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Superman/Batman (12 Volumes Collected Edition)
Superman Batman Search For Kryptonite TP by Michael Greene
From Michael Green and Mike Johnson, two of the writers of the hit NBC TV series Heroes, comes this fast-paced new volume in the SUPERMAN/BATMAN series.The Man of Steel and the Dark Knight have decided that they must undertake the impossible task of recovering all the Kryptonite on Earth. But there are plenty of roadblocks in the way, as they realize that not everyone's willing to hand over the deadly substance. And one of those who's not ready to cooperate is none other than their fellow Justice League member, Aquaman.
Paperback
First published October 14, 2008
4 people are currently reading
811 people want to read
About the author
Michael Green
121 books35 followersMichael Green is an American television and film writer, as well as a comic book scripter. Green grew up in Mamaroneck, New York.
Green has been a contributor for Superman/Batman. He will also co-write a Green Lantern movie with Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim, set for release in 2011. He wrote the six-issue story arc "Lovers and Madmen" for Batman Confidential.
Green was a producer and writer on Everwood and Heroes.
Green is the creator and writer of Kings, an NBC drama based on the biblical story of King David but set in an alternate present. Kings premiered on 15 March 2009 but was cancelled soon after. The remainder of season 1 (thirteen episodes) was shown in the summer of 2009.
Green has been a contributor for Superman/Batman. He will also co-write a Green Lantern movie with Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim, set for release in 2011. He wrote the six-issue story arc "Lovers and Madmen" for Batman Confidential.
Green was a producer and writer on Everwood and Heroes.
Green is the creator and writer of Kings, an NBC drama based on the biblical story of King David but set in an alternate present. Kings premiered on 15 March 2009 but was cancelled soon after. The remainder of season 1 (thirteen episodes) was shown in the summer of 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 18, 2018
Features Batman and Superman gathering up the world's kryptonite in order to keep Superman safe. I really liked this story. Each issue leads into the next one perfectly. Shane Davis's art is fantastic.
April 26, 2013
After books and books of Superman being felled by his only weakness, the fragments of his home planet Krypton called kryptonite, he does something which many fans have thought about for years - get rid of all the damn kryptonite on Earth! Enlisting the help of Batman and utilising special armour that protects him from the effects kryptonite has on him, they set about gathering up every last milligram of kryptonite on the planet.
It's an original storyline that's not been seen before and it's always fun to see Supes and Bats in action. A couple of things bothered me though - Aquaman fought Superman AND Batman? He's Aquaman! Granted they were underwater but it just seemed kinda dumb - did he think he would somehow beat them? Just seemed arbitrary, like it was done for the comic book cover only. Fans of Superman will also be surprised to see what happens to Superman when he's around white kryptonite. Different colours of kryptonite do different things to Superman such as yellow takes his powers, red turns him evil - white? White is the equivalent of a guy smoking a giant spliff - that's right, in this book you get to see Superman get hiiiiiiigh! And when he's high he views the world through the prism of manga!
It's an entertaining comic book and a couple of odd details aside it was a good outing for the Superman/Batman series despite Batman continuously being portrayed as a bit of a grump and talking a bit like a 70s punk cop. Nicely pulpy despite a bit of an odd solution to the disastrous event at the end but in keeping with the tone of the book, it's a fun read.
It's an original storyline that's not been seen before and it's always fun to see Supes and Bats in action. A couple of things bothered me though - Aquaman fought Superman AND Batman? He's Aquaman! Granted they were underwater but it just seemed kinda dumb - did he think he would somehow beat them? Just seemed arbitrary, like it was done for the comic book cover only. Fans of Superman will also be surprised to see what happens to Superman when he's around white kryptonite. Different colours of kryptonite do different things to Superman such as yellow takes his powers, red turns him evil - white? White is the equivalent of a guy smoking a giant spliff - that's right, in this book you get to see Superman get hiiiiiiigh! And when he's high he views the world through the prism of manga!
