Boston Comic Con 2016: Jae Lee Commission

Welcome to the third of four commission reviews from Boston Comic Con.

Today I showcase the commission I got from Jae Lee.

When Lee was announced as a guest, I knew he would be high on my list of commission hopes. I have liked Lee's art for some time, often buying books just to see his work (I'm looking at you Marvel Nemesis: The Imperfects!!  Bought just for covers!) But I really fell in love with Lee's work on the recent Batman and Superman book.

So much of that book was just gorgeous. In particular, Lee's take on Wonder Woman and the Huntress made me think he would do an incredible Supergirl.

Again, this is one of those times where some early legwork paid off. Emailing Lee, I got a price list but also a sense of how many commissions he thought he would be doing. Given my sense of Lee's availability, the fact that Terry Dodson took his huge list first then decided, and my prior conversations with Tana Ford, I knew I needed to get in Lee's line first.

Luckily I was at the top of the list and got this great commission. It is a great representation of Lee's art. From the sort of angular feel to Kara to the tendril-like hair, to the blank angry eyes, this screams Jae Lee. You don't need to see the signature to know this is Jae Lee. I love this commission.

I also like the action of the piece. Supergirl hoisting a giant rock seems to be a sub-theme within my collection. Remember, I don't standardly tell artists the pose I want Kara in. I just specify the costume. So to see Lee, Chris Burnham, and Joe Quinones all pick this pose is fascinating to me.

One more commission to come ... one of the most unique takes on the character in my collection.

Boston Comic Con Recap #1: Con And Terry Dodson

Welcome to the first of multiple posts covering my time at this last weekend's Boston Comic Con. This is *my* show, a huge con right up the road that have attended since its inception. This show has gone from being held in an insurance building basement to selling out the Seaport Convention Center. I consider myself lucky that such a great show is in my back yard.

I went to the con with hopes of getting commissions from Terry Dodson, Jae Lee, Tana Ford, and Daniel Govar. I was lucky enough to grab them all.

I have been a fan of Terry Dodson for a long time. He is a really nice personable creator who was fun to meet. He takes a long list of potential commissions on the first day and by the end of Friday he had narrowed down the selections to which commissions he thought he could get to. I decided that the 70s costume would be fun and interesting for Dodson to draw and so asked for that Kara. Luckily, I won the lottery and Sunday morning I picked up the above piece ... just stunning!

This is pure Dodson. But I love how with just copic markers he makes the sleeves seem translucent. And the salute is a nice patriotic touch. I am just thrilled with this piece. I'll be posting the other commissions over the next three weeks on Thursday. But the rest of this post covers the rest of the con.

Closing in on the Boston Comic Con

I know that SDCC starts today. But I'm not going to be there. Instead, I am finding it Hard to believe that in just about 3 weeks from now I'll be standing in line to get into the Boston Comic Con. I have been going to this con since its inception and have been impressed with how it has grown.

Over the last couple of years, the con has started to invite some celebrities to the event but the focus is always on the comics. This year they added a tag line espousing that ideal. "True to comics, committed to fans." I like it.

There is the usual glut of fantastic guests coming this year. And so I thought I would present the list of commission hopes. As you know, I try my best to get 4-5 commissions each year from this con. If I get my top two, I'll be thrilled. But as always, there are others I am hopeful for. And, as usual, the Grail piece will be within eyeshot but most like unattainable.

Here are the commission hopes.

Terry Dodson - I have always been impressed with the sheer beauty of Dodson's work. From the first Peter David Supergirl story in Showcase 96 to runs on Daredevil, Xmen, and Wonder Woman, I have always been drawn to his art.

This is the first time that I'll be seeing Dodson at a convention and so I'll be running to his table first in hopes of getting a Supergirl from him. I am leaning towards the Matrix style costume for Dodson although I might ask him if he'd be interested in doing the 70s version I have become just as fond of.

Jae Lee - My second commission hope is Jae Lee. Lee's stuff is just breath taking. I gushed about his work on Batman/Superman. I especially like the way he draws women. His Huntress, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, and Lois were all just gorgeous. Like Dodson, I haven't seen Lee at other conventions I have been to so I am hoping to get on the list.

If I'm able to get these two and nothing else I will be thrilled. I love both their styles. Fingers crossed. But on to the others.

