Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Superman/Batman # 56

By Koppy McFad
March 25, 2009 - 04:37

Batman has gained Superman's powers and gone berserk. Now, a powerless Superman must take him down.

This is the final chapter of a multi-part story where Superman's powers have been magically transferred to Batman. But this mystic switcheroo comes with a curse that results in Batman abusing his new abilities. At least that is the excuse that the writers have come up with. Frankly, a guy like Batman has always seemed more inclined to abuse his powers than most super-people. Why can't they just come out and say that Batman was drunk with power?

The matter is brought to a happy conclusion thanks to some magical intervention by Zatanna. This isn't a great story but it is certainly entertaining with the Justice League ganging up on Batman, The members of Shadowpact beating each other up in a barroom brawl and finally a Superman-Batman confrontation in Crime Alley in a scene that is both a homage and a rejoinder to Frank Miller's DARK KNIGHT RETURNS story. There are some minor inconsistencies like the way the Green Lantern and Firestorm are so ineffective against the "SuperBat" (couldn't they just whip up some Kryptonite?) but these trifles don't hurt the overall story.

The strongest asset of this issue is the art. Even though he has to work with several different inkers, the strong, well-drafted pencils of Rags Morales come through. He gets the huge cast right and makes both the gigantic action scenes and the small dramatic scenes more effective. The only real weakness is the unimaginative cover.

Rating: 7.5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12