SUPERMAN/BATMAN #16 REVIEW

[Ryan Broussard]

<b>Reviewer</b>Ryan Broussard<a href="mailto:ryanb1114@yahoo.com">ryanb1114@yahoo.com</a>
<b>Quick Rating:</b> AWESOME!
<b>Title:</b> ABSOLUTE POWER chapter 3:"Where Time Goes Asunder

Batman and Superman find themselves hopping through time trying to make sense of everything

<a href="http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/images/content/SupermanBatmanCv16.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/images/content/SupermanBatmanCv16t.jpg" align="left" border="0"> </a>Writer:</b> Jeph Loeb
<b>Pencils:</b> Carlos Pacheco
<b>Colors:</b> Laura Martin
<b>Inker</b> Jesus Merino
<b>Letters:</b> Richard Starkings
<b>Editor:</b> Eddie Berganza
<b>Associate Editor:</b> Tom Palmer, Jr.
<b>Publisher:</b> DC Comics


<font color="crimson">REVIEW:</font>For those of you that have not been reading <b>Batman/Superman</b> lately I must say that you are missing out, big time. This arc involves a lot of time travel and a lot of really good writing by none other than <b>Jeph Loeb</b>.

I for one am not too big on time travel. I find that I will be reading or watching something that is based on the idea of time travel and before I know it I am upside down and my eyes are crossed. However, <b>Jeph Loeb</b> is doing an excellent job on this title and this arc surrounding a trio of “villains� that have time traveled to basically make <b>Batman</b> and <b>Superman</b> the rulers of the world.

When we last left off, <b>Wonder Woman</b> and her team of heroes seemingly destroyed the rulers and their base, with the aid of the <b>Human Bomb</b>. With that explosion a time bubble was activated and now Batman and Superman find themselves traveling throughout time from one “world� to the next. Every time one of them dies the world fades and they appear in yet another one. This makes for a lot of cool situations. The duo find themselves against animal like people and apes; against a band of very well armed “cow-pokes� ; and it's when they appear in an Apokilpian-like earth ruled by none other than <b>Darkseid</b>, that things start to make sense.

Once they understand their situation the two go forth to try and fix things. However, Batman has a little trouble holding back. What repercussions will this have on their future? Only <b>Jeph Loeb</b> knows and I can’t wait to find out.

<b>Carlos Pacheco</b> delivers once again and creates each different time line and world very well. I really liked the way his Darkseid looked. Every thing looked good and I really don’t have any complaints about the art or the story at all.

So what have we all learned? We have learned that [b]Loeb is writing some crazy stuff in this current story line but it works so well. I don’t know where he is going and frankly I don’t really care. As long as every issue comes out on time and is just as good if not better than the last; I will be happy.


<font color="blue">RATINGS:</font>
<font color="blue">STORY:</font> <img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt="">
<font color="blue">ART:</font> <img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt="">
<font color="blue">OVERALL:</font> <img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt=""><img src="http://www.comixtreme.com/reviews/full.jpg" border="0" alt="">

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[Mark Blicharz]

Another thing we've learned is that Loeb truly knows and cares about the characters he writes about.

I think the beginning was the LSV doing what they did more to control Superman and Batman and rule through them and change the future.

[Blake Petit]

Dang it, Ryan, the book is Superman/Batman. Check the tiny print on the first page. :p

It rules, though.

[SamuraiDaddy]

Man, I HATE it and LOVE it when Loeb does this to us. He just leaves us salivating for more. WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN?? I'M GONNA GO TO MY ROOM AND SCHEME NOW. MWAH HA HA HA HA!!

[Ryan Broussard]

Originally posted by Blake Petit
Dang it, Ryan, the book is Superman/Batman. Check the tiny print on the first page. :p

It rules, though.

it does rule and yeah there it is...my bad

[Ronée]

I have been following this series since #9... and u know I have to say that I ADORE it, but I was kind of uncomfortable with the extent of the violence, I mean I am not a tree hugger or anything and I wont spoil it.. but two particular images really messed with my head.

But hey, I am definitley on pins and needles waiting for the next issue.

[Blake Petit]

This is a pretty rough storyline, I have to admit... Loeb is really turning up the shock value on this one. On the other hand, I think it's shock value with a point, rather than just an attempt to horrify people.

[Ronée]

I'm not saying there is no point, I just wonder about the amount of kids that read this title. I personally LOVE it.