It's an entertaining comic book and a couple of odd details aside it was a good outing for the Superman/Batman series despite Batman continuously being portrayed as a bit of a grump and talking a bit like a 70s punk cop. Nicely pulpy despite a bit of an odd solution to the disastrous event at the end but in keeping with the tone of the book, it's a fun read.
October 9, 2011
If you miss this you're not missing much. Superman recruits Batman and others to quest to gather all the earth's deposits of kryptonite. Along the way he discovers a new form of Kryptonite (silver), encounters an ornery Aquaman, uncovers a government weapons cache of Kryptonite weapons and finds out that Lana Lang is selling herself as head of Lexcorp to build these weapons. The humanity of any of these characters is absent (Lana thinks only of her company and not of Superman or the world), and the government operates in a single-minded way to stop Superman. There is nothing clever or inventive and the character's break their usual form of dialogue (Batman being strong and silent, Superman being noble)
Just read Superman/Batman: Supergirl. It's the best of these imo
Just read Superman/Batman: Supergirl. It's the best of these imo
May 10, 2021
Volumen 29 de la CNGByS, con una saga publicada originalmente en la revista Batman/Superman, una intro de Fran San Rafael, un artículo sobre el dibujante de Javier Olivares Tolosa y el artículo VII sobre Los mejores detectives del mundo, también de Fran San Rafael.
February 22, 2016
Three-and-a-half stars. Good premise, good conflict, good resolution. Take away Issue #3 and this would be a classic.
Superman asks Batman to join him on a mission to find and destroy all the Kryptonite on earth. What Superman doesn't anticipate, after Batman agrees, is that some are opposed to this idea.
There are moments in this volume where Superman acts a bit smug and Batman a bit too agreeable. Though subtle, it seems a little off, even if it ultimately serves the story.
Superman asks Batman to join him on a mission to find and destroy all the Kryptonite on earth. What Superman doesn't anticipate, after Batman agrees, is that some are opposed to this idea.
There are moments in this volume where Superman acts a bit smug and Batman a bit too agreeable. Though subtle, it seems a little off, even if it ultimately serves the story.
March 9, 2009
Superman decides that the time has come for him to make the world safer for him to do his job... by ridding the world of all Kryptonite. He enlists Batman to do this, and quickly discovers that not everyone is willing to give it up so easily.. including people such Aquaman, the US Government, and even Lana Lang. An interesting story I guess with some interesting new villains powered by Kryptonite and commanded by Amanda Waller, but nothing here is that surprising or reveals anything new about these characters... but then again... maybe there are not too many new stories to tell...
July 20, 2025
Well shit, here we go. Another Superman/Batman book! This time it's Superman/Batman: The Search for Kryptonite, and let me tell you, it's a pretty wild ride that explores what happens when Superman decides he's had enough of that pesky green rock threatening his existence.
The basic premise is simple: Clark wants all the Kryptonite gone from Earth, and he naturally taps Batman for his strategic genius to make it happen. What starts as a seemingly straightforward clean-up job quickly balloons into a global, and even intergalactic, scavenger hunt, revealing just how much of the stuff is out there and how many different powerful players want a piece of it.
What really shines in this book, for me, is the dynamic between Clark and Bruce. You get a lot of their internal thoughts, and it's awesome to see them operate as total professionals, but with this undeniable bond of friendship, or "love," burning underneath. Seriously, whether you see it as pure bro-love or something a little gayer, their partnership makes me happy! They can be bros bros or hoes for their own holes. WHAT AM I SAYING....Anyway....
The core story is solid, even if a bit predictable, and I genuinely appreciate what both heroes are fighting for here – trying to prevent future heartache for Clark. Clark's trust in Bruce to even take him down if he ever goes rogue is a powerful testament to their bond.
However, the "Doomsday twist" near the end? Yeah, that wasn't a twist, and it felt pretty dumb, definitely not the real Doomsday, which really soured that particular issue for me. Everything before that point was excellent, but that one hiccup rubbed me the wrong way. Still, despite that misstep, it's a solid 3.5 out of 5 from me.
