DC Superhero Girls #FightAtTheMuseum

I have been pleasantly pleased with the new DC Superhero Girls under the direction of Lauren Faust. As I have said before, this is a wonderful mix of empowering messages, superheroics, and looney tunes action. As someone who lived through the reinvigoration of the My Little Pony franchise under Faust's direction, I feel this show has that same elan. It just checks off all the boxes. I can only hope that it catches fire the way MLP did.

On top of the story, I have also applauded the visual direction of the show with wonderful perspective shots and direction that just elevates it. There is this wonderful energy to the show, a concoction of mature cinematography telling a superhero story.

And I really have been tickled pink by the Supergirl on the show. This Kara is brash, a bit of a hothead, punching first and asking questions later. She is the rebel, the iconoclast throwing shade on Superman. While I am routinely against this persona in the DC continuity, in a side project team show like this, where everyone has a personality trait to demonstrate, I don't mind it. Welcome to the complex personality of this Supergirl fan. Nicole Sullivan does such wonderful voice work, bringing a little conceit, a little snark to the proceedings. And Supergirl has really been showcased. If I recall, Faust said Supergirl was her favorite when she was making Super Best Friends Forever. And this Kara is basically that Kara.

One thing I do know I like about Supergirl as a character is that she is a young hero, on the journey, and learning.

The title of  this episode is #FightAtTheMuseum, I suppose a riff on the Night At The Museum movies. Supergirl has to learn the lesson that might doesn't always make right. She also learns that she can't just punch every problem away. Get ready!

Bullet Review: Batman #68

This will be a quick hit but it is hard not to cover a book with art by Amanda Conner which features, albeit briefly, Supergirl.

Batman #68 is an interesting issue showing the presumed bachelorette party for the Bruce/Selina wedding. It also again shows the interesting dynamic between Bruce and Clark as they have the most sedate bachelor party I have been privy to.

In the end, it looks like this all might in Batman's head as it ends with him hooked up to a mind machine of some sort. So did this happen? Is this what Bruce thinks would happen at a Selina/Lois party?

Anyways, much like the double date Batman/Superman issues by King were fantastic, this semi-sequel was just as fun. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments. And it ends with something of a pithy character comment about the World's Finest different views of life.

And, no surprise, the artwork by Conner is just incredible.

Review: Batman #36

Batman #36 came out last week and frankly I am so blown away by the issue that I wasn't sure if I could honestly review the book. Writer Tom King has been on something of a creative hot streak with his work on Batman, Mister Miracle, and even a brilliant issue of the Kamandi Challenge.

Now I'll admit I don't read Batman but the appearance of Superman drew me in.

To be blunt, this is one of the best comics I have read in a long long time.

You see, the Superman/Batman friendship has been rough for the last 30 years, probably since Frank Miller destroyed it in The Dark Knight Returns. Since then we have had a bristling relationship, a Batman with a kryptonite ring and paranoia, a movie based on the two fighting. And, perhaps even worse, are stories which make them best buddies again, ignoring the last 30 years of rift. I have been looking for some issue, some creator, some story to explain this friendship to me again, to make me understand it, to bring them together while recognizing their differences and the three decades of anger.

This issue does just that. They want to be friends. They respect each other. They're in awe of each other. But they don't know how to reach out. They don't know how to discuss their feelings. They don't want to impose a friendship on the other.

Seriously, I wanted to scan the whole issue to showcase it. Every page is just perfection. And Clay Mann on art is also perfect. The whole layout of the issue, mirrored pages and two running stories of each hero explaining their feelings about the other hero is just spectacular. Just stupendous.

What are you waiting for ... if you are a fan of Superman or Batman or both, run out and buy this issue.

Just a few moments...

Review: DC Comics Bombshells #6

DC Comics Bombshells #6 came out last week and was another fabulous issue in what has been a fantastic run. I have said all along that this Elseworlds look has been surprisingly engaging and interesting. In this issue, writer Marguerite Bennett continues to give us a nice mix of action, humor, historical significance, and randy fun.

But for me, the best part of this issue is that it feels like the characters are finally starting to move in a way that will bring them all together soon. While I like hopping from one character's story to another (the diverse locales and characters are a strength of the book), I am eagerly awaiting the 'Justice League' moment when they are united against a common foe.

The art in this issue really sparkles. Ming Doyle continues to give us a noirish look at Batwoman's adventures in Germany. That style complements the story very well. The rest of the issue is drawn by Maria Laura Sanopo and Sandy Jarrell. They both bring a very clean style to the page. All of the characters are just beautiful. The style is so lovely that I wouldn't mind seeing either doing all the pages of an issue!

