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Superman/Batman #47: Discussion and Review Thread |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 26-12-2007 09:41 |
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Sorry for the week delay of posting this. Since it was the Christmas holiday, it is understandable for me to be late on this as everyone is busy during this time. But for me, there was something else: cold & flu. Yes, I was (and still am) very sick. Add that to the christmas business, and add that to my life and in turn writing the reviews. it was a nightmare. Sorry for the delay, but I believe I have a pretty good excuse.
by Nathaniel Ruff (aka Binker on the forums)
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #44
Written by Michael Green
Art and Cover by Shane Davis and Matt Banning
Edited by Eddie Berganza
PLOT:
The Search for Kryptonite begins as Michael Green (HEROES) and superstar artist Shane Davis begin a 6-part saga in which the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight undertake the impossible task of recovering all the Kryptonite on Earth!
REVIEW:
Last arc was basically, for me, a sign of what Superman/Batman had become since Loeb left the series. A series that was a must read becoming a series that is just there is very, very sad. And overall, unfair. And after Alan Burnett's "Torment" arc, I was losing interest to the point where I didn’t want to get it anymore, but if the first issue of the new "Search of Kryptonite" didn't change my mind to the point of getting it and giving the series one more chance, then the series was dead to me. I mean come on: out of continuity book is pointless, and why doesn't DC rename this Superman/Batman/Wonder Woman? Anyway, since its announcement, the new arc "Search for Kryptonite" written by one of the writers of the television show Heroes had been getting some people interested, but it was similar to what everyone got with Burnett's run before it started. I did agree that the art is so much better, but story was what I wanted, a good one to get it back on track. I took a gamble, so help me; here is Superman/Batman #44.
With the better art helping out, I'd say that this was a very good issue. Keeping in mind that I should stay on guard, I found this issue to be a healthy balance of good writing and good art. We also got some humor with the idea of Hollywood making a Superman/Batman movie, complete with a guy who....kinda sucks playing Batman, and complete with a lame backstory to what people think Batman might be. The main storyline is a Superman story, and how he feels about kryptonite. You could say that ever since he first encountered it up to now, he sorta took Kryptonite for granted. Now he wants to get rid of it all and he needs help from Batman. It's too early to give feelings toward this, but so far, while I have no problems with this storyline idea, I could see a confrontation coming up between Superman & Batman since he has kryptonite too, and I'd doubt he'll hand his over. We'll see.
Overall, taking a gamble, this issue was actually pretty good. Maybe I shouldn't, but I will say it, that this arc shows some promise. The art was so much better than before, and the story isn't confusing or bad altogether. The whole thing between Superman wanting kryptonite gone didn't sound bad to me. But in order to figure out if this arc becomes somewhat negative, we have to wait til the third part. Y'know, the three issue hump (ploy on Super Size Me), in order to know from that point if we should continue or not, or see any foreshadow at all if this arc will be good or not. But for this issue, it was good.
RATING: Yay
Next Issue: Why is Aquaman unwilling to hand over his kryptonite?
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
Edited by Nate on 26-04-2008 23:22 |
 
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RE: Superman/Batman: K Review Thread (#44, part 1, added) |
spencer1984
Posts: 1271
Location: Upstate NY
Joined: 30.06.05
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| Posted on 26-12-2007 22:00 |
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I'd pretty much given up on S/B months ago, and just checked them to see if any new Batmobiles showed up. The writing was a mess, the art wasn't doing anything for me, and I didn't need another title on my grab list.
But as I flipped through this issue, I decided to give it another shot and I'm glad I did. It's not my favorite comic ever, but it's a good solid issue and a fun read.
The complete history of the Batmobile: BatmobileHistory.com
Scale models of Batmobiles & more: spencer1984.com |
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RE: Superman/Batman: K Review Thread (#44, part 1, added) |
Darknight
Posts: 1010
Location: NW Arkansas
Joined: 26.06.05
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| Posted on 27-12-2007 08:53 |
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This really was quite the tunr around. Loeb did a good job of establishing the book as a series of big blockbuster movie-type stories. Unfortunately these past few stories have been really bad movie-like stories. The interactions between Superman and Batman are handled so much better here. Hopefully this will help turn the book around.
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RE: Superman/Batman: K Review Thread (#44, part 1, added) |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 26-01-2008 23:53 |
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by Nathaniel Ruff (aka Binker on the forums)
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #45
Written by Michael Green
Art and Cover by Shane Davis and Matt Banning
Edited by Eddie Berganza
PLOT:
The Man of Steel's and the Dark Knight's quest to rid the world of Kryptonite hits a roadblock when they realize not everyone's willing to hand over the deadly substance. One of those unwilling is Aquaman - and the result is a brutal undersea battle!
