“The Unexamined Life”

I’ve really enjoyed the latest story-arc of Superman/Batman, a title I used to read religiously but once Jeph Loeb left, I feel it started to fall flat. I stopped reading it for a while, but I was really intrigued by the concept behind the latest arc, ridding the world of Kryptonite, so I’ve enjoyed it up until the last issue. The reveal of the new Silver Kryptonite was that it makes Superman high, as if he smoked weed. It was kind of lame, not to mention the weird magical essence to it, so I’ve really lost some interest in the arc. But it was most definitely the creative team that packs the appeal to the latest Superman/Batman annual. Writer Joe Kelly and artist Scott Kolins (who returns to DC after four years at Marvel where I feel didn’t get his due) helm this issue. This annual focuses primarily on a story that takes place in the early days of Batman and Superman’s relationship and updates the classic story behind the original Supernova.

The first thing I noticed about this issue was the way Joe Kelly manages to capture both character’s distinct voices through the “red” and “blue” narration boxes. Kelly makes the obvious clear; Superman is bright and lively, while Batman is dark and brooding. The dialogue between Superman and Lois followed by the dialogue between Batman and Commissioner Gordon is simply fantastic and does an excellent job capturing the essence of each character. Kelly establishes early on that this is set in the past, Lois is interviewing Superman, and Gordan and Batman actually have their classic relationship. In some ways, the Batman captured at the beginning of this story is a better interpretation than most of the regular Batman books today.

The two essentially meet to discuss whether or not they are going to join the Justice League, and it is here where Joe Kelly continues to hook me into this story. Kelly captures the attitudes of both characters damn near perfectly. It’s a two page spread where Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne debate the interpretations of what the other does. Easily one of the best scenes of the week, it captures that classic and rocky relationship the two heroes had early on. It’s only when Alfred steps in to warn the heroes of a problem in the Gotham Financial District that they stop bickering. I really must say though, the dialogue in this scene is superb and capturing the convictions of both characters and running them parallel to one another was fantastic. Today we look at Superman and Batman more or less as best friends who will disagree from time to time, however during this time period they barely saw eye to eye at all.

The main villain in this issue is a freak named Plato. His basic premise is luring people to him where he can then manipulate those people into thinking they owe something to him. Those people Plato lures usually tend to be rich and they will usually dish out their bank accounts to him. However, when Superman confronts Plato, Plato strips him of his powers after Superman stops an astrodite from crashing into Earth. With no powers, Clark goes home to Smallville while Batman does what he does and investigates Plato.

I love that Bruce Wayne actually goes out to Smallville to talk to Clark. Once again, the dialogue in these scenes is not only completely on point, but fast-paced and meaningful. To top all of that off, Kelly also captures a young Dick Grayson’s opinion on Superman as well. Dick has always admired Superman; he’s always been a fan, and Kelly captures the spirit and energy of Dick’s teenage self.

Burce Wayne also gives birth to Supernova by developing a robotic suit that amplifies Superman’s power. So upon his return, Clark and Bruce create a plan to stop Plato and we are treated to Batman putting Superman through “boot camp”. The one thing I absolutely love about this is that Dick Grayson becomes the moral compass for Superman. Clark sees first hand the impact he has on a young teenager like Dick. Dick doesn’t agree with the whole Supernova idea and he helps Clark realize who he truly is. This of course has a direct effect on Superman’s powers and then you fully understand what the Plato character is all about.

I love Scott Kolins’ artwork, I always have. He’s got such a unique and distinct style that he’s one of those artists you can name just by seeing his work. This is actually the first time I’ve seen his work with a colorist like Jorge Molina. I’ve always been used to the color style associated with Kolins’ work on The Flash and Marvel Team-Up, the more cartoonish and washed out colors. Molina really adds a new level of depth to Kolins’ work and the two work very well together. I really hope to see Kolins work all over DC and I can’t wait for him to team up with Geoff Johns again.

This issue is so well-written and the artwork is so fantastic that it’s hard to believe that it’s actually Superman/Batman. Kelly hits the right notes with character tone; humor, especially at the end when Superman and Batman banter about the Justice League; action and drama. The dialogue is near perfect, the representations of every character are perfect, especially that of Robin. This is a fantastic story featuring the two characters well worth the cover price and very well worth your time. This one of my Picks of the Week.

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