The book opens with several gorgeous pages of Mera stopping some Nazi U-boats which are manned by the Tenebrau inky zombies we have seen cropping up in the last few issues.

Mera is one of my favorite characters in the book. She is fun and fresh and just seems to love life. While just as driven as the other Bombshells, Mera also seems to enjoy what she does. It doesn't hurt that she sings to gain access to her powers.

Here, called Aquawoman (love it!), she boards an American destroyer, bringing cheer and hope to the crew. They all love her but more importantly respect her. They don't hit on her, despite her summery outfit, instead showing her pictures of the significant others they have left behind.

Again, Jarrell really shines here. This page is just eye-melting gorgeous. There is something akin to Darwyn Cooke in that first panel.

The R&R on the cruiser is interrupted by the arrival of Stargirl and Supergirl whose path for defecting takes them right over the fleet. Mera skirmishes with the two Russians and briefly gains the upper hand. But before Mera can further pound on Kara, Stargirl steps in the middle. She won't let anyone hurt her sister.

Despite that breezy exterior, we know that Mera is hiding something from her past. In silhouette, we see someone about to get run through with a spear. My guess is that Bennett is going to bring in Siren, Mera's sister, and have her be killed. Who could be the killer? Arthur? Orm?

But adding this deeper background to the 'fun one' ramps up my interest in the character. Is she ignoring that event? Is the fun personality a facade?

Meanwhile, in Germany, Kate has decided to don the Batwoman outfit and go out adventuring. I thought this was supposed to be an undercover mission? It seems odd that she would want to do anything out in the open which might jeopardize the bigger strategy.

While in the Batwoman gear, she disables some tanks. She then runs into some resistance fighters who play in a band including the Huntress. This Helena plays the cello, shoots a crossbow, and is a German opposed to Nazi rule. Kate loves her spirit and decides to take her on as an ally/sidekick only if Huntress will be trained. I like the addition of Huntress but I would have liked it more if she was an Italian opposed to Mussolini, leaning on her traditional origin.

It might be an overread, but the panel focusing on Kate's shoes as she talks about the Holocaust was quietly powerful. The image of piles of shoes is so evocative of this tragedy that showing us Kate's shoes and knowing she is Jewish, all while she talks about the horror in Germany at the time was a gut punch.

But after that heaviness, Bennett gives us a little laugh.

Selina and Lex arrive in their motor car to whisk both Kate and Huntress away.

As a joke, Kate asks if it is a rescue or an invite for a menage a trois. The panels of Lex and Selina considering it are perfect. Kate may have been going for a laugh but they're into it! In particular, Lex's look in the second panel is perfect.

Like I said above, there is some bawdy fun in this book.

And then we get game changer. Lex has some Kryptonite. He wants this to be a human war.

I still don't know if I can count Lex amongst the good guys.

The rest of the issue is Bennett and Jarrell moving the pieces on the chess board, bringing everybody together a bit closer.

On the cruiser, Supergirl and Stargirl join the Bombshells and agree to work for Amanda Waller to defend their country. They won't don the stars and stripes though. They are loyal to Russia. They will change their colors though, aligning themselves more with the Allies.

I love that smiling Supergirl.

Meanwhile, Diana and Steve Trevor have been arrested for mutiny after they ignored General Lane's orders to kill the prisoners of war.

Deciding she can no longer follow Lane, Diana uses her powers to break out. Diana is something of a wild card now. She'll need to link up with the Bombshells soon.

And Harley and Ivy are racing through France towards Germany, killing any Nazi they have the luck of running across (or over).

Everyone seems to be on the move towards the front. It can only be a matter of time before they all get together.

The last part of the book focuses on Zatanna. I get a complete kick out of Rabbit John Constantine. (Who rolls those tiny cigarettes for him?).

John tries to inspire Zatanna to break away from the Joker's Daughter. Zatanna has been blackmailed and forced to work for the Nazis because she fears for her life and her family's. But John tells her that her magic dwarfs what the Joker's Daughter can do.

Zatanna is the only character who seems to be in the same place at the end of this issue. But that is okay. We get a lot of backstory and character moments for her here.

All these pages are by Maria Laura Sanapo and Marc Deering and everyone is just fresh, strong, and beautiful. The art sings here, working with the words.

So I continue to love this book. It is a guilty pleasure, an Elseworlds based on statues of scantily clad characters. But Bennett brings so much more to the table. This is a nice romp.

Overall grade: A

Review: DC Bombshells #5

DC Comics Bombshells #5 came out last week and continued to impress. Writer Marguerite Bennett has the difficult task of reinventing the characters we as readers no so well, putting them into the WWII world while maintaining some sense of familiarity. Perhaps what impresses me the most with Bennett's efforts, especially in this issue, is how she is now reaching beyond the main characters and introducing other characters from the DCU.

