Story Title: Stop me if you’ve heard this one”¦
Reviewed by: Mathan “Mogo!!!!” Erhardt
Written by: Joe Kelly
Penciled by: Ed McGuinness, Ryan Ottley, Sean Murphy & Carlo Barberi
Inked by: Dexter Vines, Cliff Rathburn, Sean Murphy, Don Hillsman II, Bob Petrecca, Andy Owens & Rodney Ramos
Colored by: Guy Major
Lettered by: Rob Leigh
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Publisher: DC Comics
The issue begins with someone hiring Deathstroke to kill Bruce Wayne. From there we find out that Batman and Superman have been dealing with a cosmic event that dropped a group of characters patterned after them (actually the “Titans Tomorrow”) smack in the middle of NYC. From there we see that Bats and Supes are still the new guys on the block and just getting to know each other.
At that point we see that Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent, along with Lois Lane have booked passage on the same cruise ship. Unfortunately, due to some snafu, Clark and Bruce have ended up in the same room. The two clash before eventually realizing each other’s alter egos.
By then Deathstroke, Owlman, Ultra Man, Superwoman and some mouthy merc- I mean Good Samaritan have entered into the mix. Secret identities and exposed and covered up with reckless abandon and fun is had by all.
Joe Kelly wrote a hilarious issue. I mean this issue certainly qualifies as one of the best of year, in terms of read. It’s packed with jokes, asides and even references to characters from other companies. I can’t recall the last time I read an issue as funny as this. The lettering and sound effects were superb and truly matched the tone of the story. Kelly deserves accolades for this issue.
Art-wise the issue doesn’t disappoint. While there are numerous contributors, it doesn’t feel that way and a consistent tone it kept throughout the entire issue. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a character stabbed with a puppy before, but it’s a hilarious image. It’s an action packed issue and it’s pitch perfect with the light nature of the book. And the colors really leap off the page.