Review: Batman/Superman #13

It has been just about 2 months since the last Batman/Superman issue was released. So I was a pleasantly surprised to see Batman/Superman #13 on the racks last week. I can't recall exactly when I first heard the solicit for this book but I know it has been delayed a number of times.

In fact, it had been so long since the last issue that I needed to go back and skim Batman/Superman #12 to catch up on where we were.

Now I have very much enjoyed Greg Pak's turn on this book and his work with Superman in general. Removed the muddled Doomed arc and I would say he has been my favorite post-Morrison writer of Superman since the New 52. But I think that he leans a bit on historical data which may not be true in the new DCU. For example, I don't know if there is any public connection between Smallville and Superman even though we have seen it here and there. I also don't know just how public a Lois/Superman friendship is in the new 52, something which is an important plot in this story.

And I have gushed about Jae Lee's art on this book. I think his stuff is supernatural and gorgeous. But I can't help but wonder if he is the reason for the ;ate shipping. Last issue there was a different artist. This issue his art doesn't seem as crisp and polished as his prior. I wonder if DC accepted a rougher version of the work just to get it finally out.

Last issue, we saw Batman and Superman make hard decisions about changing history on Earth 2. This issue, Pak has them brought back to their Earth but without their memories. I suppose, given it is Kaiyo who is doing all this, that it is all for the chaos.

Here we meet Lord Satanus for the first time.

Back on Earth, Satanus question Kaiyo. Why is she doing this? What is she doing? How dare she interfere in his system.

I like Satanus as a Superman villain, a true threat to the Man of Steel. I wonder if this Satanus is the brother of the Blaze in Supergirl. I hope that he becomes a bigger player in the super-books.

Now, for some reason, Superman appears in Gotham City naked.

It leads to a nice moment, showcasing Superman's personality. Catwoman arrives and starts to vamp with him. And he can only blush and cover up, just like a boy from Smallville would.

But why? Why naked? Where is his Kryptonian skin armor? Is it done simply to make this moment possible?

While he remembers modesty, Superman doesn't know who he is or why he has powers.

Meanwhile, Batman also shows up in Gotham. But he is fully clothed. Hmmm ....

There must be villains everywhere in Gotham. Because while Catwoman vamps with Superman, the Scarecrow is nearby when Batman arrives and immediately attacks.

I like the way Pak conveys what it must be like to have no memories. He initially has Bruce wonder why he is dressed like he is. Then he has the muscle memory of years of combat simply override his wonder, allowing him to thrash the Scarecrow. He even has Batman use a machine gun, not aware of his own internal barometer against them. And then he has Batman say it was fun to defeat the Scarecrow. Batman ... saying something is fun! It is a simple way to show how odd it must be to be a stranger in your own body.

Now Superman ends up wrapping a scrap of cloth around his loins and defeats a giant robot who is threatening Selina. When he says it is fun to use his powers, it sounds right. One thing Pak does is contrast Batman and Superman in this book, in their attitude and approach to problems. So seeing them echo each other was a nice hook for the reader.

Catwoman is under attack by someone named Mangubat, a villain who uses technology to do his evil works, and he is gunning for her.

What isn't clear is if she recognizes Superman for who he is. I have to assume Superman is a celebrity, easily recognized, and Selina is taking advantage of the situation.

Meanwhile, Batman has figured out how to summon the Batmobile, who to have it take him home, and how to dress as Bruce and join a party.

What I like about this issue is that it is clear that not remembering the horror in his past makes Bruce a very different person.

I think he does believe that it is awesome to be the richest sexiest man. And I don't think that an intact Batman would think the same.

Lois has been basically absent from Pak's Action Comics. And seeing her in this issue makes me wish that she would be a bigger part of that title.

Here Lois is riding on a train headed to Gotham to interview Mangubat. It turns out that Mangubat wants more than just a voice in the press. He wants to kidnap Lois, sending his robot flunkies to gather her.

I love how calmly she says she is smarter than he is, pulling out a weapon and frying the robot.

That's my Lois. And I love how Lee draws her!

Then the train itself seems to spring to robotic life. Mangubat will get Lois.

But why?

He says Superman is trying to kill him. What??

But then he says that kidnapping Lois will give him protection from Superman. I don't know if there has been any evidence in the New 52 that Superman and Lois have such a close relationship that she would be kidnapping bait.