REVIEW:
Recapping: I took a gamble on getting #44 because of how, over two arcs, Superman/Batman became from a "must have" title to a "just there" title. But I must say that the gamble paid off as #44 was a complete turn around, and a good first issue to this arc. And that caught me by surprise. Because the story and art improvements show that this arc has some promise, I must still keep my distance a little, till the third issue (of the six), to see if this arc is good or bad overall (three issue hump). Now with that, let's check out #45.
I kinda expected something to happen to make me go "oh man, I knew this was too good to be true". Well that wasn't the case at all with this issue In fact, this issue was another very good issue of Superman/Batman. It kinda seems like it's been a while, while I know it really hasn't, but the shared narration between Superman & Batman was shown here and it reminded me of how Jeph Loeb wrote it. In a sense that it was a comparison the two were doing to one another as the story continued. Loeb did that, and this reminded me of what he did. There were also other good things, like Batman getting a piece of kryptonite from a museum, stating it was found in Addis Ababa. The same location kryptonite was found in Superman: The Movie and Superman Returns. Of course, the other thing was Superman's new (maybe new in design) anti-kryptonite battle suit. I thought the design was a nice mix of Superman's colors over a battle armor-type suit. It wasn't a bad touch at all; I mean how would Superman get the kryptonite then? So that was a ice touch. Finally, it was something that made me think that the book was finally back (hopefully); the scene in the JLA satellite and the confrontation between the two and Aquaman, it gave me the sense that this was an in-continuity book. I'm not sure if this is true, but if so, then GREAT! That was something I always complained about, so did many others. I hope this is true, I really do.
Overall, the enjoyment of reading this title feels like the series is back. Not only did the writing work out, and the art looked nice, but the other things that were nice touches (such as looking like the series is back in-continuity again) really brings back that feeling when Superman/Batman started to when Loeb left. Now, if this "finally the book is back, and it's great" continues, my only hope is for the book to continue being this once this arc finishes. On that note; can't wait for the next one!
RATING: Yay
Next Issue: A new version of kryptonite is introduced as the World's Finest fight Metallo!
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: Superman/Batman: K Review Thread (UPDATED w/ #45, part 2, added) |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 24-02-2008 23:57 |
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by Nathaniel Ruff (aka Binker on the forums)
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #46
Written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson
Art and cover by Shane Davis and Matt Banning
Edited by Eddie Berganza
PLOT:
A new color of Kryptonite is introduced as Superman's quest sends him after Metallo! But is Superman willing to ignore everything he stands for and rip out Metallo's heart? What strange places will Batman venture to in order to save the day? Zatanna guest stars in this tale constructed by Michael Green (Heroes) and Mike Johnson with art by emerging superstar Shane Davis (MYSTERY IN SPACE)!
REVIEW:
With #45, the feel of reading Superman/Batman felt like it returned to the enjoyment when it started. Like the series was back, finally. Not only did the writing work out, and the art looked nice, but the other things that were nice touches (such as looking like the series is back in-continuity again) really brings back that feeling when Superman/Batman started to when Loeb left. Now, if this "finally the book is back, and it's great" continues, my only hope is for the book to continue being this once this arc finishes. With that in mind, here is #46!
This issue presented itself with two things: Batman's insight on Superman's behavior in this issue, coming from the whole arc, and a new kryptonite that was originally just a hoax in the very old Superman issues of the past. And both were interesting and done well. While the JLA are in it, with more proof that this series is back in-canon, the storyline's main focus was on Batman trying to save Superman from the new kryptonite, with a special appearance of Zatanna. The insight Batman had toward Superman was on the kryptonite hunt. As seen in the beginning; Superman is almost ruthlessly beating the crap out of Metallo just to get Metallo's kryptonite heart. And while Superman would fight this way to defeat Metallo in any other adventure, Superman seems to do it like he was Batman: not stopping and doing anything to get the job done. Even Batman himself makes note of it, and it's almost like the roles were almost reversed as Superman beat the crap out of somebody, and Batman was there to help Metallo with a new heart to keep him alive. The other way around would be normal for these two. How this would go on makes me remember on what’s to come with #47, but the insight her must be something to remember for future issues of "K".
