Broken Frontier

When it comes to recent anniversary issues, DC Comics has been largely hit and miss.  Although Batman #700 was by far the strongest compared with Superman #700 and Wonder Woman #600, all three issues inevitably left some fans desperately wanting more.  And, while Wonder Woman has definitely regained the traction lost in #600, Superman has continued its unfortunate steady decline and Batman is perhaps stronger than ever.  The publication of Superman/Batman #75 to celebrate DC's seventy-fifth anniversary is potentially the strongest rival to Batman in all these celebratory milestones in terms of story content and artistic vision.

For audiences who have yet to visit their local comic shop this week, it will be difficult not to notice the stunning cover by Frank Quitely.  That is, of course, if there are any copies remaining on the shelves.  One of the best things about the Superman/Batman title is its openness for readers.  While not one of my regular monthly purchases, I must admit that what draws me to the series is the ability to pick up a few issues here and there when a new creative team comes on board or a specific cover catches my eye.  Superman/Batman #75 honors this tradition quite admirably. 

That is not to say, however, that there are not high and low points in the issue.  Alongside the occasional pinups and portraits are nine stories all by different writers and artists.  Paul Levitz and Jerry Ordway open the book up with the longest of these various narratives.  Entitled "Resurrection," Levitz's story will appeal mostly to hardcore Legion of Super-Heroes fans as once again these future heroes must travel back in time to save the Man of Steel.  While a solid story, Levitz's portrayal of Batman within this larger framework will leave some readers dissatisfied.  That said, "Resurrection" is a classic offering by Levitz and Ordway, and a nice reminder of these characters' heritages.

Following "Resurrection," Superman/Batman takes a wild turn regarding format and copies a page from Wednesday Comics in some regards with a sequence of two-page storylines.  Much like Wednesday Comics, this largely experimental style within the sequential comic format has some very strong stories.  Steven Seagle offers up a very humorous take about writer negotiations and story creation for the anniversary issue, while Billy Tucci takes fans inside the hero-worshiping minds of children attending a comic convention.  Choosing a favorite is hard, but J.T. Krul and Francis Manapul deliver a very funny and contemporary take on the Tim Drake, Cassie Sandsmark, and Conner Kent love triangle, and Michael Green and Mike Johnson reteam with Shane Davis, Sandra Hope, and Rafael Albuquerque.  The return of the "Li'l-Leaguers" by Albuquerque is hopefully a sign of future storylines as well.

From here, audiences then witness a two-page contest between Krypto and Ace by Duncan Rouleau, a Calvin and Hobbes-esque "Joker and Lex" by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo which is truly enjoyable, an all-too-short conversation between Damian Wayne as Batman and Conner Kent in full Superman attire penned and drawn by David Finch, and lastly, a very heartwarming story of fathers and sons by Peter Tomasi and Gene Ha.  If this were not enough to justify a $4.99 price tag, rounding out the issue are pinups and portraits by Adam Hughes of Batgirl and Supergirl, which are truly stunning, as well as a quick two-page look at the women in Superman and Batman's lives by Jill Thompson. 

Superman/Batman #75 is how an anniversary comic should be done.  It's what DC tried to do with Wonder Woman and Superman, but only truly succeeded here and in Batman in regards to story development and honoring the characters' lengthy histories and contributions to popular culture.  With something for everyone and a nice balance of nostalgia and looking towards the future, Superman/Batman #75 is highly recommended.