The basic premise is simple: Clark wants all the Kryptonite gone from Earth, and he naturally taps Batman for his strategic genius to make it happen. What starts as a seemingly straightforward clean-up job quickly balloons into a global, and even intergalactic, scavenger hunt, revealing just how much of the stuff is out there and how many different powerful players want a piece of it.
What really shines in this book, for me, is the dynamic between Clark and Bruce. You get a lot of their internal thoughts, and it's awesome to see them operate as total professionals, but with this undeniable bond of friendship, or "love," burning underneath. Seriously, whether you see it as pure bro-love or something a little gayer, their partnership makes me happy! They can be bros bros or hoes for their own holes. WHAT AM I SAYING....Anyway....
The core story is solid, even if a bit predictable, and I genuinely appreciate what both heroes are fighting for here – trying to prevent future heartache for Clark. Clark's trust in Bruce to even take him down if he ever goes rogue is a powerful testament to their bond.
However, the "Doomsday twist" near the end? Yeah, that wasn't a twist, and it felt pretty dumb, definitely not the real Doomsday, which really soured that particular issue for me. Everything before that point was excellent, but that one hiccup rubbed me the wrong way. Still, despite that misstep, it's a solid 3.5 out of 5 from me.
August 29, 2025
Clark trusting Bruce with the last piece of kryptonite in the world BOYFRIENDS YOUR HONOUR
October 15, 2012
Got this as a present from EJ & Dom - thank you!
What I liked about this comic is Batman. He is what gives the story incredible depth. Now this comic is primarily about Superman's mini quest against Kryptonite, but as I've observed with stories that center on their particular tandem, Superman always seems to aggrandize Batman's character.
I am a staunch believer in the fact that Superman is a fascinating specimen of true Messianic behavior; behind that boy scout appeal, lies something very dangerous and misleading, and I suppose that is what humanizes Supes. However, Batman, who is already human, is elevated through Superman's flaws, because while the latter appears god-like and is prone to greater personality pit-falls, the former is fully-human and plows through his limitations to rise above the bad in him.
Obviously both characters are meant to represent what's best in us, but Batman's dark side best allows him to improve, so I'm prefer him better. :)
What I liked about this comic is Batman. He is what gives the story incredible depth. Now this comic is primarily about Superman's mini quest against Kryptonite, but as I've observed with stories that center on their particular tandem, Superman always seems to aggrandize Batman's character.
I am a staunch believer in the fact that Superman is a fascinating specimen of true Messianic behavior; behind that boy scout appeal, lies something very dangerous and misleading, and I suppose that is what humanizes Supes. However, Batman, who is already human, is elevated through Superman's flaws, because while the latter appears god-like and is prone to greater personality pit-falls, the former is fully-human and plows through his limitations to rise above the bad in him.
Obviously both characters are meant to represent what's best in us, but Batman's dark side best allows him to improve, so I'm prefer him better. :)
August 25, 2012
As expected for this series this was a very well put together story arc. We got a good look at Superman and his motivations, and we got a good look at just how far he would go to ensure his safety. The weak point was the inner dialogue for Batman which basically seemed pretty contrived, which is far from normal for this series. All in all a good story though and well worth the read.
March 27, 2018
Una historia muy humana, y aún así consigue no alejarse del lado más divertido de los superhéroes. Tiene varios momentos épicos, de los que ponen la piel de gallina. Me encanta que se base tanto en la psique humana y pseudo-humana.
May 27, 2019
No es una maravilla pero tiene un guión y un dibujo más que correctos.
February 26, 2024
Eh. 10/10 idea, but the execution read like a stilted 4/10.
I'm actually surprised to see such high ratings here, as I thought the dialogue was super stiff and 2D.
Character-wise, Superman is singularly focused, Batman is silent and stalwart, and Lana Lang is an unsympathetic CEO who is presented as a weak character who can't think outside the box or make concessions for the sake of an old and good friend who happens to be the world's most important superhero (*eye roll*). She keeps a picture of her and Clark from their prom on her desk for crying out loud! But apparently LexCorp is more important to her than her relationships & morals. Lame.
