Reviewer: Tim Stevens
Story Title: N/A
Written by: Brian Azzarello
Art by: Lee Bermejo
Colored by: Dave Stewart
Lettered by: Phil Balsman
Editor: Will Dennis
Publisher: DC Comics
When you are a comic fan like myself (or you, I’d assume) there are certain things that can drive you nuts. For instance, with the case in hand, trying to figure out when, continuity wise, this issue takes place. It must be prior to Lex Luthor taking office, right? And thus certainly pre-battle suit Lex. But is this a Year One-ish tale? Does it even have a specific place in Superman continuity?
With all due respect to my inner continuity freak (continuity super freak, really), who cares? This book’s too damn good to let a matter like its timeline derail it.
Why?
Well, for one, we have the art. Berjemo is, in a word, amazing. His Superman is perfect for the tone of the story, towering, powerful, and wholly intimidating. His Batman is none too shabby either. Berjemo renders him as both human and still completely defiant in the face of the “Superman menace”. The real treat for me this issue though was his take on Bruce Wayne. I think this is, in all honesty, the perfect depiction of the foppish playboy exterior Bruce Wayne has molded his public persona to be. As cool as it is to see Wayne cutting a dash path in dark suits around the office, the fact is that Wayne would be more of celebrity figure in Gotham than a business man. These days that means “just out of bed” hair, stylishly rumpled clothing, and sunglasses even indoors. It is so dead on I’m surprised it never occurred to me (or anyone else that I know of) to portray Wayne in this light.
I can’t imagine how well the art would work without Dave Stewart along for the ride, however. Berjemo has a very specific style and it stands to reason that coloring could very well derail that style. Thankfully, with Stewart, there is no need to be concerned. Whether it is Bruce and Lex’s lunch or the Batman Superman dust up over the spires of Metropolis, Stewart’s palette is equal to the cause.
On the script side, Azzarello continues to prove that Lex Luthor is so in Azz’s wheelhouse. Of anything I’ve read of his yet, this is the best characterization of an existing property that I’ve seen him do. The only issue I have with the story at all is the Bats/Supes face off. While it looks great and is told so well silently, I have no clue why it’s happening. I am guessing that will be revealed soon enough, but for now it seems like the two are fighting just because. That may be all well and good for a lot of heroes, but Batman and Superman usually find an excuse before trying to take each other apart.
Like I said though, I am pretty sure the why behind it will be revealed next issue and it is a minor complaint besides. Except for that, this book is (to come dangerously close to excessive use of a word in a review) is pitch perfect. The whole team deserves to take a bow.