I also am impressed that we really are running really disparate plotlines right now. These are the origins of these characters. And while some are now interacting with others, we are far away from a 'team book'. Characters are in different countries, serving different regimes. You get the sense that the circle is closing. But scope of this book is pretty impressive.

The art on the book also continues to shine. Here, Ming Doyle supplies the pages for the Batwoman/Catwoman/Joker's Daughter pages. This chapter is steeped in dark magic which suits Doyle's style nicely. The Harley Quinn/Poison Ivy pages are a bit sillier and much more suited for the cheesecake, somewhat cartoony style of Mirka Andolfo. And Bilquis Evely continues to bring a sort of scratchy realism to the Supergirl/Stargirl pages. This book just looks good.

The book starts with Batwoman's secret mission, deep into Germany, where she is to meet with the Contessa diGati, better known to us as Catwoman. After seeing Kate supremely confident in the early chapters, I like that Bennett humanizes her by making her sound a bit more cautious. This isn't the mean streets of the city. She isn't wielding a baseball bat. She is trussed up in a ball gown, heading to a Nazi soiree, trying to work with Selina.

As I said earlier, Bennett is reaching out a bit into the DCU. Here we see that Kate is picked up by Lex Luthor, an American industrialist who just might be working with the Germans. Still, Luthor is an American. Selina is in Germany, throwing parties for the Reich, and known to work with the black market. Lex tells Batwoman not to trust Selina.

But can you trust Lex?

Kate is brought to a soiree thrown by Selina. It is a high brow bash with high ranking German officials. Given the relationship with Amanda Waller, the assumption is Selina is on the right side of the war here. Going this undercover must be difficult.

But Selina has always been morally ambiguous making Luthor's warning apt.

I do love that Selina warns Kat about Luthor. Lex is trying to keep America out of the war and his rivals seem prone to dying.

Who can Kate trust here?

As if that wasn't unsettling enough, Kate is then brought to a makeshift altar in the place where Joker's Daughter sings a spell, resurrecting a fallen German soldier into something demonic. It is clear that she has been tainted somehow, her arm now inky and deformed.

It is interesting how singing is such a big part of this book. Mera sings her water control. Joker's Daughter sings her possession spells.

It is clear we aren't in Gotham anymore. This is insanity.

Now the one character I am having to wrap my head around a bit is the Harley one. There is a fair amount of gravitas to this book given the backdrop of the war. There is humor here, but subtle and well timed.

Harley almost feels like the comic relief of this book. She is a sort of wild lunatic here, again singing her way through adventures.

Here, she rides a bomb like Dr. Strangelove into a greenhouse. Somehow she survives and meets the owner of the place, Poison Ivy. Harley is immediately smitten with Ivy. Ivy works for Selina as a smuggler. But she has also used her feminine wiles and some special perfumes to lure the German occupant troops and presumably castrate them.

Harley tries to convince Ivy to join her. She wants the two to head into Berlin and fight more Nazis. The decision is sort of forced when German soldiers invade Ivy's house. Harley and Ivy fight back, blow up the house and head on their way to the front.

Again, this is the cheesecake-iest of the storylines. We see a lot of Harley here. I'm not against it necessarily. The wackiness of the story works well with her appearance. It just feels a little out of place next to the other characters' arcs.

We then cut back to the Supergirl/Stargirl storyline.

These two have realized they are being used by an unscrupulous administration. They decide to turn their back on the communist government and head off to rescue their parents.

I really love the characterization here as the two, who had been good soldiers for the cause have had to deal with this revelation. I also love how Kara, who had previously sounded bold and invulnerable, realizes her actions have led to the pain of others. It is a humbling experience. And it is one she wants to rectify.

General Arkayn has invaded the village and is holding Kara's parents at gunpoint. Even Supergirl isn't fast enough to save everyone. Kara has a choice, surrender and be experimented on or be responsible for a massacre.

Just when all seems lost ...

A giant Swamp Thing comes tearing through the house, battering the soldiers and allowing Kara to grab her parents.

Now this came out of nowhere. While I knew General Arkayn was a name drop for Anton Arcane, a known Swamp Thing villain, I didn't expect we'd see the big green guy. Whenever I am surprised in a comic I am happy.

Kortni had prayed to the forest spirits her mother used to. This mix of science and superstition in this family is fascinating.

But before everyone can be whisked to safety, the girls' father is captured again. He tells Supergirl to fly on without him.  Remember, in this continuity, he invented the cosmic rod. I have to imagine we will see something more out of him before this is all over.