Waller is her usual nasty self, but maybe a little weaker than usual if I'm going to pick apart every character in this volume. She was a bit too much of a caricature of evil, all, "We can watch Superman die," (pg. 101) mwah ha ha, and a lot less cunning than I usually like. Plus she did give in to Batman's demands pretty quickly at the end...
And I have to say, Batman and Superman "whoring out" of Power Girl to Hiro (aka: Toyman) in exchange for him to clean up the earth's atmosphere with his robot spiders... ZERO STARS. Gross gross gross.
(Even the offer from Batman of a "Power Girl" robot is obscene.)
Negative stars.
Seriously, it's disgusting.
Plot-wise, I do like the adventure of Superman and Batman going around the world to gather all the Kryptonite, but I didn't love the side plot of the cursed K in issue #46 that turned everyone into cartoon characters (as seen by Clark), though the side-quest of Zatanna and Batman going to Dinosaur Island to get the cure was OK. And I thought the whole ending with the team of American super-soldiers protecting the government's stash of K (issues #47 & 48), with one of them holding on to a personal vendetta against Superman, and the other a sad Captain America turned Doomsday experiment, was eh. Again, I liked the idea more than the execution.
The only good parts of the volume are the opening with the Superman-Batman movie and the very last page with Batman .
Truly, the movie and Superman's teasing made the volume for me. I also liked Livewire's attack and Flash's (Wally) aid. I also loved the Alfred cameo (though he was kinda grumpy). (All from issue #44.)
I would say this issue was the strongest of the volume, but even so, the characterization of Batman and Superman still read off.
Like, Batman referring to catching a criminal and pinning him to a wall with baterangs as "fun" (pg. 24), and Superman referring to Kryptonite's existence/his weakness to Kryptonite as "embarrassing" (pg. 26).
Re, the very last page:
SPOILERS BELOW.
The very last page of the volume shows Batman with a collection of every color Kryptonite, just "in case." Which is super in-character, and the distress on his face is well drawn.
All together, 2 stars. (,,>﹏<)
I'm actually surprised to see such high ratings here, as I thought the dialogue was super stiff and 2D.
Character-wise, Superman is singularly focused, Batman is silent and stalwart, and Lana Lang is an unsympathetic CEO who is presented as a weak character who can't think outside the box or make concessions for the sake of an old and good friend who happens to be the world's most important superhero (*eye roll*). She keeps a picture of her and Clark from their prom on her desk for crying out loud! But apparently LexCorp is more important to her than her relationships & morals. Lame.
Waller is her usual nasty self, but maybe a little weaker than usual if I'm going to pick apart every character in this volume. She was a bit too much of a caricature of evil, all, "We can watch Superman die," (pg. 101) mwah ha ha, and a lot less cunning than I usually like. Plus she did give in to Batman's demands pretty quickly at the end...
And I have to say, Batman and Superman "whoring out" of Power Girl to Hiro (aka: Toyman) in exchange for him to clean up the earth's atmosphere with his robot spiders... ZERO STARS. Gross gross gross.
(Even the offer from Batman of a "Power Girl" robot is obscene.)
Negative stars.
Seriously, it's disgusting.
Plot-wise, I do like the adventure of Superman and Batman going around the world to gather all the Kryptonite, but I didn't love the side plot of the cursed K in issue #46 that turned everyone into cartoon characters (as seen by Clark), though the side-quest of Zatanna and Batman going to Dinosaur Island to get the cure was OK. And I thought the whole ending with the team of American super-soldiers protecting the government's stash of K (issues #47 & 48), with one of them holding on to a personal vendetta against Superman, and the other a sad Captain America turned Doomsday experiment, was eh. Again, I liked the idea more than the execution.
The only good parts of the volume are the opening with the Superman-Batman movie and the very last page with Batman .