The new kryptonite is Silver Kryptonite. Before, in Superman's Pal: Jimmy Olsen #70, this kryptonite was a hoax. And what it could do was never stated. But Silver Kryptonite did appear in the "Splinter" episode of Smallville, and while it created delusions from Clark's paranoid side; it was a hoax in the show too. This time, not only is it real, but its affects could be in the "whoa" category. Superman under the Silver Kryptonite could be similar to anyone under the affects of marijuana. And no, Superman does not say "whoa, dude" or anything else of that matter. But in this issue, he acts like a kid who eats a lot of sweets and plays video games with Red Arrow. The cure is similar to the vein of Red Kryptonite. Whereas two Red-Ks each have different affects, another chunk of Silver-K could cancel the affects of the other chunk of Silver-K. That is Silver Kryptonite as introduced here. As for seeing it again, I can't answer on that subject. But if there was a comedy issue featuring Superman, Silver-K being the source of the comedy would be neat.
Overall, this issue was another good one in the "K" arc of Superman/Batman. It is because of this issue that this series seems to be back on track. I know I said that a number of times in my issue reviews of this arc, but it is something to say and be excited about. The new kryptonite was something for humor, and if there was a comedy issue of Superman, Silver Kryptonite might be something to have in that issue. And Batman's insight on Superman during this hunt for kryptonite seems to be something to keep in mind during this arc. So overall, another good one. Too bad the next issue is in April.
RATING: Yay
Next Issue: Presenting The Last Line, the last line of defense against a rogue Man of Steel, now against him and the Dark Knight!
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: Superman/Batman: K Review Thread (UPDATED w/ #46, part 3, added) |
Nate
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 26-04-2008 23:21 |
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By Nathaniel Ruff (also known as Binker and Nate on many forums)
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #47
Written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson
Art and cover by Shane Davis and Matt Banning
Edited by Eddie Berganza
PLOT:
The Last Line, a new team of heroes, come to battle The Man of Steel and The Dark Knight! They were created as a "last line" of defense against a rogue Superman, and they take no prisoners!
REVIEW:
The previous issue was another good story of the "K" arc. We kind of need a "three thing hump" for many things, and if that third issue was good, then that was a sign that this series was finally back on track! The new kryptonite introduce in that issue was something for humor, and if there was a comedy issue of Superman, Silver Kryptonite might be something to have in that issue. And Batman's insight on Superman during this entire arc seems to be something we have to keep in mind as the storyline continues. So now, here is #47!
The latest issue on the "K" story arc is given another positive by me. This issue has action, of course, and also suspense, complete with a couple of twists, all leading back to the plot of this entire storyline. Amanda Waller appears in this issue, and it is from her that we get another side of Superman's "crusade" of ridding the world of kryptonite: our government. In the past, Superman has been controlled by a different party, and that has been seen in alot of things from the comics to various media incarnations. So in the government's point-of-view; having kryptonite is very helpful to stop Superman in case of those incidents, no different than the team on stand-by to stop Superman just in case as seen from Kurt Busiek's "Camelot Falls" run. With that in mind, the fact that Superman is trying to rid the planet of kryptonite can cause the government to stir, and even Waller to jump to conclusions.
By the way, one of the things I want to mention here is Amanda Waller in this issue of Superman/Batman. Now, in the DC Universe, she was recently involved in Salvation Run; a plan to move all of Earth's evil criminals onto a prison planet. JLA #17-19 dealt with this. But basically, she has been involved on metahumans since (unless its not canon anymore) the Legends event of 1987. However, how she was written here seemed a little non-canon. I don't know how to finger it, nor do I know how much continuity do Michael Green and Mike Johnson know, but when I saw Waller and read her dialogue, she sounded more from her DCAU counterpart than her comic book counterpart. I don't want to jump into conclusions into thinking that this series is still out of continuity, as it still doesn't even sound so as Batman makes a subtle reference to Salvation Run: ("What are you going to do? Send us to another planet" . Add that with other references I mentioned in previous reviews to "K", and the appearance of the JLA like they were at the time the #44 came out. So I believe they are just following Amanda Waller more from her DCAU counterpart, than her comic book counterpart.
Overall, this was another positive issue of the "K" arc of Superman/Batman. With the government now involved, one has to wonder how our World’s Finest team will escape, both from their location, and from their recent title of "Enemies of the State" thanks to Amanda Waller. To point out again; our writers must be following the DCAU, and not the DCU, version of Amanda Waller for this story. It's not, and can't be, non-canon going from the story, references made in the previous issues, including Batman's subtle Salvation Run reference here. So that must be it. Coming up next is the battle between Superman and All-American Boy. Who is he? Well he's Doomsday, infused with kryptonite. I thought Doomsday would appear, as we saw his hand on the cover of issue #48. So, see you then!
RATING: Yay
Next Issue: Superman vs. All-American Boy (aka Doomsday infused with Kryptonite)!
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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