review comic issues of any arc, and I know I haven't reviewed any of the issues of the current arc, I'm plan is, just like the previous arcs I reviewerd to be "up to date", I'm gonna review the whole arc once its finished.

[regwec]

Whew, that's a relief.

[Darthphere]

This really isnt a diss to Binker, god bless him but I dont think ive ever read one of his reviews.

[Spike_x1]

Me neither, honestly.

[Darthphere]

Dont let us hold you down Binker, you keep posting them reviews!

[Hush]

I still dont like Scivers Cape! I know its a nit pick but it really makes the book hard for me to read. I dont see why the spines need to be there.

[Binker]

Whew, that's a relief.

...that has to be a joke.

This really isnt a diss to Binker, god bless him but I dont think ive ever read one of his reviews.

Huh???

Me neither, honestly.

AHHHHHH!!!!

Dont let us hold you down Binker, you keep posting them reviews!

I'm surprised that you guys don't care or don't read any of my reviews. What's wrong with them? This is not just the site I use to post them, I post the same reviews here in 2-3 other sites. But still, man....

[Fledermaus]

I still dont like Scivers Cape! I know its a nit pick but it really makes the book hard for me to read. I dont see why the spines need to be there.

The way Batman's cape looks makes it hard for you to read the comic? Maybe there is a cream for that.

[Darthphere]

I'm surprised that you guys don't care or don't read any of my reviews. What's wrong with them? This is not just the site I use to post them, I post the same reviews here in 2-3 other sites. But still, man....


As far as i know, nothing is wrong with them, I just dont read them.

[Hush]

The way Batman's cape looks makes it hard for you to read the comic? Maybe there is a cream for that.

Well I mean the artistic look it has to it just bothers my eyes but i live with it. If there is a cream please inform me on where I can get it! Thanks.

[regwec]

I'm surprised that you guys don't care or don't read any of my reviews. What's wrong with them? This is not just the site I use to post them, I post the same reviews here in 2-3 other sites. But still, man....
I'm given to understand that there is nothing particulary "wrong" with J.K. Rowling's books, but I shall never read one.

[Bullseye]

S/B seems to be lacking with this current story arc. The only promising aspect of this story arc has been Van Sciver.

[Mogwai]

S/B seems to be lacking with this current story arc. The only promising aspect of this story arc has been Van Sciver.
and he's leaving mid-arc for green lantern :csad:

[Bullseye]

Well, that's just not cool.

:cmad:

[Binker]

ANNUAL review:

SPOILERS INCLUDED

.

.

.

PLOT:
How did Superman and Batman discover each other's secret identities? Why was Deathstroke after Bruce Wayne on one of his earliest assignments? How do Ultraman and Owlman fit into this? And why are they all on a cruise into the Bermuda Triangle?

REVIEW:
As we take a break from the current arc of the series, we're offered an annual issue for the wait. As the plot said, this is basically a recap of the characters and their history. Not from the Superman/Batman series itself, but from the DCU continunity. But at the same time, the tagline on the cover "A Re-Imagined Story" and the certain things from this issue, that leds to the idea that maybe its not part of the continunity. So is it part of the main continunity? Maybe. Is it not? Maybe. The reason why the same answer is given is because I think it falls with not just DC Comics but you guys as well.

Again, SPOILERS INCLUDED since this gives away the whole annual.

The story is like this: for some time now, Superman & Batman have appeared together yet don't know each other's identities but swear to each other than each will know. Clark & Lois go on a cruise in route to the Bermuda Triangle and as it turns out, so is Bruce Wayne. In the first comedic/comedy bits, the computer messed up their rooms and while Lois gets her own room, Bruce and Clark have to sleep in the same bed. While Clark & Lois dance later that night, Bruce cuts in and Deeathstroke (on assignment to kill Wayne) gives Bruce a poisoned drink, only to saved by Clark via heat vision. Clark & Bruce can't sleep (for good reason) and a huge noise is heard and big lights are around the ship. Bruce and Clark try to make excuses to leave but then Bruce decides to knock Clark out with a tranquilizer gun but the tranquilizer bounces off, both of them know how the other is.

Then things turn strange when someone looking like Deathstroke (whose costume in negetive brighter colors) enters their room followed by the real Deathstroke. Outside, Lois sees what she thinks is Superman & Batman together, but its actually Ultraman & Owlman from Earth 3, with Ultraman fighting Superman, Owlman kissing Lois thinking she's Superwoman from Earth 3, while the actual Superwoman attacks Bruce. All the crazy things later, Batman uses his batboat to zap Ultraman with kryptonite and the Earth 3 characters are forced back home. At the end, its reveal Mr. Mxyzptlk, talking to a bizarro publisher, planned the whole situation because he says today's stories need angst as he holds up a silver age Superman issue: Superman #76. http://www.yozone.fr/IMG/jpg/Superman76bis.jpg

So y'see what I mean? Did it really happen or not? We don't know. So until we hear something from DC, its up to us to say wheather we believe it to be real or not.

But how was the issue itself? It was good. It had funny moments that made you laugh (out loud or silently) when you read it. It had action and you had our Earth-1 World's Finest fighting the Earth-3 World's Finest. The art was done by Ed McGuinness and whe I was reading it, I was stuck down by the story. So the art was fine in my opinion.

Overall, this series' first annual was actually a good one. I liked it, it was funny, exciting, and we're left with questions of wheather or not this is actually in DCU continunity. Of course, if not DC, we still have the two new books coming: Superman Confidential & Batman Confidential, that deals with their early years.

RATING: 8/10

[Purple Man]

The anti-matter Deathstroke was as close as DC could possibly get to imitating Deadpool, who was as close as Marvel could get to imitating Deathstroke, so it all goes in confusing circles.

