DCU Comic Book Reviews

The Brave And The Bold #16

Tempted

October 2008

Written by Mark Waid

Pencils by Scott Kolins

Inks by Scott Kolins

Cover by Scott Kolins

Synopsis

In Gotham City, Commissioner Gordon is startled when Superman responds to the bat-signal.  With Batman away, Superman agrees to help investigate an underworld auction.  However, Superman hears a burglar alarm and decides to check it out.  He finds Catwoman.  She is smitten by him and tries to convince him that she didn’t want the item she was stealing, but needed it as entry into the auction.  The big ticket item at the auction:  a map to a secret cave.  Superman decides he needs Catwoman’s help to get him to the auction.  There, he learns the map is to the cave where Clayface received his special powers.  When Superman is revealed, the bidders scramble to get away.  In the confusion, Catwoman is able to retrieve the map and head out to the cave.  However, Superman tracks her down, angry that she took advantage of him to get what she wanted.  She tells him that is not the case; she set explosives to blow up the place.  Afterwards, she suggests they team up again, but Superman tells her no.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

This was an enjoyable issue.  It is a bit formulaic, to be certain, with the characters first at odds with each other, but then teaming up together to solve the mystery or whatever it is.  But Waid interjects the formula with some sharp writing, especially the interaction between Selina and Clark.  Actually, I think Waid does a terrific job simply by putting Superman in Gotham.  From Gordon’s reaction to the people in the auction and even the disguise Selina chooses, the entire story seems to be focused on the reaction to Superman.  Of course, the main thrust of the story is the way Selina and Clark play off of each other and Waid’s approach to the due makes it work.  Catwoman’s overt, flirtatious sexual nature contrasts very well against the upright, boy scout nature of Superman.  It is a contrast of styles but rather than use it as a source of antagonism, Waid plays it for laughs.  Their scenes together make this issue, because the underlying mystery is not all that interesting (and indeed doesn’t really get addressed as the woman behind it all is never identified or even caught, as far as we can tell).  But then I don’t think Waid really cared for the mystery, just the character interaction of the two leads.  And if that is the case, Waid was successful.  A fun, fun issue. 

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