DCU Comic Book Reviews

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #31

The Enemies Among Us, Part 3

January 2007

Written by Mark Verheiden

Pencils by Matthew Clark

Inks by Andy Lanning

Cover by Ethan Van Sciver

Synopsis

“They” have spoken to Superman; he knows the truth.  Now, Earth will finally see Kal-el for who he truly is.  At the Fortress of Solitude, the Blackrock has taken possession of Plastic Man, who leaves in a cloud of dust.  Left behind, Batman finds Zook, who has returned when he heard “The call.”  Martian Manhyunter arrives to tell Batman that the “call” will signal the end of the human race.  J’onn then leaves with Zook.  At LexCorp, Plastic Man refuses to hand over the Blackrock, so Lex decides he needs to take it by force.  In Daleville USA, Ultra, the Multi-Alien wrecks havoc until Supergirl arrives.  She also has heard the call and takes Ultra with her.  In Smallville, Ma and Pa Kent worry about Clark, who listens just outside the house.  At LexCorp, Batman arrives to save Plastic Man, but at that moment Ultra and Supergirl attack Batman.  Then Superman arrives, ready to kill Batman.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

This storyline so far has been very frustrating.  The first issue and a half, in which different, older villains were attacking Batman was actually a mis-direction on the real plot.  The shape changer was Zook, who was taking different forms to stop Batman from potentially warning the others.  I am glad that this was explained.  On the one hand, Zook’s inclusion actually made a lot of sense, but on the other hand, is it a good idea to include such an obscure character into this book?  He was introduced in the 60s as Martian Manhutner’s sidekick and was last seen in the late 60s.  The presence of the older villains and the older looks (like Lois in the pill box) fits with Zook’s appearance since he hasn’t been around for a long time.  However, I am annoyed that the story started in one direction (who is attacking Batman) and has gone in a completely different direction (aliens are being controlled to take over the Earth).  It is one thing to slowly reveal the plot of the story; it is another to tell the reader, oh forget about these events, it is not important to the story that I am now telling you. 

So, now, we have reached the point where the real plot begins.  Frankly, the idea that all of the aliens would band together to eradicate the human race is a fascinating concept and now that we have reached this point, I am intrigued.  But, in this day and age of writing for the trades, I can assume the story will be six issues and four have been completed.  That leaves barely enough time for Batman to undo Superman’s mind-control, learn the identity of the mastermind, and secure victory.  It seems like Verheiden took his time to reach this point and will now have to rush to finish up all of the plot threads (such as Plastic Man and Lex Luthor). 

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