Truly, the movie and Superman's teasing made the volume for me. I also liked Livewire's attack and Flash's (Wally) aid. I also loved the Alfred cameo (though he was kinda grumpy). (All from issue #44.)
I would say this issue was the strongest of the volume, but even so, the characterization of Batman and Superman still read off.
Like, Batman referring to catching a criminal and pinning him to a wall with baterangs as "fun" (pg. 24), and Superman referring to Kryptonite's existence/his weakness to Kryptonite as "embarrassing" (pg. 26).
Re, the very last page:
SPOILERS BELOW.
The very last page of the volume shows Batman with a collection of every color Kryptonite, just "in case." Which is super in-character, and the distress on his face is well drawn.
All together, 2 stars. (,,>﹏<)
June 28, 2017
An OK story that doesn't pull any punches. All together a bit dull and predictable, but an excellent commodity for the mainstream "graphic" fans.
I love "independent" graphic novels as they usually tell stories in a way that wouldn't be possible with plain text. This is an excellent example of how the "mainstream" comic producers (Marvel and DC) completely miss the point and use the graphics as pure eye candy. Extremely polished ink work and looking at the pencil draft samples they did most of the work for the inker... who just had to do a neat trace. Producing comics on a production line creates a consistent product that sells well... but leaves the people in that production chain at the financial mercy of the houses that run them. Whilst the product is saleable it's just bland. Even to the point where those talented artists seem to be repeating a tried and tested formula that is impressive... but after a few pages just Bland. There's a disconnect between the text and the art that is difficult to fuse well once the production is split up.
So; nice but dull. A classic problem when managers are in charge and try to manage art.
I love "independent" graphic novels as they usually tell stories in a way that wouldn't be possible with plain text. This is an excellent example of how the "mainstream" comic producers (Marvel and DC) completely miss the point and use the graphics as pure eye candy. Extremely polished ink work and looking at the pencil draft samples they did most of the work for the inker... who just had to do a neat trace. Producing comics on a production line creates a consistent product that sells well... but leaves the people in that production chain at the financial mercy of the houses that run them. Whilst the product is saleable it's just bland. Even to the point where those talented artists seem to be repeating a tried and tested formula that is impressive... but after a few pages just Bland. There's a disconnect between the text and the art that is difficult to fuse well once the production is split up.
So; nice but dull. A classic problem when managers are in charge and try to manage art.
November 27, 2018
Desde el principio de ésta obra que no disfrutaba tanto de una saga, y por aquél entonces el enfoque era mucho más cartoon y desenfadado.
Con la Búsqueda de la Kryptonita tenemos una historia bien llevada, coherente y con los personajes tratados con seriedad. Y no es poco, vistos los antecedentes.
Es de esas historia que disfrutas seas fan del personaje que seas, basadas en encontrar un equilibrio entre ambos y ponerlos a trabajar juntos, con una relación forjada por la experiencia y con un objetivo en mente que no tiene que venir de la mano de ningún villano. Una historia de las que uno espera leer en una cabecera con éste nombre.
Dicho así puede que os parezca que tampoco es nada del otro mundo, pero eso será porque no habéis leído las historias anteriores de la colección, unas historias que rozaban la vergüenza ajena por momentos.
Celebro muchísimo encontrarme con un comic tan bueno como éste, acompañado por un buen dibujo (el dibujante es el mismo siempre, algo que no he comentado) y tan entretenido.
Lo recomiendo? Si habéis leído la reseña hasta aquí ya podéis ir a vuestra librería a por él, es lo que esperáis leer.
Con la Búsqueda de la Kryptonita tenemos una historia bien llevada, coherente y con los personajes tratados con seriedad. Y no es poco, vistos los antecedentes.
Es de esas historia que disfrutas seas fan del personaje que seas, basadas en encontrar un equilibrio entre ambos y ponerlos a trabajar juntos, con una relación forjada por la experiencia y con un objetivo en mente que no tiene que venir de la mano de ningún villano. Una historia de las que uno espera leer en una cabecera con éste nombre.