Does this make sense?

But Superman does arrive with Catwoman and uses his heat vision to dissect the train and save Lois. Even though he doesn't know he is Superman. Ummm ... so where did the pants and Superman belt come from? I am assuming Selina got them for him. But I am guessing.

This is a good shot to show the rougher look of Jae Lee's work on this issue. Clark looks more penciled and less crisp.

Maybe it is the delays.
Maybe it is the fatigue with Doomed.
Maybe it is the rougher look of Jae Lee's art ... being close to his usual excellence but not quite.
Maybe it is that the trick of removing their memories, even if it gives some insight into Bruce, didn't quite grab me enough ...
But I wasn't as impressed with this issue as I usually am when both Pak and Lee are together.

This is still a very good book. And I love Lois here. But I have come to expect even more. Maybe that is the best compliment I can give.

Overall grade: B

Review: Batman/Superman #9

Last week, Batman/Superman #9 came out, finally giving fans the chance to read the misplaced chapter of First Contact. I have to say that I had very high hopes for this arc, hoping it would jostle Worlds' Finest out of the perpetual slumber it is in. This should have been something historic, with Huntress and Power Girl meeting the Earth 1 doppelgangers of their Earth 2 family. There should be new relationships and long-standing consequences.

Instead, in the finale, we got a lackluster ending with the two pairs of heroes seemingly going in opposite directions. In another DCU, the four would walk out with arms around each other, welcoming everyone into a hero community and confirming they are 'family'. But not in the New 52.

Knowing the ending, it was somewhat hard to get revved up for this chapter, put in my hands a month after the story ended. That said, this issue had 2 things going for it. One, Greg Pak seems to have a grasp of all four characters, at least based on the first part of this storyline. Second, Jae Lee's art is truly dreamy. He brings a sort of otherworldly feel to the story. I know there aren't many backgrounds. I don't care. The foreground is fantastic.

There are a couple of easy answers to some plot turns here. But overall, this was a fine chapter of the arc. If I had read this in the right order, I might have been truly excited for the finale. That may have left me even more disappointed.

Going back 2 months, to the end of Worlds' Finest #20, Superman -both overpowered by nanites and underpowered by a Kryptonite necklace - and Huntress are trying to infiltrate New Gamorra as tourists, trying to figure out what Kaizan has planned and why he is interfering with Kryptonian lives.

Realizing that he needs some extra help to overcome the nanites, Superman asks the Toyman to illegaly send into Gamorra some tech to help out. I worry that the Toyman might become a deus ex machina, able to come up with a tech solution for everything.

But I love how Superman notes that Pa Kent might not be too happy about this bending of the rules. I agree, Pa would raise an eyebrow.

In this instance, Huntress has to be the main physical presence as Superman is both weakened and out of control. I love how Superman is impressed, saying that she is clearly Batman's daughter. We know the respect he has for Batman ... so this is high praise.

But I love this panel, a nice example of Lee's art. There is a sort of jagged kinetic feel here, Helena's hair and wrap almost alive as she pinwheels through the troops. Her leg seems too long for her body ... but it looks right, bringing this fantastical feel to the proceedings. The tree in the background looks hellish, alien. And the tiny gun in midair in the corner as Helena breaks a wrist is perfect. Her hair appears like tentacles almost trying to grab the pistol. Just beautiful.

Meanwhile, Power Girl is battling Kaizen's artificial Kryptonian-gened soldiers.

Much like Huntress' sentiments in the last scene, here Batman doesn't want Power Girl fighting. He fears her powers might still lurch out of control. He also, to be frank, doesn't trust Karen even if her abilities are in control. But these aren't standard infantry. Despite them being super-powered, Batman wants to be the one to deal with them.

This is a classic Power Girl response and I loved it. She isn't going to back down and kowtow to Batman's wishes. She is going to bash some heads, grumbling about his attitude as she does it. I chuckled at the Yosemite Sam-like 'stupid macho rassin' frassin'

Part of Batman's mistrust is born from his vague recollections of his first trip to Earth 2 in the premiere arc of this title.

I look at the pre-Darkseid Earth 2 heroes as more classic, immutable heroes. What I saw of the Earth 2 Superman in flashbacks in early Earth 2, Worlds' Finest, and here in Batman/Superman makes me think that Kal is just a great beloved inspirational hero.