Between the double splash and the last page, this was one of the few super hero books where I nearly laughed out loud. We need more fun stories like this. Definitly warranted an annual.

Eds art seemed off without Dexter Vines backing him off but did not detract at all from an excellent story.

[Ultimate_Superman]

I just loved seeing the Titan's Tomorrow. It was nice to have Conner back even if only for a couple of pages.

[Docker2.0]

I loved this annual only becuase of the appearance of Deadpool. It was DC's way to take Marvel's bite of Deathstroke to make Deadpool. They did it in a fun way.

[Darthphere]

The anti-matter Deathstroke was as close as DC could possibly get to imitating Deadpool, who was as close as Marvel could get to imitating Deathstroke, so it all goes in confusing circles.

Between the double splash and the last page, this was one of the few super hero books where I nearly laughed out loud. We need more fun stories like this. Definitly warranted an annual.

Eds art seemed off without Dexter Vines backing him off but did not detract at all from an excellent story.


Dexter Vines worked on this book.:huh:


Either way, I love S/B, fun crazy ass stories.

[Bullseye]

S/B Annual is the last S/B issue I will pick up. Or whenever Van Sciver leaves the title I will drop S/B from my pull list.

[MaskedManJRK]

I loved this annual only becuase of the appearance of Deadpool. It was DC's way to take Marvel's bite of Deathstroke to make Deadpool. They did it in a fun way.

It was espically good since it was written by Deadpool's creator, Joe Kelly. :woot:

I loved it--great mix of cool action and clever comedy. :up:

[The Leaguer]

It was espically good since it was written by Deadpool's creator, Joe Kelly. :woot:

I loved it--great mix of cool action and clever comedy. :up:
Kelly didn't create Deadpool.

Liefeld did.

[Lobo]

S/B Annual is the last S/B issue I will pick up. Or whenever Van Sciver leaves the title I will drop S/B from my pull list.
Matthew Clark is going to be doing the art soon.

I loved the annual it was just a fun book, I especially loved Mxy's line about the 'Civil crisis of identical wars':woot:

[cerealkiller182]

I was impressed with the Deadpool double. It was actually very well-written in regards to DP.

[supermarvelman]

I loved him, to bad he didnt get to say his name.

[batnkevlar]

Haha, he fell over or something...

[The Leaguer]

This annual was one of the best comics I've read in a long, long time.

[SenseiofCheese]

Did anyone get Superman/Batman #50?

Hot damn, that issue had some good art. I always love when this title explores the relationship between Clark and Bruce, and I enjoyed the latest issue. The story itself was, I suppose, handled as well as one could have hoped for, but that doesn't mean it should have been done. I mean, come on, Jor-El and Thomas Wayne meeting before their sons were born feels about as forced as something can. I enjoy when little connections are made between character's origins or what have you, but this is pushing it. I had the same reaction I did when I saw that Harley Quinn and the Joker met before either of them took up their villain identities in the Joker Origin arc from Batman Confidential. "Oh, come on! Really?"

But the best thing about the issue, by far, was the art. Fantastic job all around, especially that stunning last page of the issue.

[The Eagle Host]

This book has been overwhelmingly good since these guys first took over. It's been one of the only DC books I've been able to pick up without any doubt in my mind about how good it's going to be.

[steelio2006]

i'm bout to start pickin up Superman/Batman again. i got a couple of issues from the Darkseid arc before but that was it. i usually just wait till paperbacks.

[Hush]

Yeah this past issue was friggin awesome! I loved it, I would encourage this book to ANYONE!

[RazTheGreat]

Did anyone get Superman/Batman #50?

Hot damn, that issue had some good art. I always love when this title explores the relationship between Clark and Bruce, and I enjoyed the latest issue. The story itself was, I suppose, handled as well as one could have hoped for, but that doesn't mean it should have been done. I mean, come on, Jor-El and Thomas Wayne meeting before their sons were born feels about as forced as something can. I enjoy when little connections are made between character's origins or what have you, but this is pushing it. I had the same reaction I did when I saw that Harley Quinn and the Joker met before either of them took up their villain identities in the Joker Origin arc from Batman Confidential. "Oh, come on! Really?"

But the best thing about the issue, by far, was the art. Fantastic job all around, especially that stunning last page of the issue.


Yeah I had the same problem. As much as I enjoyed the story, I couldn't help but feel the story should of never been done to begin with. It really takes away any free will these characters have and makes it so that everything is pretty much destined to happen.

I understand the purpose of the story. To illustrate just how close Clark and Bruce are and at the same time, how far apart they are. But it doesn't mean they needed to actually do the story.

[Pluto]

yah!

[Hush]

Issue 51 was not nearly as ridiculous as I thought it was going to be, friggin good issue.

[BrianWilly]

It was ****ing awesome.

[The Eagle Host]

God almighty, every month I swear this book can't get any better and every month I'm proven wrong.

[Hush]

I mean who thought that a story about a whole bunch of Mini-heroes would be so awesome! and was anybody else laughing there ass off?

[AndrewGol]

I haven't been a regular reader of the book since Loeb left but my son picked it up last week because he thought the cover looked cool. It was probably his favorite book in a long time. He was cracking up the entire time...so much so that his little brother wanted to read it, too to find out what all the fuss was about.

He does a review site, now so if you're interested in his review of S/B 51 (and many others) please check it out.

http://kidscomicbooks.blogspot.com/

[SenseiofCheese]

Superman/Batman is going two for two on plots that make me gag but end up being awesome.

[batnkevlar]

Mini-Batman's origin cracked me up...

[Hush]

Yeah Best book By DC EASILY!

[steelio2006]

anyone have pics of Lil Batman and Batman from Supes/Bats 51? the Goshdarn Batman pic?