[Blake Petit]

Oh no, I didn't mean you were saying that. I'm just saying that it doesn't bother me as much as it normally would because it is critical to the plot.

I wonder how many kids really are reading this title, though... it's a GREAT book, but it's very much a book for fans, this storyline in particular.

[Ronée]

I think it bothers me most because of who it IS...

[Blake Petit]

Aaaaah, I see. Well in that case, just keep reminding yourself that this is a time-travel story. Nothing is permanent. ;)

[Ronée]

yes but that does not erase those images from my mind

[Blake Petit]

Yeah, I know what you mean. But I think the fact that it lingers with you shows how well-done a story it is. (Heck, I still feel the same way about the scene where Batman nearly kills Superman in Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. I'll never forget that one.)

[Ammar Al Subahi]

Whoa....confusing...

[Blake Petit]

Yeah, this arc is majorly continuity-intensive. I don't know what it says that I know who almost every character that's appeared so far is. :LOL:

[Ronée]

So go read the issue! lol.

[Ryan Broussard]

hey blake, was that guy in the animal universe, or any of the cowboys, anybody from DCU that had importance of a past?

[Blake Petit]

Dude, virtually EVERY character in this book was significant to the DCU. Kamandi comes from a possible future where he's the last human and animals have evolved into sentient lifeforms. The cowboys were kind of an all-star lineup of DC's classic western heroes (from back in the 40s and 50s when Western comics were still popular). As far as I could tell, there weren't any new characters introduced in this story.

[Terry Verticchio]

I liked Jonah Hex in this issue. What he did to Supes was amazing. Kinda makes ya wonder why Lex Luthor just doesn't do something like that too.

Oh yea, I also liked the line about the President saying Supes was wanted 'Dead or Alive'....heh, very poignant and topical. Loeb is soooo clever. :p

[tgregory123]

One word. AWESOME!!!!!!!

This is the DC I want to read. Bring on the kick *** stories and violence.

This arc is just freaking awesome!!!!

[Terry Verticchio]

The owner of one my local comic shops and I were talking about this book and he mentioned that a number of fans have complained about the rotating artist. I thought that was weird considering the same artist was used for the entire Supergirl arc and its obvious the same one is being used for this one, so I didn't understand the griping.

It seems the fans really liked Turner's work and wanted him to stay. While I thought it was good, I like the present art team of Pacheco and Merino better. They create a much cleaner line than Turner had, not so scribbly looking.

Any thoughts on the change of artist for each new story line?

[Linus]

I'm a big fan of Turner's art work. I loved the way he drew the city backgrounds in the first issue of the supergirl arc but then again I like scribbly art. I would of liked Turner to stay however the current art team are doing a great job and the story is amazing, so I really have no problem in a change of art team.

[batmanego]

My problem with Turner is he has a tendency to draw superheroes with Schwarzenegger bodies... I like my Batman lean and agile in the Neal Adams or Brian Bolland or David Mazzuchelli way.

This said, however, I look forward to this. It´s gonna be in the Superman book in my country - here, they put a lot of titles in one book - and it may be the first time I buy regularly a monthly Superman book....

[Blake Petit]

I have no problem with changing the artist on each story arc -- they announce that they were going to do that when the book first began. I don't like when artists change DURING an arc, but there's no such issue with this title.

[Ryan Broussard]

i like the idea of changing artist, i mean this way we get a taste of everyone...its like that sampler appetizer trey that every cheesy resuaante has...

i heard ed mcguiness is coming back for the next arc

[SamuraiDaddy]

That's after a stand-alone issue with Ian Churchill, who's becoming quite the Superman artist. I predict that he's going to be the artist for Jeph Loeb's new Supergirl book.

[jonsnow]

Finally got ahold of this book, been out of town for a bit. And it was awesome. Even with the heavy continuity Loeb sets it up for those of us who don't know the continuity well to still enjoy it.

[Magnus2k]

I'm thinking one of Ronee's concerns was when Batman shot the killer of his parents. Now, I felt the same way at first. I mean, its Batman, he doesnt kill, WTF!!! But after thinking about it, its genius. This isn't the normal Batman. This is still the one raised by the villians. But to see Batman finally get revenge, to so rightfully taste the vengance he's craved for so long, it was kind of sweet in a way. Part of me said "Good for you Bruce, good for you." But then the other part of me said "Batman! Nooooooooo! Dont do it! You're not that way! Thats not who you are!" BAM! "Mama nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!" If that wasnt one of Ronee's concerns, then ignore the I'm thinking one of Ronee's conerns was when. The rest was all me! :p

[SamuraiDaddy]

Well, also take into account that this is still the Batman that was raised by the 30th century villains, the same Batman that killed folks in his native timeline.