This Batman thinks the Earth 2 Superman is arrogant, insanely powerful, and dangerous. It shows the tenor of the Prime Earth universe (although Batman has been a paranoid control freak for a couple of decades now).

 Meanwhile, the Huntress brawl temporarily knocked the Kryptonite of Superman. Surging with power, it took some self-control for him to put the K-necklace back on.

There is a nice bluntness to Huntress' response that reminded me of classic Helena. "Suck it up." Heck, she doesn't have powers and she is clearly running the show here. Her lines also sounded very much like Batman which resonated as well.

Even Superman thinks she sounds like Batman. But, maybe with some disgust, she distances E1's Batman from her dad. Does she think there are more differences than similarities between the Bruces?

Her comments jog Superman's memories, bringing back some recollections of his time on Earth 2. Much like Batman, Superman's take on the Earth 2 hero is fascinating . He calls that Batman stranger and darker even though he seemed pretty classic to me.

Lee's art is wonderful here as well. Helena's slightly pursed lips show that hint of disgust/sourness. The Batman here seems demonic ... more Etrigan than Batman. And Superman being in the dark implies he is grasping a bit. He is 'in the dark' as it were. Great!

 And here is why I love Pak on Superman. Clark seems to know that the E2 heroes died. And he didn't save them. And it pains him.

Listen to this sentiment. 'Everyday, whatever happens ... it's my fault.' That is a heavy burden to carry. But it speaks about how high Superman holds himself. It shows why we should be inspired by him. Try to be like him. Help him.

I hope Pak gets to stay on this character as long as he wants.

 Toyman's package arrives by drone. And it is something of a easy answer. Somehow this prototype for a multi-environment theme park is able to block the frequency turning on the nanites. Now garbed in this robot-looking suit (complete with creepy blank facemask), Superman is in control and can join in the fray.  Too easy?

Two things I love her. Huntress in the background about to also jump on. But more importantly, Power Girl with a mandroid in a headlock, pounding away.

Between Karen's cape and Superman's extreme perspective (almost Kirbyish), Lee again lends some warped phantasmal feel here.

Kaizan opens up the gate to Earth 2 (we knew this ... from reading the finale last month). And, in another easy answer, the energy from Earth 2 burns out the nanites completely, putting the Supers in control and okay. Okay, this felt a little too easy.

And so we get caught up to date. We now know how we got to the finale last month.

But boy, this issue read much better than the finale. There are some very nice moments here. And the art, backgrounds be damned, is just wonderful.

Too bad the overall arc feels like such a letdown.

Overall grade: B+/B

Review: Batman/Superman Annual #1

Batman/Superman Annual #1 came out last week and was a fine issue. I had very high hopes for this book for a number of reasons. It guest starred Supergirl. It also had Red Hood, Batgirl, and Steel! And it was to be a commentary on the recent deaths of Damian Wayne and Superboy. That is a lot of great stuff to cover.

It also had great creative clout with writer Greg Pak and artists Jae Lee, Kenneth Rocafort, and Philip Tan. I knew this was going to be a very beautiful book.

So I have a very rare complaint. I think this story was rushed!! I usually complain that in this current DC market that everything is decompressed and stretched to fit a 6 issue trade compilation. But this story is a whirlwind. In fact, the best parts of the issue is the opening chapter where things proceed at a nice pace allowing the characters to breathe a bit. But the middle chapter is so fast that the plot feels rushed. And the emotional 'oomph', the reflection of Damian's and Kon's deaths, is an afterthought when that should be the driving force of this book.

Now this isn't a bad book by any means. I enjoyed it ... especially the Supergirl parts! But I almost wish that this was a three issue mini-arc in the main book. There is so much untapped story here.

The book opens with Superman and Batman reviewing their recent battle with Mongul. The interstellar tyrant was thrown into the Phantom Zone by Superman. It is a somewhat chilly interaction between the two. Batman is surprised that Superman would have the intestinal fortitude to throw Mongul in that prison without a trial. And Superman thinks that he isn't a boy scout; he is there to protect.

I did love this moment, a sort of softening of Batman. He looks down on a couple of kids playing ball and says the 'little joys' make life bearable. There is a glimmer of hope in him!