I really love this particular arc. Yes, I am partial to Supergirl. But there are serious character beats here as these two have to deal with loyalty, distrust, science, and mysticism.

So overall, this book continues to keep me engaged and entertained. And I can't really ask for more. It is a delight to read and the individual art styles are well-suited for the particular runs. I keep hoping we will eventually see all these heroes together in one League-like team.

Overall grade: A

DC Entertainment: Super Hero Girl Initiative

The news hit yesterday afternoon and nearly broke my social media streams. DC Comics in association with Warner Brothers had created The DC Super Hero Girls Initiative, a multimedia massive undertaking to bring the power of the DCU to young girls. I first heard about it here:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/dc-entertainment-and-warner-bros-launch-dc-super-hero-girls-initiativ

Now I do include the actual press statement below but here is  paragraph with the overall concept.

Developed for girls aged 6-12, DC Super Hero Girls centers on the female Super Heroes and Super-Villains of the DC Comics universe during their formative years—prior to discovering their full super power potential. Featuring a completely new artistic style and aesthetic, DC Comics’ icons such as Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Bumble Bee, Poison Ivy, Katana and many more make their unprecedented teenaged introduction. Each character has her own storyline that explores what teen life is like as a Super Hero, including discovering her unique abilities, nurturing her remarkable powers and mastering the fundamentals of being a hero.

Frankly, I am thrilled.

Now, I will admit, they probably had me with this look for Supergirl. Chuck Taylor's, wrist bands, short sleeves, Gwen Stacy headband, and of course,myths red skirt. Just a big win visually for this Supergirl fan.

But there is so much more to love.

The inclusion of Bumble Bee and Katana to have diversity. To have them look healthy and fun-loving. To have a Wonder Woman with a shield and not a sword. Artistically, it looks spot on.

And then I read about just how extensive a movement this is.

Animated specials. Direct to Video movies. Lego sets. Action figures. Books. And all done with the goal to inspire confidence and heroism.

Unbelievable.

As a father of three girls ranging from tween to later teen, I can tell you that it hasn't been easy to find comics and toys and merchandise that I could bring home to them. It was looking for a needle in a haystack. Yes, things like Supergirl Cosmic Adventures came along every so often. But I had to search for it.

But now, it looks like this stuff will be plentiful, in multiple media, and will actually take advantage of the strength of the DCU.

I'll say it again, I am thrilled.

Here is the actual press release.

WARNER BROS. AND DC ENTERTAINMENT

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MATTEL LAUNCH DC SUPER HERO GIRLS,

A NEW SUPER HERO UNIVERSE DESIGNED JUST FOR GIRLS, SLATED FOR FALL 2015

Mattel to Launch Company’s First Action Figures for Girls

Unprecedented Initiative to Include Digital Content, TV Specials, Made-For-Videos,

Publishing, Toys, Apparel and Other Products

Random House Children’s Books to be Master Publishing Partner

The LEGO Group to be Exclusive Construction Partner

Burbank, Calif. – April 22, 2015 – Beginning in Fall 2015, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Mattel join forces to launch DC Super Hero Girls, an exciting new universe of Super Heroic storytelling that helps build character and confidence, and empowers girls to discover their true potential. Featuring DC Comics’ most powerful and diverse line-up of female characters as relatable teens, DC Super Hero Girls will play out across multiple entertainment content platforms and product categories to create an immersive world.

Developed for girls aged 6-12, DC Super Hero Girls centers on the female Super Heroes and Super-Villains of the DC Comics universe during their formative years—prior to discovering their full super power potential. Featuring a completely new artistic style and aesthetic, DC Comics’ icons such as Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Bumble Bee, Poison Ivy, Katana and many more make their unprecedented teenaged introduction. Each character has her own storyline that explores what teen life is like as a Super Hero, including discovering her unique abilities, nurturing her remarkable powers and mastering the fundamentals of being a hero.

“DC Entertainment is home to the most iconic and well-known Super Heroes including Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl,” said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. “DC Super Hero Girls represents the embodiment of our long-term strategy to harness the power of our diverse female characters. I am so pleased that we are able to offer relatable and strong role models in a unique way, just for girls.”

The initial launch of DC Super Hero Girls in Fall 2015 will include an immersive digital experience, original digital content and digital publishing—providing opportunities for girls to interact with characters, learn about the storylines, and engage in customizable play. TV specials, made-for-videos, toys, apparel, books and other product categories will begin to rollout in 2016.

“Developing a Super Hero franchise exclusively for girls that includes all of the key components of a comprehensive entertainment experience—from content to consumer products—is something we are excited to be doing in conjunction with our great partners,” said Brad Globe, President of Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “It’s really an honor to be part of this cultural moment and to be delivering a concept so rooted in a relatable and empowered theme that the characters of DC Comics are uniquely able to present.”