Dicho así puede que os parezca que tampoco es nada del otro mundo, pero eso será porque no habéis leído las historias anteriores de la colección, unas historias que rozaban la vergüenza ajena por momentos.
Celebro muchísimo encontrarme con un comic tan bueno como éste, acompañado por un buen dibujo (el dibujante es el mismo siempre, algo que no he comentado) y tan entretenido.
Lo recomiendo? Si habéis leído la reseña hasta aquí ya podéis ir a vuestra librería a por él, es lo que esperáis leer.
March 16, 2020
The premise is that there is a surprisingly large amount of Kryptonite on Earth, posing a constant danger to Superman. Using his advanced technical equipment and skills, Batman is able to locate all significant deposits. After a flexible and very durable lead-lined suit is donned by Superman, the two of them proceed to systematically extract and store the various pieces of the deadly element from the highest mountains to the deepest trenches of the oceans.
During their adventures, they face opposition from several unexpected entities, even including other super beings. As always, the two heroes move forward undeterred in their quest. One of the most unexpected points of opposition is from a corporate executive (not Lex Luthor) of Lexcorp, the umbrella company owned by Luthor. It is a person from Clark’s past, now captured by the core capitalist “values.”
This is an excellent graphic novel, the friendship/comradery between Batman and Superman is excellent. Even though Superman is by far the most powerful and capable of the two, in many cases Batman is the unquestioned leader.
During their adventures, they face opposition from several unexpected entities, even including other super beings. As always, the two heroes move forward undeterred in their quest. One of the most unexpected points of opposition is from a corporate executive (not Lex Luthor) of Lexcorp, the umbrella company owned by Luthor. It is a person from Clark’s past, now captured by the core capitalist “values.”
This is an excellent graphic novel, the friendship/comradery between Batman and Superman is excellent. Even though Superman is by far the most powerful and capable of the two, in many cases Batman is the unquestioned leader.
January 18, 2024
I never knew how much I could dislike Lana Lang until this story arc. There were a few things I didn't like about this volume. Superman and Batman team up to eliminate all of the kryptonite on Earth, but there's waaayy too much of it. The Earth is blanketed with kryptonite to the point I don't see how Superman isn't just sick all the time. Also, Lana Lang acted very out of character, although I'm guessing there's something going on with her we may find out later. Mind control, impersonator, something along those lines.
The ending was cool but far fetched at the same time.
Overall a decent story with decent art, just nothing stellar.
The ending was cool but far fetched at the same time.
Overall a decent story with decent art, just nothing stellar.
March 1, 2018
Me ha gustado mucho este tomo. La búsqueda de toda la kryptonita del planeta supone muchas preguntas que Superman y Batman deben responder. ¿Está capacitado el hombre de acero para tomar una decisión como esta?
En general, aunque con algún altibajo, me parece una historia muy interesante, sobre todo cuando, al final, sabemos quién está detrás de todo un arsenal de armas de kryptonita que le han sido vendidas al gobierno de EEUU por si un día Superman se convierte en una amenaza. Dilemas y cuestiones muy interesantes.
En general, aunque con algún altibajo, me parece una historia muy interesante, sobre todo cuando, al final, sabemos quién está detrás de todo un arsenal de armas de kryptonita que le han sido vendidas al gobierno de EEUU por si un día Superman se convierte en una amenaza. Dilemas y cuestiones muy interesantes.
April 9, 2020
Oh, Batman... The dangerous game you play...
February 22, 2021
one of the best favorites of superman/batman stories
May 31, 2021
Nice! Superman stoned...
June 3, 2023
This was a lot of fun. Wasn't a massive fan of the finale issue, seemed a bit random but it was a really good arc overall. Batman and Superman contrasting and complimenting eachother
May 16, 2024
⭐️3.5
February 3, 2025
YESSSSS MAKE A MOVIE ASAP
August 16, 2025
Entertaining first half. Falls off a cliff in the second half.