This quaint reflection is interrupted by the arrival of a new Warworld and Mongul's son Jochi. On Warworld, grievances are dealt with in the arena. Jochi is upset about his father's defeat and needs familial justice. Batman and Superman will either bring a 'clan' to battle Jochi on his world to fight or Warworld will destroy the Earth.

There isn't much choice. Batman and Superman go to pick their 2 clan members.

As a Supergirl fan, I have had my share of complaints about how she has been characterized in the New 52. One of my biggest complaints has been her utter lack of interaction with Superman. Luckily ... happily ... Pak must not know about this. He has Superman pick Supergirl first ... the easy pick!

Look at how the 2 super-cousins are working together to save a falling bridge from a giant kraken-like thing. Superman and Supergirl collaborating!! Action friendly!! Acting like a family! Thank goodness.

And Jae Lee's art is so beautiful I love his representation of Kara.

I know we are in the Red Lantern phase of things. I can only hope when that story is over that Pak and Bedard smooth over this relationship.

Wonder Woman shows up asking to join the clan but Superman tells her she needs to stay behind to defend Earth should something go awry. Diana gives Kara her sword. It is odd that Wonder Woman doesn't seem to recognize Kara. They brawled in H'El on Earth.

And Clark and Diana share a moment to say goodbye. This is the first time I have read them interact as a couple where it sounded semi-reasonable and natural.

As Diana flies away, Supergirl talks to Superman about her and how much Kara likes her! Look ... two family members talking about their lives to each other!!!! It can be done!!

Along the way Superman picks up Krypto as his second and Steel as a hidden ally.

As for Batman, he approaches Batgirl and Red Hood to join him. They are interesting choices, especially Jason who is something of a wild card. Batman knows he might need someone a bit unhinged for the arena.

Despite my love of Superman, this is my favorite page. Batman knows he has already put these characters through the wringer. We see shots of The Killing Joke and Death in the Family (nice channeling of Mignola by Lee here). And we see a ghostly vision of Damian (looking quite Quitely).

Batman warns the two that they might not come back from this mission.

I love ... LOVE ... Jason's response. They might not come back from any mission. Bruce should realize that. Fantastic! For too long it seems that Batman has been an immutable force in comics. I am glad to see someone call him out a little.

This early chapter flows nicely as we see the main heroes pick their family to fight alongside. After this things get a bit rushed.

First off, Steel and Batgirl slip away before the heroes head to the arena. They are tasked with dismantling Warworld's weapons so Earth will be spared.

In the meantime, Batman sees Jochi alone in combat on Warworld. Jochi needs to fight for his own honor and for a place on Warworld. In an odd twist, Batman claims Jochi as one of his clan since Batman defeated Jochi's father. That right falls to Bruce.

It puts Jochi in an odd place. He either needs to join Batman (the guy he wanted to fight, the guy who banished his father) or get killed immediately.

Okay, I consider myself a decent reader of comments. But the muddled politics of Warworld are a little confusing. I guess I just have to roll with it.

While Steel and Batgirl try to eliminate Warworld's weapons, the 'Clans' on Warworld fight to see who will eventually rule the place. As expected, the last two clans are the Batman Clan and the Superman Clan. Because, after all, we need more of Superman fighting Batman.

But all this noble fighting has made Jochi have something of a change of heart. Maybe he can be more benevolent than his father was. Maybe he can change.

The final battle is a fight to the death. And if the two clans shadow-box, the Warworld elite will kill both teams and destroy Earth. How can this end??

I suppose having Jochi be a reasonable 'villain', someone outgrowing the limited views of his father, is a nice touch.

After toiling to do things his way, Steel finally relents to Batgirl's suggestion throughout the book. The easiest way to dispose of Warworld's weapons is to disassmble them with explosions. It is a funny moment.

But then the ending gets rushed. The two remaining clans fight each other. Batman doesn't kill Superman with a Kryptonite shard. Jochi tries to wrest control of Warworld. The Council sends Warworld on a collision course with Earth. And Superman sends the whole thing into the Phantom Zone. Oh, and in the zone, Mongul kills his son.

It all seems like just a bit too much too fast. There was no time to savor the fights, to give us more of those personal moments within the clans, to see Jochi slowly turning, to grasp the intricacies of Warworld's system.