As master toy licensee, Mattel is collaborating with DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Consumer Products on DC Super Hero Girls’ narrative creation, interactive digital activations and ultimately a toy line launching in 2016. Mattel category-leading firsts include a line of characters for the action figure category, an area of the industry that has been primarily developed with boys in mind, and fashion dolls featuring strong, athletic bodies that stand on their own in heroic poses.

“Partnering with the best and being the best partner is of paramount importance,” said Richard Dickson, President, Chief Operating Officer, Mattel. “Together with Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, the DC Super Hero Girls franchise will further expand our already powerful girls portfolio. We know Super Hero is a culturally relevant theme and the DC Super Hero Girls franchise will engage and inspire girls, providing cues to explore heroic acts through play and into real life.”

The Random House Books for Young Readers imprint of Random House Children’s Books has been appointed the master publishing partner for the franchise and will be creating a portfolio of books that will bring the DC Super Hero Girls world to life, beginning in Spring 2016. Random House’s publishing program will be complemented by a series of original graphic novels from DC Entertainment. The LEGO Group will also be key to building the DC Super Hero Girls franchise, leveraging their experience and success engaging girls in creative construction play to bolster this universe through an array of LEGO® building sets designed to inspire girls' imaginations. Additionally, consumer products partners around the world will be engaged in creating a merchandise line dedicated to DC Super Hero Girls across all key categories.

Bullet Review: Worlds' Finest #30

Worlds' Finest #30 came out last week, one of many chapter in the deconstruction of the New 52 Earth 2. I stopped reading this title half a year ago when a sort of creative ennui mired the book into irrelevancy. Since then, I have only seen the ads and read a review here and there about Worlds' End and Earth 2.

There isn't much about what I have seen happening in these books that has made me question my decision.

But blog friend and fellow comic reviewer Mart Gray   tipped me off that I might enjoy some of this last issue and he was right.

The whole issue is told in flashback by Lois, a look at this Earth just before it unraveled into chaos. So we see this quiet moment of Mr. and Mrs. Superman enjoying each others' company and doing a little canoodling.

Of course, Supergirl lives with them and walks in on them snuggling. There is so much to love in this scene, from the simple romance of Lois and Clark to the 'cowbell' comment by Kara.

But most of all I love this costume. For one, it shows that this Kara has always preferred the leotard look, the one piece. No skirt to be seen here. And it echoes the one piece she wears as Power Girl. But most of all I love the ballerina slippers, a nice nod to the later  70's Adventure Comics Supergirl.

It's funny. I found the strongest part of this book is when Paul Levitz looked back at Huntress and Power Girl's early careers as Robin and Supergirl. So I also enjoyed this other adventure in the book with Catwoman and Robin.

These flashback scenes made me miss a more classic Earth 2 even more, the one with the JSA, Infinity Inc, and a sense of legacy.

Thanks again Mart! That Supergirl page made me smile. 

Review: Batman/Superman #15

Batman Superman #15 came out this week and ended the three part 'amnesia' storyline. Greg Pak has, for the most part, made this a cerebral title for these characters, focusing on elements of their personality and ethics. Yes there is action in all these stories but most have been Batman and Superman dealing with some conundrum and wondering how far they would go, what is the limits of 'good', and in this instance, what sort of personality bubbles under the surface. Where does nature end and nurture take over? What would Batman be if he didn't remember his horrific origin and twisted adventures? What would Superman be like if he didn't remember his upbringing and ethics.

The art work is something of a group effort with art by Pascal Alixe, Diogenes Neves, Cliff Richards, and Mark Deering. After months of delays, apparently due to Jae Lee, it looks like DC is working to get this book back on track. This catches things up and clears the deck for new artist Adrian Syaf. I will state that I love Jae Lee's art. But the delays were killing the momentum of the book. The team on this issue do a nice job bringing a similar style and getting the story told.

The book opens with Kaiyo, the chaos demon, telling Lord Satanus that Bruce and Clark can get their memories back simply by wishing for them. What has stopped them from wanting to return to normal? Maybe it is how much they are enjoying the freedom of a blank slate.

Remember, last issue an untrained Batman couldn't save lives and stop the Scarecrow and as a result some innocents died. It made him question moving forward as a hero at all. But his interaction with Lois must have moved him. Inspired by her detective work and strive for justice, he looks her up, asking for help.

So, while he might like the carefree life of millionaire Bruce Wayne, he knows that he can't let innocents die. And he admits he needs help. I like that Lois recognizes that there must be some part of Batman still in there. Although I would hope that everyone would step up to help people in danger.

