Batman/Superman Vol. 1: Cross World
DC
May 23, 2014 Web Exclusive
One of the biggest crossover titles of DC’s New 52 (apparently it’s still “new,” even after two and a half years), Batman/Superman brings the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel together near the beginning of their careers. The story taps into the darkness that defines Bruce Wayne—and the reporter’s crusading righteousness that defines Clark Kent. The first issue of the “Cross World” arc makes wonderful uses of the personality contrasts between Batman and Superman, and Jae Lee’s art drives the point home with creative panel layouts, stark backgrounds, and epic posing. Similarly, Greg Pak’s script gives inner monologues to both heroes, showing how each of them, at the beginning of his career, felt the other out, trying to see if he was trustworthy and/or not actually a villain.
Unfortunately, all of this promise gets put in service of a pretty convoluted story. There’s a sorceress or something named Kaiyo, who is a “chaos bringer.” Think a grimmer version of Thor‘s Loki, and you’ve got the basic idea. She brings our version of Batman and Superman to Earth-2, where they face off with their Earth-2 counterparts who have already developed a deep friendship and successful lives. Along the way there’s a crystal that amplifies their power or something (if you can figure out what it actually does, you get a reward), but mostly it’s something they argue over because it might be the only thing that can stop Darkseid from destroying Earth-2.
It’s a lot of story to cram in just a few issues, and despite some great dialogue, good characterization, and excellent panel art, it’s all just too confusing. One gets the sense that there’s a great story there, but it’s a little rushed and the stakes are never quite understood. Additionally, the Earth and Earth-2 costumes for both heroes are so similar, it’s often difficult to tell who’s doing what, or who’s arguing with who, or which Batman is punching the bad guy and why. Hopefully, future story lines (Darkseid only vaguely makes an appearance, and an issue of DC’s “Villains Month” that explores his backstory mostly only serves to remind how much better Marvel’s recent Thanos Rising miniseries was) can capitalize on the strengths Pak and Lee demonstrate. For now, in this series, Batman and Superman will remain superheroes looking for a little explanation. (www.dccomics.com/comics/batman-superman-2013)
Author rating: 6.5/10
Average reader rating: 5/10
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