There was this nice moment at the end. We finally get back to Kon and Damian. Of course, both of them were flawed 'sons' like Jochi. Maybe if time permitted, Superman and Batman could put the two of them on the right track. While Superman wants to mull it over, the pain must be too much for Batman who says they shouldn't dwell on the past.

Now that is a nice moment. It is really the payoff moment of this book. But it was only on the second reading did I realize that Jochi was a reflection of Kon/Damian. Because the fight scenes have to be there, because we need to get to the ending, and because we have to get there fast, everything outside of the Lee pages careens to the ending. I see glimmers of what could be a very good story with an emotional undercurrent. But I am left wanting a bit more.

Still, those glimmers are good glimmers. And the clan interaction when we see it is fantastic. I hope we see more Superman Family and Batman Family crossovers in this book.

Overall grade: B

Review: Batman/Superman #8

I am finally back from the institution of higher learning and that means I have to get through all of last week's comic's reviews. And there are a ton of them.

I thought I would start out with what I thought was the best of them - Batman/Superman #8, the first official part of the First Contact story, the crossover between the Prime Earth Superman and Batman and their Earth 2 family members Power Girl and Huntress.

I have had nothing but praise for the Batman/Superman book so far with its two very different story arcs and two different art styles. Greg Pak really seems to have a grasp of who Superman and Batman are. The characterization in this book (and for Superman in Action Comics as well) has been spot on. We see a cautious almost paranoid Batman but one who honors his parents and who is trying to fix the world. There is more than darkness and fear in him here. And Superman carries just enough Silver Age optimism and fun with a more measured modern feel to make him the best of all worlds.

So I was not surprised when Huntress and Power Girl felt more real and natural as well. Paul Levitz has tried his best to infuse characterization into Helena and Karen in their main book. But they often feel two-dimensional or caricatures of themselves. So I was thrilled to hear them speak like heroes and act more well-rounded here.

But the real grist is to hear Helena and Karen contrast the Batman/Superman relationship on this world - tenuous, barely existent -  to the true deep friendship of the Earth 2 pair. It is that contrast that sheds a light on the dark current DC.

The real treat here is Jae Lee's art. As I said in his first arc, there is an occasional surreal, dream-like quality to his art and it really works here. I understand the near complete lack of backgrounds. But this book is mesmerizing and beautiful. Another of those rare books that I thumbed through after just to look at the pictures. In fact, it was hard to choose reviewing panels because they are all so sharp.

The book starts were last month's Worlds' Finest ended, with Helena trapped in the Batcave. Pak does a great job here having Helena explain who she is. We get to see the origin of her crossing to Prime Earth in Lee's style. I love this lower panel of the the PG/Huntress pair.

But Pak also gives us Bruce's internal thoughts of trusting her. It is interesting to see this crack in the impenetrable emotional wall of Batman. How he flashes to the first storyline, meeting the other Bruce and how his heart (he has one?) senses this is his daughter. And yet that trust isn't enough to just accept her. He drugs her and runs a scan ... one that confirms what his heart told him.

One thing that stuck out last issue was how quickly Helena got caught by a simple trap in the cave.

I love how Pak shifts power back to Helena by having her overcome the drug and escape the trap quickly. Not only that but she does it so silently she is able to sneak up on Bruce and take over the computer system, driving it with secret orders and codes.

And instead of attacking her, he trusts. Very nice moment.

She explains about Power Girl's recent explosive powers and how she needs Batman's help. Realizing the danger of an out of control Kryptonian, Batman agrees to work with the Huntress. But Huntress is amazed that Batman isn't calling in his 'best friend' Superman.

Batman replies that this is a different world, that Superman jumps into problems too easily, without thinking. Why would Batman call Superman when he clearly doesn't trust him.

Helena responds the way I want to respond - 'That's nuts!'

Because I like having a Superman/Batman friendship that is real.

We have seen Power Girl's power fluctuation over in Worlds' Finest for some time. But Lee makes it feel palpable. Heat vision herelooks more like solid plasma pouring from her eyes. Her hair is alive like a star. In other places flares of power arc off her while her body contorts spasmodically. Just beautiful.

Luckily Superman does show up as Karen starts to do some real damage, endangering the lives of villagers in Baja California. He is able to subdue her.