To entice (seduce?) Lois into action, Batman says he will bring her along. And the extra lure is that she will be part of the action. He brings her a Batgirl suit and she gladly puts it on.

They spar with each other as they leap the rooftops but it is clear there is some flirting and playful touching and romance happening here. Who is seducing who? It is strange to see Batman smiling and saying how great a catch Lois is.

That said, I don't like Lois getting into costumes and joining the fray like this. Lois strength is that she is one of us, someone without powers, who still impacts the world around her. I don't need her in a cape and slugging it out with villains to know how great she is. She is fine as an intelligent investigative supporter.

As for Superman, he is enjoying his newfound role as tough guy wrestling the world into line. He catches up with Mangubat accosts him. And then he lets a suddenly ruthless Metropolis PD have their way with him, pummeling Mangubat with their nightsticks.

It is just as odd to see Superman watch this 'punching down', this overt and unnecessary violence happening in front of him without stopping.

And even more, he looks downright scary with this odd smirk as he says the world doesn't need anyone's help other than from him. Superman grabs Batman and puts him into a cage, a cage made from support beams Superman has molded into a cell.

This seems to be nature and not nurture. This isn't Pa Kent's son. All bare-chested bravado, acting as judge and jury ... that isn't Superman.

Of course, that is the Superman in Earth 2, Injustice, etc. Kind of sad.

Thankfully, Pak actually shows that Lois' place isn't in combat. When Mangubat and his drones press their attack, Lois get injured in the leg.

Bruce blames himself ... as he should. I would say he should know better but he does have no memories.

Again, I don't need my Lois to be swinging haymakers to recognize her strength.

For whatever reason, seeing Lois injured angers this already slightly unhinged Superman even more.

He cauterizes her wound with heat vision. He then pounds Mangubat and flies him into the sky. This is going to be a very public execution.

Maybe I can say that the anger at Lois' injury shows that somewhere deep in him, his memories are crawling around.

But this is the scary part of an out of control Superman. Now he isn't just judge and jury but also executioner. This is the Superman from the other books, the Dark Superman we see all too often. But as I said, seeing this here and knowing this is the 'wrong' Superman is interesting. I think Pak is trying to show who Superman is by really showing what he isn't here.

Lois knows that Superman would never forgive himself for killing someone. She knows someone needs to stop him. And she knows the only one who could get through is Batman.

She asks Bruce to remember.

There is a pause. He might not want to return to that brooding guy. And he actually loves Lois and knows there is no place in the 'other' Batman's life for her. Ultimately he knows what's right. He kisses Lois and remembers, complete with a slick splash page with highlights of his career.

I do think there is a little too much 'love at first sight' here. Both of them acknowledge a burgeoning love here ... but doesn't it feel soon? Or am I an old jaded reader?

And Batman knows the strings to pull.

He calls Superman Clark and tells him he has to know who he really is. And the word Clark opens the flood gates. Also in a splash page we see Superman remember everything.

He floats down with Mangubat, tells the cops not to beat him, and thanks Batman.

Just like that, the adventure is over. Batman walks away from Lois. Catwoman walks away from Clark.

Nurture is back.

But there is this wonderful ending where Superman and Batman deal with what they have done.

Lois tells Superman that the person he was without memories is not who he is.

But Superman knows it was. He realizes that somewhere in him is that angry control freak. That sort of super-dictator, that bully, is just under the surface. I wonder how often it is a struggle to not let *that guy* just come out. That is the never-ending battle.

That's just great.

And Batman. Well, he tells Alfred to not call him Bruce. Because Bruce is the mask. He is Batman. Somehow the small family picture in the background of the first panel adds to the funeral feeling here.

All those things that Bruce was just enjoying ... flirting, parties, toys, etc ... it is gone. He can't be that man. He has to be this crusader. And we see Alfred silently mourn.

So I will admit that when I read the first part I sort of bemoaned another look at 'just how far will Batman and Superman go' theme feeling we had read a number of those stories already. But I really liked this story. It was interesting to see just how much the overlay of tragedy has formed who these two are.

That said, I'd love an old-fashioned punch-em-up. Maybe throw in a couple of super-villains.

Overall grade: B+/B

Review: Batman/Superman #14

Batman/Superman #14 came out last week, another chapter in the 'amnesia' story, exploring what Superman and Batman might do if freed from the constraints of their histories. This sort of story has been the grist for this title's mill - wondering what the heroes would do on another world, if they could change history, and now if they didn't remember who they are or how they got there. Writer Greg Pak certainly tells these stories with aplomb. Each arc like this has had some great characterization and providing some insight into Clark and Bruce.

