DCU Comic Book Reviews

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #4

The World's Finest, Part Four:  Battle On

January 2004

Written by Jeph Loeb

Pencils by Ed McGuinness

Inks by Dexter Vines

Cover by Ed McGuinness and Dexter Vines

Synopsis

A Kryptonite meteor is hurtling towards Earth.  President Lex Luthor claims it is Superman’s fault and offers a billion dollars to anyone who can bring him to the authorities.  Captain Atom has put together a team of heroes to apprehend Superman and Batman.  The World’s Finest are able to escape custody with the help of Power Girl and Katana.  The four of them then head for the outskirts of Tokyo, looking for a 13-year-old boy who may save the world.  Elsewhere, Mr. Terrific sends Captain Marvel and Hawkman to retrieve the World’s Finest duo.  After both are able to knock Superman and Batman unconscious, the consider it mission accomplished. 

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

This issue was more of the same with the last issue:  a lot of fighting that really leads to nowhere.  However, I mildly liked this issue, which to say it was much, much better than the last issue.  The big difference between the two is that in this issue, the big fight is focused and shorter, featuring one opponent each for Superman and Batman rather than the sprawl of villains just coming out of nowhere.  The Marvel-Hawkman fight was well done.  I really like both castling moves, first by the World Finest and then Hawkman’s double cross that put the finishing touch on the battle.  I especially liked how Hawkman verbally smacked Superman about how stupid he was if he thought no one else knew of the maneuvering. 

Loeb’s decisions on which characters to include in this issue were well done.  First, we have Power Girl, who of course was related to Superman before the Crisis and Katana, who was one of the original Outsiders when Batman created that team.  Then, the next battle features Captain Marvel, who may or may not have been created in response to Superman’s popularity, and Hawkman, whose taciturn methods are often compared to Batman.  Moreover, Superman is susceptible to magic, so it make sense that Marvel would be sent to battle Superman, jsut as it would make sense that Hawkman would use a magical device after the castling. 

I am not, however, all the excited about whatever it is Lobe has in mind for Luthor.  What the heck is the deal with the injection?  And then kissing Waller?  Ick.  I like Luthor when he acts in a cold, rational manner, but having him act like a crazed junkie just does not do it for me.

 

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