Broken Frontier

Opening with the great back and forth P.O.V.s that Jeph Loeb originated with this series, we see Superman and Batman in each other’s cities and understanding the differences between them. For example, Batman states that it’s "impossible to get a grip with the Batline on all these polished skyscrapers," while Superman laments that it’s "impossible to see through all the lead in these old buildings." The beauty of these two characters is that they do exist in such different worlds, but those differences also allow them to work so well together, like the perfect superhero double-act.

At a "Men of Steel" exhibit held by Bruce Wayne, which showcases old armour and weaponry, the Daily Planet reporter and playboy engage in some witty banter. I love seeing the world’s finest superheroes exchange witticisms as their secret identities. Johnson, the writer responsible for the dialogue in this issue, handles these characters well, allowing us readers a peek into their hidden lives. All this talk is interrupted by classic Superman foe, the Silver Banshee. Seeing as magic is one of the Man of Steel’s greatest threats, it doesn’t get used enough and is welcome here. The ghostly woman is unleashed when a seemingly hypnotized attendee steals a brooch from one of the exhibits. Banshee’s aim is to bind herself to this host forever, but of course, Superman arrives first (Bruce’s costume change takes longer) and lets his fists do the talking. She retaliates and tells Superman that she’s stronger than she’s ever been. Then it’s Batman’s turn. With a handy batarang and a Gaelic phrase, Banshee screams and disappears. However her claim of new power seems to ring true as the pair recuperate after the fight in the Batcave, where Alfred takes numerous glass shards out of Batman’s wound free body, and Superman’s X-ray vision seems to have left him. Clearly, something’s not right.

Superman returns to Metropolis and decides to visit his wife. However all subtlety is gone as he loses his ability to fly and crashes through their home. Similarly, Batman, on the hunt for Banshee and her new host is experiencing his own power change. Robin struggles to keep up with the Dark Knight as he swings across Gotham with a new speed and strength. Then x-ray vision and super hearing arrive, and it’s not pleasant. Batman then flies to his Kryptonian pal, having survived a bazooka collision. Yep, the pair has switched powers. Silver Banshee is obviously somehow responsible and I’m sure this will be developed next issue, which has Batman lifting his back-breaker Bane, over his head on the cover. Seeing Batman go power mad with his new abilities will be something to witness I’m sure. The old switcheroo is not a new idea and Superman in particular has lost his powers more times than I can count. Here though, Johnson and Green handle the practicalities of this situation well and mange to fit it in with the heroes’ different crime fighting approaches.

Rags Morales, who shot to prominence with the excellent Identity Crisis, shows off the fluid beauty of his pencils once again. He manages to make the two titular characters look dynamic and their facial expressions perfectly suit their alter egos’ wildly different personalities too. Still, there’s something missing. Morales’ work doesn’t have the same emotional punch that he is able to convey, but that may have something to do with the switch of inkers, as Michael Bair is his usual inker, whose work can be seen on their recent Nightwing arc. John Dell is fine, but it seems like he doesn’t have the same creative partnership with Morales as Bair does. That is a minor gripe though and this issue is a good set-up for more unexpected action.