This story adds the additional wrinkle of teaming Batman up with Lois and Superman with Catwoman. Without there memories, will nature or nurture surge to the fore? I will admit that I liked this issue more than I thought I would. There is a sort of 'hall pass' feel to this issue. What would happen if Batman could act like millionaire playboy Bruce Wayne for real for a couple of days? What would happen if Superman realized he didn't need to be a good boy? Perhaps because I know that the classic personalities will come through lets me forgive this little dalliance with their darker sides.

Jae Lee provides the cover which is cute. But the revelation is the internal art by Diogenes Neves and Marc Deering how channel Lee's look nicely in the issue, giving the issue the 'look' of the title. Nice job.

So a Bruce Wayne, not weighed down by his parents death can use his 'wonderful toys', like bat-wings, to woo the sultry wife of the Governor.

He has the skills and tech of Batman. But he has the desires of a bon vivant. This isn't 'ginger ale instead of champagne'. This is real hedonism.

Meanwhile, Superman has saved Lois Lane from the drones of Mangubat. And Catwoman is in tow, trying to keep Superman intrigued with the dark side.

Yes, there is some Superman residuals in this blank slate, He helped Lois because he knew it was the right thing to do.

But it doesn't take Lois long to suss out that Superman doesn't have his memories. She *is* Lois after all. This should be pretty evident to her. But Superman is angry that he doesn't remember he is 'superman' and so he flies to investigate with Selena hot on his tail.

See what I mean about the 'Jae-Lee-ness' of this art, right down to the lack of background. But that is one great Lois.

The lure of giant robots is enough to get Bruce to put the Batman costume out and join the fracas with Lois. But you can see that it is all a game to this amnestic Bruce, all smiles and flirting with Lois. It is strange to see him chucking bombs without a care and flashing a thumbs up to Lois. And here ... that's a come-on line. And Lois isn't having anything to do with it.

Neves even does the Lee tendril-hair I love!

But remember, this issue is about looking at what these characters would do without the weight of their histories. For Superman there is a this weight of responsibility. He stumbles onto the Toyman's lair and sees pictures of himself saving people, hugging Baka (in monster dog form), and generally being Superman. But that responsibility must be enormously heavy.

And Catwoman equates that weight, that responsibility, that restraint with weakness. She tells Superman that he doesn't need to be that way anymore. And that smirk lets you know that maybe Superman wouldn't mind letting loose.

I think Ed Brubaker said it best in Sleeper. If you had super-powers, why wouldn't you want to live like a rock star?

We haven't seen a lot of her in Action, but here Pak shows us the handle he has on Lois. It doesn't take her long to figure out that Batman doesn't have his memories either. Interestingly enough, she calls on his relationship to Superman to spur him into more serious action.

Funny how intoxicating Lois is that Batman swoons a bit.

But before they can actually do anything, the Scarecrow shows up. This might be Batman's body and he might have the right reflexes, but there isn't much he can do when you need tactics. The Scarecrow catches him holding up a beam which might crush people, essentially immobilized. And while the real Batman would have 10 ways to respond, this one has none ... and people get hurt.

Lois calls him out. He isn't ready to be on the street. This really isn't a game ... not at all.

That first panel is about the defeated I have seen the Batman portrayed in a long long time.

Bruce heads back to Wayne Manor and tries to figure out his next steps. He read about the death of his parents but it is 'someone else's story'. Without living that tragedy, he isn't driven by it.

I love Alfred's response. We see Alfred cry here. He wonders .... or maybe wishes ... if he can't be just Bruce and not Batman. It is fascinating and rings true. Batman is a tortured soul. Alfred might not mind seeing Bruce live the easy carefree life of millionaire playboy instead. That is interesting.

And Superman? He is embracing the role of powerful tough guy. He breaks into Gotham's city hall and declares himself the law.

So Superman wants to rule. And Batman just wants to lead a fun life. Certainly not what we are used to seeing.

As I said above, looking at these sideways portrayals of the heroes was pretty fun. I do hope both heroes remember these field trips away from who they are and contemplate just how easy it was for a chaos demon to derail their lives.

So kudos to Pak for bringing me back into this story. And definite kudos to Diogenes Neves and Marc Deering. Their stuff shines here.

Overall grade: B+

Review: Batman/Superman #13

It has been just about 2 months since the last Batman/Superman issue was released. So I was a pleasantly surprised to see Batman/Superman #13 on the racks last week. I can't recall exactly when I first heard the solicit for this book but I know it has been delayed a number of times.

In fact, it had been so long since the last issue that I needed to go back and skim Batman/Superman #12 to catch up on where we were.