April 1, 2020
4.5 stars. A fun read
August 30, 2019
The comic book is really awesome.
January 18, 2022
This is one of those weird stories that has some cool moments and way more potential than it actually meets, thus ends up being a largely 'meh' story with a few clips you would look up on YouTube. Let me explain.
As the title suggests, The Search for Kryptonite involves Batman and Superman hunting down every last remnant of kryptonite after Superman discovers just how common his weakness has become and has an existential crisis. Now, even random muggers have to potential to cripple him with this magic rock and he wants it reduced back to manageable levels so he can remain the world's greatest protector. Just from this premise, we can already see an awesome Batman v. Superman story building where Batman wants to hinder Superman from becoming more powerful, possibly undermining him at every turn. We could also see a group of villains who each use different varieties of kryptonite to hurt Superman on various levels, showcasing the cool dangers of each kind. Unfortunately, neither of these happen.
We get a new variety of kryptonite, which was largely played for laughs, and only one other cleaver use of the rock later in the climax. The rest of the comic largely plays out as a fetch quest for "golden bricks". Aquaman fights Superman over some kryptonite with an argument you'd expect Batman to use. They fight Metallo over a few pages that were largely one-sided (disappointing after seeing how well Metallo was handled in "The World's Finest"). BUT there were two awesome scenes that make this worth your time, even if only once.
The first was the final boss fight (not a spoiler since it was on the back and the main reason I picked this thing up): the U.S. government found a way to genetically engineer a kryptonite Doomsday (the guy who killed Superman with a kryptonite skeleton). So when Superman fights this thing, he's mostly getting his butt handed to him and spends most of the fight trying to get beaten away from civilians. Meanwhile Batman uses his brain to figure out a way to stop this thing only Superman could become it got some implants. It was pretty cool, although could have taken up a lot more of the story than it did. The second was the final scene, which I won't spoil, but is a very "Because I'm Batman" moment.
So, if you like Superman, Batman, and lots of largely pointless fights; this is a good read. Otherwise, you can probably just wiki it for the lore.
As the title suggests, The Search for Kryptonite involves Batman and Superman hunting down every last remnant of kryptonite after Superman discovers just how common his weakness has become and has an existential crisis. Now, even random muggers have to potential to cripple him with this magic rock and he wants it reduced back to manageable levels so he can remain the world's greatest protector. Just from this premise, we can already see an awesome Batman v. Superman story building where Batman wants to hinder Superman from becoming more powerful, possibly undermining him at every turn. We could also see a group of villains who each use different varieties of kryptonite to hurt Superman on various levels, showcasing the cool dangers of each kind. Unfortunately, neither of these happen.
We get a new variety of kryptonite, which was largely played for laughs, and only one other cleaver use of the rock later in the climax. The rest of the comic largely plays out as a fetch quest for "golden bricks". Aquaman fights Superman over some kryptonite with an argument you'd expect Batman to use. They fight Metallo over a few pages that were largely one-sided (disappointing after seeing how well Metallo was handled in "The World's Finest"). BUT there were two awesome scenes that make this worth your time, even if only once.
The first was the final boss fight (not a spoiler since it was on the back and the main reason I picked this thing up): the U.S. government found a way to genetically engineer a kryptonite Doomsday (the guy who killed Superman with a kryptonite skeleton). So when Superman fights this thing, he's mostly getting his butt handed to him and spends most of the fight trying to get beaten away from civilians. Meanwhile Batman uses his brain to figure out a way to stop this thing only Superman could become it got some implants. It was pretty cool, although could have taken up a lot more of the story than it did. The second was the final scene, which I won't spoil, but is a very "Because I'm Batman" moment.
So, if you like Superman, Batman, and lots of largely pointless fights; this is a good read. Otherwise, you can probably just wiki it for the lore.
May 29, 2012
I have decided to begin by stating one important fact. Though I give this graphic novel a four star rating with ease I think that this four star rating for me personally is not an indication of how it ranks in my books overall. For me it is an indication of how it ranks compared to other graphic novels as I have enjoyed them. A four star comic is in no way superior to a 4 star Charles Dickens for instance and vice versa. It is my way of critiquing the different types of medium I enjoy.