[Ronée]

yes that was one of the concerns, but it goes back to #15 and the killing of two major icons in comics and this issue just seems to carry it on ya know? disturbing images but a damn good read.

[Mark Blicharz]

I'm pretty sure it was Superman hanging Wonder Woman with her own lasso that did it.

[Magnus2k]

Originally posted by SamuraiDaddy
Well, also take into account that this is still the Batman that was raised by the 30th century villains, the same Batman that killed folks in his native timeline.

LOL, thats what I said. :p And Goku, I thought she was referring to the latest issue. I know that scene would bother most, and Ronee above all.

[Terry Verticchio]

Originally posted by SamuraiDaddy
That's after a stand-alone issue with Ian Churchill, who's becoming quite the Superman artist. I predict that he's going to be the artist for Jeph Loeb's new Supergirl book.

Jeph Loeb on Supergirl? Damn, another fricken book I have to buy....and its a Supes book. Man, Big Blue and family are sure getting the royal treatment nowadays. I guess it was bound to happen; it couldn't be bad forever.

[Ryan Broussard]

is supergirl why loeb is leaving this title

I mean quite honestly i wish he would stay here than go to supergirl

[Blake Petit]

Loeb announced nearly a year ago he'd only be on this book until issue #25.

This is the first I'm hearing of any Supergirl title.

[SamuraiDaddy]

Yeah, Loeb is set to start a new Supergirl series pretty soon I believe. Sounds jazzy to me.

[jonsnow]

Supergirl over Superman/Batman? Jeph you are killing me buddy. I know he announced his departure at #25 a while back, but man this burns. Please someone make me happy again by telling me some other great writer is taking over. How about Geoff Johns?! Now that would rock, of course I am just having a happy dream, but hey where would I be without my imagination?

[Ryan Broussard]

johns is writing alot if he took this it may be a bit much

teen titans
jsa
flash
green lantern rebirth
later on green lantern
he is gonna be writing crisis 2
Is he still on hawkman?

[Blake Petit]

No, Johns left Hawkman with #25. Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray are on that title now.

[Ronée]

Yes Goku, of course that really bothered me... but it is not the only disturbing image in that OR this issue.

[Symphony of Six]

I've had this bood for almost a week and I can't believe I just read it. The ending blew my mind. That is exactly what I thought should have happened in that situation and that is exactly what that charcter would do in the "real DC universe" if given the chance. Can't wait to see what comes next.

[Blake Petit]

No, he wouldn't. He would NEVER do what he did in this book in the "real" DC Universe, and that's exactly what makes it so shocking.

[Symphony of Six]

Because of how he did it or that he did it? The way Loeb leads up to the end basically it is the real universe and you do see the differences in the characters as he's done throughout his entire run except this time to a higher level.

[Blake Petit]

Not HOW he did it, THAT he did it at all.

Mark Waid said it best in "Kingdom Come." When you strip Batman down to the simplest, purest essence of the character, when you get rid of the weapons and the tights and the training and the brilliant mind, what you're left with is someone who doesn't want to see anyone die. Anyone. That's why he's never killed the Joker after all the years of torment he's caused. That's why he hates guns. That's why, even as his city was hit by an earthquake and cut off from the rest of the US, he stayed behind to make sure that the people who didn't get out in time survived. The real Batman wouldn't kill anyone, not even Joe Chill. Only a Batman forged by the Legion of Super-Villains would.

[Symphony of Six]

I was basically just stating that at the end thoughts start coming back and it IS the REAL DC Universe. Besides Kingdom Come was an elseworlds book and this isn't. Your points were legit. Guess we'll see what happens next.

[Blake Petit]

Yeah, KC was Elseworlds, but the statement made about the character himself was still valid. It was a "possible future," whereas this is an alternate timeline. In many ways, the KC versions of the characters (which, you'll notice, are being used in this story) are more real than the ones raised by the LOSV.