Now I have very much enjoyed Greg Pak's turn on this book and his work with Superman in general. Removed the muddled Doomed arc and I would say he has been my favorite post-Morrison writer of Superman since the New 52. But I think that he leans a bit on historical data which may not be true in the new DCU. For example, I don't know if there is any public connection between Smallville and Superman even though we have seen it here and there. I also don't know just how public a Lois/Superman friendship is in the new 52, something which is an important plot in this story.

And I have gushed about Jae Lee's art on this book. I think his stuff is supernatural and gorgeous. But I can't help but wonder if he is the reason for the ;ate shipping. Last issue there was a different artist. This issue his art doesn't seem as crisp and polished as his prior. I wonder if DC accepted a rougher version of the work just to get it finally out.

Last issue, we saw Batman and Superman make hard decisions about changing history on Earth 2. This issue, Pak has them brought back to their Earth but without their memories. I suppose, given it is Kaiyo who is doing all this, that it is all for the chaos.

Here we meet Lord Satanus for the first time.

Back on Earth, Satanus question Kaiyo. Why is she doing this? What is she doing? How dare she interfere in his system.

I like Satanus as a Superman villain, a true threat to the Man of Steel. I wonder if this Satanus is the brother of the Blaze in Supergirl. I hope that he becomes a bigger player in the super-books.

Now, for some reason, Superman appears in Gotham City naked.

It leads to a nice moment, showcasing Superman's personality. Catwoman arrives and starts to vamp with him. And he can only blush and cover up, just like a boy from Smallville would.

But why? Why naked? Where is his Kryptonian skin armor? Is it done simply to make this moment possible?

While he remembers modesty, Superman doesn't know who he is or why he has powers.

Meanwhile, Batman also shows up in Gotham. But he is fully clothed. Hmmm ....

There must be villains everywhere in Gotham. Because while Catwoman vamps with Superman, the Scarecrow is nearby when Batman arrives and immediately attacks.

I like the way Pak conveys what it must be like to have no memories. He initially has Bruce wonder why he is dressed like he is. Then he has the muscle memory of years of combat simply override his wonder, allowing him to thrash the Scarecrow. He even has Batman use a machine gun, not aware of his own internal barometer against them. And then he has Batman say it was fun to defeat the Scarecrow. Batman ... saying something is fun! It is a simple way to show how odd it must be to be a stranger in your own body.

Now Superman ends up wrapping a scrap of cloth around his loins and defeats a giant robot who is threatening Selina. When he says it is fun to use his powers, it sounds right. One thing Pak does is contrast Batman and Superman in this book, in their attitude and approach to problems. So seeing them echo each other was a nice hook for the reader.

Catwoman is under attack by someone named Mangubat, a villain who uses technology to do his evil works, and he is gunning for her.

What isn't clear is if she recognizes Superman for who he is. I have to assume Superman is a celebrity, easily recognized, and Selina is taking advantage of the situation.

Meanwhile, Batman has figured out how to summon the Batmobile, who to have it take him home, and how to dress as Bruce and join a party.

What I like about this issue is that it is clear that not remembering the horror in his past makes Bruce a very different person.

I think he does believe that it is awesome to be the richest sexiest man. And I don't think that an intact Batman would think the same.

Lois has been basically absent from Pak's Action Comics. And seeing her in this issue makes me wish that she would be a bigger part of that title.

Here Lois is riding on a train headed to Gotham to interview Mangubat. It turns out that Mangubat wants more than just a voice in the press. He wants to kidnap Lois, sending his robot flunkies to gather her.

I love how calmly she says she is smarter than he is, pulling out a weapon and frying the robot.

That's my Lois. And I love how Lee draws her!

Then the train itself seems to spring to robotic life. Mangubat will get Lois.

But why?

He says Superman is trying to kill him. What??

But then he says that kidnapping Lois will give him protection from Superman. I don't know if there has been any evidence in the New 52 that Superman and Lois have such a close relationship that she would be kidnapping bait.

Does this make sense?

But Superman does arrive with Catwoman and uses his heat vision to dissect the train and save Lois. Even though he doesn't know he is Superman. Ummm ... so where did the pants and Superman belt come from? I am assuming Selina got them for him. But I am guessing.

This is a good shot to show the rougher look of Jae Lee's work on this issue. Clark looks more penciled and less crisp.

Maybe it is the delays.
Maybe it is the fatigue with Doomed.
Maybe it is the rougher look of Jae Lee's art ... being close to his usual excellence but not quite.
Maybe it is that the trick of removing their memories, even if it gives some insight into Bruce, didn't quite grab me enough ...
But I wasn't as impressed with this issue as I usually am when both Pak and Lee are together.

This is still a very good book. And I love Lois here. But I have come to expect even more. Maybe that is the best compliment I can give.

Overall grade: B