Now here is the part of the issue I had the greatest difficulty with. He recognizes her as a Kryptonian. But he somehow doesn't see that it is an older Kara?? And no where in their conversation is the word Kara or Supergirl even brought up. She doesn't tell him she is his cousin??

It is just another reminder how DC seems to want to marginalize the Supergirl character. Superman can't even recognize her. Won't even say her name.

As I said before, Pak has such a great handle on Superman. His first appearance in this issue he is literally saving a puppy. He subdues Power Girl by dropping half a mountain on her. Then he talks to her gently, taking her to a safe place where she can discharge all the energy. And he ends the moment with a high five!

Where was all of this when Supergirl was having her problems?

I just have to move beyond that and be happy that I see this relationship here.

And Power Girl calling it a sneeze is great!

At least while all that is happening, Batman and Huntress have figured out why Power Girl's powers are fluctuating.

Something is emanating from the country Rheelasia, an Asian country growing in power and lead by Kaizen Gamorra. You might remember that as the name of the young man Power Girl kissed when she snuck out to the bar scene in the Worlds' Finest Annual. Somehow that brief make out session is upgraded to having 'dated him' and having some major connection with him.

Seems like a big leap.

In the other weird moment of the book, Bruce and Helena decide to enter Rheelasia to do some on the ground investigating. But Bruce has her dress up as one of his many dates. She then acts like he was inappropriate so she can sneak off.

Still, wouldn't it feel a little icky to have your daughter (or doppelganger's daughter) trussed up and acting like your floozy date?

I guess it was an easy charade to explain her presence there.

Still, it is clear that Gamorra is doing something to Karen and she is approaching critical mass.

And Karen does approach critical mass. She decides the best way to save everyone is to head up into space. It is a one way trip as she is going to explode.

But Superman won't let that happen. And that is why I love him in this book. Even with Batman yelling that it is too risky, Superman grabs Karen and absorbs the energy into himself. But his conviction as he does it is perfect. It is risky ... but he is wearing the red cape with an S-shield. He has to do it. Fantastic.

So this is a great comic and a perfect opening chapter to a crossover story. Great hooks, great characterization, and superior art. Everything really flowed wonderfully here. It really is just that non-Supergirl moment that stuck out a bit too jarringly. There is still time for that to get rectified though!

Overall grade: A-

Review: Batman/Superman #4

I continue my 'catch up' on comic reviews by looking at last week's Batman Superman #4 by writer Greg Pak and artists Jae Lee and Ben Oliver.

I have been very happy with this book and this first arc. The contrast between the World's Finest teams of the two Earths has been very perfect, showing the mature veterans and brash youngsters trying to understand each other. I have had my issues with the New 52 Superman and the 'new universe' in general. I thought it was a shame that the Earth 2 original 'wonders' were eliminated before we really got to know them. So to turn back the clock like this and play the characters off each other has been fascinating. Pak really seems to be able to get to the core of these characters in a short time. Within a few panels, I 'knew' the Earth Two Superman and (as impressively) that world's Lois.

And Jae Lee has absolutely brought his A game to this arc. While the backgrounds have been sparse, it has allowed me to instead soak in the characters. That and the amount of surreal detail in hair, capes, etc really have given this story a dream like quality. Which makes sense given that the whole thing is forgotten by the characters in the end, a dream to them.

Ben Oliver pitches in for the epilogue wrapping things up. He has a less stylized, more realistic style which works well given this is the 'real' part of the story.

The last issue ended with the two sets of heroes meeting at a military installation where a 'magical crystal' is being used to make an anti-Superman weapon. The chaos goddess Kaiyo has said the crystal is needed to defeat Darkseid. The older heroes want to take control of this situation. But the younger guys want to have a say too.

I  love that the younger heroes feel pretty confident about who they are. They don't like being talked down to, scolded by their older versions. In fact, their distaste for their elders is so powerful that they two younger heroes, formerly prickly with each other, decide they need to form a unified front.

The older heroes recognize it for what it is .. something potentially destructive which should be destroyed. But the younger heroes think it needs to be used ... controlled ... and not destroyed. It is the difference between the heroes. Who wants power? And who is trying to protect people?

The young Bruce wants to keep it, bring it to Earth One. And the older Bruce thinks they should be confident in their own skills to repel whatever is needed. 