[Symphony of Six]

I know your about as hardcore of a DC fan as they come Blake, and recently the bar has been raised for shock value in the DC universe ever since the events in Identity Crisis.

Batman/Superman seems to be a continuity insensitive title (aside from certain things, Supergirl, Luthor, etc.) . But the possibility of it being real could be very shocking. I could be and probably am wrong...but then again I'm only human.

[Blake Petit]

When I hear people talk about "shock value," that makes me think of things being big, over-the-top and ultimately shallow. If something is shocking but actually serves the story, it's not just done for shock value. I didn't feel "Identity Crisis" OR this story were done just to shock people -- which is why I liked them.

I think we're mostly in a semantic disagreement here. In the context of this story, the events most certainly DID happen. I'm just saying that the person who carried them out isn't actually the "real" version of the character.

[Symphony of Six]

Yeah, we're basically at a stand still on the issue. By "shock value" I just meant something you couldn't see coming. I just got so into the story and mix that with a lot of coffee, I guess I'm just geekin' out man!:D

[Mark Blicharz]

My only issue with Batman killing his parents killers was that Superman could have easily stopped him from getting anywhere near them if he chose to. He could have grabbed him and held him or simply ran in front of Batman and Bruce couldn't do anything about it.

[Blake Petit]

And the real Superman probably WOULD have.

But let's remember... these are versions of the characters that have been tainted by the LOSV. Even if they're coming around, that thumbprint is still there.

[Mark Blicharz]

True, but then by the end of the issue, Superman knew what had to be done and would have stopped him, he did yell at Bruce not to do anything, he knew what would have happened.

[Blake Petit]

He was still reeling after a pretty big revelation of his own. I'd say he -- like the reader -- was simply too stunned to react.

[Downfall]

I see where Ronee is coming from, actually. Besides the fact Supes and Bats RAPED Green Arrow (figuratively speaking)
in #14 (grrr....), they also kill the spirit of our country, when you think about it.

Wasn't that what Uncle Sam was?

[Ryan Broussard]

but supes and bats in this arc thus far are the "Bad Guys" i dont see where the problem is here

[Ronée]

I GET that... and I am sucked into it. I am not complaining so much as expressing my opinion on such icons being portrayed in such a way and the violence that ensues, just to me, as a long time reader... it's mildly disturbing. there's no "problem", and I will be sure to keep such opinions to myself as they seem to cause a ruckus, this is why i do not post in review threads lol.

[Terry Verticchio]

No Ronee, don't go away. Ruckuses are what the Internet is all about. Remember this is Discussion Board. Don't silence yourself, shout away, none of this is taken personally.

Our opinions are reflections of who we are and there is nothing wrong with voicing them. And if we only talked about comics and ignored the moral implications of what the characters did it would be pretty boring around here.

I thought the last couple of issues were really brutal, especially what happened to Diana. But these are the evil things that evil men do, evil women too. :D

[Ryan Broussard]

yeah ronee please dont go, i mean i am just trying to see where your coming from no ruckus.

I liked that wonder woman was murdered so violently, this shows just how harsh our two "heroes" have become, i even said to myself after batman died, thats WW's ***, and i thought it was great...its just something new and different and that to me means great stuff

WHo would have ever thought we would see such a thing in comics=great

this is my opinion

[Ronée]

I was disturbed at Diana's demise, but I was also disturbed that she did that to Batman, EVEN though he was a "bad guy" at the time. As a reader and a fan, yes, it does make for an interesting story and I am so hooked right now. As a parent of a child just discovering comics, it is very alarming. THAT's why I said what I said.

[Mark Blicharz]

For me, it wasn't any more disturbing then watching the news. Though I can certainly understand how anyone would feel if they thought it was disturbing, because it was. I'm just happy to hear some parents take an interest in what their kids read.

[Magnus2k]

The scenes were disturbing, mainly because its coming from characters you would never think would do that, especially to each other. But thats what makes it so good. As far as what Batman did, and why Superman didnt stop him. For one, Superman was showing signs of who he really is. Batman had not reached that point yet. As far as why Supes didnt stop him, like Blake said, Superman as well as the reader still had that feeling, that hope Batman wouldnt do it because thats not who he is. But then he does it anyway, and you then realize, hey, this isn't the real Batman we are talking about.

[Cardiac]

This ending completely blew my mind, but it's not the real Bruce at all. I'm with Blake on this one.