Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Superman/Batman # 59

By Avi Weinryb
May 10, 2009 - 17:30

In this conclusion to the Nano storyline, Superman and Batman must defeat nanobots before they can destroy innocent nanomads and begin wreaking havoc on Earth. Having been shrunken down to microscopic size, Superman and Batman find themselves in a confusing realm of strange beings. Nanobots have been empowered by The Prankster, and Superman is largely incapacitated. That means Batman will have to bring his 'A' game if he is going to save the day in typical hero fashion.

The concept is fun on the surface, but there is nothing dynamic about this issue. One of the two headline heroes goes crazy, must be stopped, and then the two work together to defeat a baddie. The writing team does not bring anything new to the table.

The nano folk in the miniature world are barely given any attention, leaving them with a very one dimensional collective characterization. When Superman declares that he must save the nano people before making his exit from their world, as a reader, I was not so excited about this self-assigned task. The big blue boyscout is just going through the motions. The same can be said for the writers.

The artwork was disjointed as well. Superman is first portrayed as a block headed monster when he is under the influence of the nanomads, and from the sixth to the seventh page, he quickly begins looking like himself. I could have accepted this as a result of him being transformed by the manipulative villain, but he is only cured of the nanomad influence on page nine. It's just loopy, sloppy art. Who would have thought that the Hulk would make an appearance in a Superman costume? Seriously - track this book down in your comic book shop if only to take a gander at this hideous anomaly.

There have been some fantastic Superman/Batman books in the past, but this issue does not cut it. If you are looking for some respite from the main DC Universe's current upheaval in the Superman and Batman titles, this book is usually a good choice. But be warned - you just might want to skip it this time around.

 

Rating: 5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12