The Brave and the Bold # 5

Batman versus the Legion of Superheroes in the 31st century. After being sent into the future by a mysterious device, Batman and the Legion discover that the item is disrupting the time-space continuum. Batman thinks he has the answer but most of the Legion, particularly Brainiac 5 treat him like a caveman that has to be kept out of the way. Naturally, he soon shows these kids who is boss. Some may object to how easily Batman outwits the Legion, even holding his own against Karate Kid. Yes, this does smack of the "Uber-Bat" that became so tiresome in recent years. But considering the way these young whippersnappers talk down to him earlier in the story, it is satisfying to see this 21st century man give them so much trouble. It is almost a validation of our era-- and of ourselves even in the face of futuristic technology.

The art looks a bit crowded with overly detailed backgrounds and thick lines but thankfully, Perez is one of the few artists who can pull off this kind of story. The fight scene between Batman and Karate Kid is amazing-- a tribute to both Kirby and Wally Wood but done in the Perez style. The only downer in this issue is the rather uninspired cover. Just the same, it gets five out of five stars.