This, of course, leads to the usual skirmish where they 2 Supermen fight and the two Batmen fight. It is a pretty uneven match with the elder Superman schooling the younger.

But that sort of darker take on heroism, so prevalent in the New 52, is thrown in the Earth Two heroes faces again. E1 Batman talks about needing something like the crystal to stop Superman should he 'lose control'. Heroes that distrust each other, that only become friends when faced with a bigger threat, a universe where we cheer on villains because there are worse villains and 'evil is relative' ... it paints a sad picture of Earth One.

And frankly, I am sick to death of this Batman is destined to fight and kill Superman trope. Enough. It's played out.

But another thing that Pak hones in on is that friendship and love are crucial to the lives of the Earth 2 heroes. We have seen a lot of this world's Catwoman, Bruce's wife, here. And we have seen a strong Lois here.

I mean what could be cooler than Catwoman and Lois in a batjet trying to help Wonder Woman battle Kaiyo. I thought this was great.

And I love Kaiyo's grappling, monkey like fighting style. It's hard to punch someone who his wrapped around you like this. Beautiful art in this whole sequence.

The crystal is some sort of wish machine, a magical item that can bend reality. Something like this is almost too powerful.

And we see that played out when the Earth One heroes actually touch it and activate it. And the 'wishes' the machine grants are windows into the souls of these characters.

The machine resurrects the dead Kents from Earth One and brings them to Superman. His wish is that his parents were alive. That is wonderful. But it grants that wish like The Monkey's Paw bringing them back to life but not rejuvenating them, their moldering corpses staggering like a nightmare. Creepy stuff by Lee here.

And Batman ... his wish is to become even scarier. He transforms into a true bat-like creature of the night. Frightening that that would be his dream.

Luckily the pairs of heroes are able to stop the petty fighting and actually get down to some heroing.

The Earth 2 Superman uses a Waynetech satellite to send the crystal's energies back onto itself, destroying it.

And the Earth 1 Superman flies for the first time, grabbing the crashing Batjet, saving Lois and Selina.

The page set-up is great, putting narrow horizontal panels next to each other on a two page spread showing the two Supermen dealing with their threats, similar yet different. Very visually engaging.

And then the great wrap up. Kaiyo stops fighting and basically 'ends' the story. She wanted to know which Earth had what it took to repel Darkseid, because that is the Earth she wants to live on. It is where she thinks she can hide and survive.

So even though the Earth Two heroes 'won', destroying the crystal and unifying to fight Kaiyo, they 'lost' in her mind. It was the ruthless, raw, and dangerous that have what it takes to defeat Darkseid. They wanted the power.

I will again say it is a sad commentary on the state of the New 52 ... but it is an accurate commentary. The heroes or Earth One are raw, ruthless, and dangerous. They crave power.

Those aren't the heroes ... the inspirations ... I hope to see in comics. If the modern take of Superman is ruthless then maybe it is time for this aging comic reader to stop reading.

I suppose I shouldn't be so glum.

There is a great moment between the two Supermen. The elder Clark reminds the young Clark that even when tempted he did the right thing. He needs to remember that. Old Superman wants Young Superman to emulate him.

But then Pak turns things on its head. Young Clark tells Old Clark this is a teaching moment! If Old Clark wants to survive, he needs to emulate Young Clark. Now that is great moment because we know that Earth Two failed to stop Darkseid completely. Lois is going to die. Wonder Woman is going to die. And Superman will become a mockery. Maybe Old Clark did have something to learn here.

Great small scene in this book. It is the small moments that give action books their punch.

Kaiyo ends up sending everyone back to their right worlds, removing the memory of the whole things. But something reverberates.

Bruce and Selina enjoy a raucous night on Earth 2 because Bruce feels the world might be ending soon. Clark and Lois on Earth 2 enjoy a nice dinner with the Kents.

And the Earth One Bruce and Clark. They seem to have a begrudging respect for each other now.

What a satisfying book and arc. This is one of those times when words and art complemented each other so well that the total of the book is more than the sum of its parts. The way the two worlds play off each other throughout the story is the electricity that gives the plot its juice. And Lee's dreamy painted style adds a lot to this 'imaginary' tale.

It all works. Hopefully some of the good intentions of the Earth 2 heroes has embedded itself in these younger versions.

Overall grade: A