Superman/Batman Public Enemies Volume 1

Back Issues
Superman/Batman Public Enemies Volume 1
By Geoff Hoppe
December 18, 2006 - 18:32

DC Comics
Writer(s): Jeph Loeb
Penciller(s): Ed McGuinness

Superman/Batman vol. 1, Public Enemies, focuses on the Shakespearian collapse of Lex Luthor’s presidency. A gigantic chunk of Krypton hurtles towards earth, and Luthor blames — who else? — Superman. The erstwhile Pres puts a price on Supes’ head, blaming the impending cataclysm on Kal-El’s Kryptonian heritage, and sends a hero team headed by Captain Atom to bring Krypton’s last son “to justice.” Superman, with the help of friend-emy Bruce Wayne, decide it’s time for a showdown with President Luthor. The plot isn’t terribly original, but Loeb still makes a fun series of events out of it, that, brought to life by Ed McGuinness, make this book worth the money.

when a supervillain dresses in lime, it's hard to take him seriously.

Loeb also knows how to milk the Batman/Superman relationship as well as anyone. Next to Daredevil and Punisher, Batman and Superman have one of the most intriguing relationships in comics. A pessimistic, strong-willed human and an optimistic, invincible alien should make an interesting pair, and Loeb sees to it that they do.

Superman/Batman is characterized primarily by the split internal monologues. Batman will think something, then Superman will think something, then Batman will think something, then Superman will think something, etc, etc…This format tires out quickly, but the level of action is usually enough to hold the reader’s attention. There are fight scenes a plenty here, including a brilliant tag-team match between Superman/Batman and Captain Marvel/Hawkman. Bravo to Loeb for getting these four in a fight—if only he’d made it several pages longer!

The main event. Hawkman's never looked this good.

When Jeph Loeb writes Batman stories, they’re usually excellent. The Long Halloween is legend, and Hush was equally brilliant, especially for how it introduced a completely original villain into comics’ greatest rogues’ gallery. Loeb’s writing for Superman, however, is love-it or hate-it. There are so many references to homespun, good-old-fashioned Kansas farmboy-osity that you’re either hopelessly won over, or revolted by the borderline-sanctimonious tone. Loeb’s Superman dialogue reminds me of the brilliant H.L. Mencken essay “Virtue.” (look this up if you’ve never read it. It’s a tad caustic, but remarkably effective)

What makes this book worth the money? Ed McGuinness. When I first read Public Enemies a couple of months ago, I thought the art was too cartoony to suit the subject matter. McGuinness’ style does take time to adjust to, but, like wine (and some cheeses, I’m told), it gets better with each passing day. McGuinness can draw action as well as he can draw facial expressions, and he has a genius for body language. Batman isn’t an easy character to draw: he needs to look powerful and muscular at times, but still be able to retreat into the shadows unnoticed. McGuinness captures both perfectly. Captain Atom, a routine b-lister, is given a degree of dignity he doesn’t usually get.

This could easily double as a Christmas card for the batfamily and the superfamily.

Best of all, McGuinness makes Hawkman look as believeable as a half-naked man with giant wings can look. I realize this is the naïve, boyish hope of a lone comic reviewer, but Mr. McGuinness, if you’re reading this, please—PLEASE—draw Hawkman more often. Lots more often. Preferably in a monthly series. Hell, draw him at his daily routine, buying groceries and watching American Idol. Anything. I’ll babysit your kids for free. But you’ll have to buy my plane tickets to Maine.

Worth the money? For about $13.75, absolutely.