That said I found this easily one of the best Superman/Batman stories I have read in a long time. Not only was the storyline superb but the visuals were lush and visceral. And I do appreciate glossy art in superhero graphic novels.
The story follows Superman's attempt to rid the world of kryptonite. Some might say that sounds highly self-serving but it is justified by our hero as his attempt to create a world that he can truly save without proper danger. Several interesting ideas are raised about how people can trust such an invincible hero without a weakness, whether his weakness does humanise him, whether people need a saviour and also who really likes and respects Superman. The ending was particularly enigmatic but I will leave that and many other secrets up to you to find out.
Batman and Superman work together for me because they are in many ways opposites and reflections of each other. They are the two most powerful individuals in their world. They are the most driven, the most determined and they both wear masks even if Superman's is not a visible one. However where Superman believes that all individuals possess some element of good (the truly noble and possible slightly naive hero) Batman is the darker more cynical hero who often draws near to being a vigilante. In many ways they are two sides of the same coin, two different psyches that together form one whole. Superman's pure optimism tempers the Detective's pessimism and allows a more balanced approach.
Either way this is one of the better versions of the Superman/Batman team up. And so if you're interested in DC graphic novels then definitely worth taking a look at this one. I'll give you a teaser: Doomsday is sort of in there. And if you know anything about Superman he is one of few beings truly capable (he did it) of killing the man.
That said I found this easily one of the best Superman/Batman stories I have read in a long time. Not only was the storyline superb but the visuals were lush and visceral. And I do appreciate glossy art in superhero graphic novels.
The story follows Superman's attempt to rid the world of kryptonite. Some might say that sounds highly self-serving but it is justified by our hero as his attempt to create a world that he can truly save without proper danger. Several interesting ideas are raised about how people can trust such an invincible hero without a weakness, whether his weakness does humanise him, whether people need a saviour and also who really likes and respects Superman. The ending was particularly enigmatic but I will leave that and many other secrets up to you to find out.
Batman and Superman work together for me because they are in many ways opposites and reflections of each other. They are the two most powerful individuals in their world. They are the most driven, the most determined and they both wear masks even if Superman's is not a visible one. However where Superman believes that all individuals possess some element of good (the truly noble and possible slightly naive hero) Batman is the darker more cynical hero who often draws near to being a vigilante. In many ways they are two sides of the same coin, two different psyches that together form one whole. Superman's pure optimism tempers the Detective's pessimism and allows a more balanced approach.
Either way this is one of the better versions of the Superman/Batman team up. And so if you're interested in DC graphic novels then definitely worth taking a look at this one. I'll give you a teaser: Doomsday is sort of in there. And if you know anything about Superman he is one of few beings truly capable (he did it) of killing the man.
December 14, 2011
I love Michael Green's writing and general intellect, so this was something I knew I would enjoy. I really appreciate the added detail in all of the artwork, especially the full pages at the end of each chapter. The cameo of Aquaman was fantastic and one of my favorite parts. Plus the addition of other characters from the DC universe was cool. The scenes showing Superman's loopy perspective after contact with the Ach-om Rashay amulet were hilarious. I enjoyed the overall creativity of the story and the interaction of Batman and Superman's personalities.
Besides when Batman calls for help and the Flash runs into the scene, stops at a pretzel cart, then runs up a side of a building only to find Batman holding down Livewire and says, "Livewire? Really? I can't believe you had to call in reinforcements for her. She's so.. um... second tier." WHILE eating a pretzel stick how can you not get a laugh out of that?
Besides when Batman calls for help and the Flash runs into the scene, stops at a pretzel cart, then runs up a side of a building only to find Batman holding down Livewire and says, "Livewire? Really? I can't believe you had to call in reinforcements for her. She's so.. um... second tier." WHILE eating a pretzel stick how can you not get a laugh out of that?
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