Superman/Batman Vol. 1: Public Enemies (graphic novel) by Jeph Loeb



A review by an infrequent reader of comics

Published in 2005 by Titan Graphic Novels.
Originally published in 2004 by D.C. Comics

First things first.

 I am not a gigantic comics fan. I've never been to a comic book shop. I know the big names. Basically, if they had a live action TV show, I know them.

 So, my opinion is not as well-informed as that of some.

 Superman has always been of limited interest to me. He can't be hurt (technically, I know he can but who has Kryptonite sitting around?), he has the tools to deal with any situation. He has a healthy psyche. Good guy to have on your side but not particularly interesting. Batman, on the other hand, he oozes character exploration opportunities.

 Surprisingly, Loeb and company have made Superman very interesting, by looking at him through the prism of Batman, and also by seeing Batman through Superman's eyes. Their chosen format of having dueling interior thought lines from Batman and Superman offer the reader an interesting opportunity to see these tried and true characters anew.

 This was a fun plotline - an interesting and entertaining read. The choice to use the Adam West TV show Batmobile was great, since it was by far the coolest of the bunch. There are lots of inside jokes, such as having lines lifted from the various TV shows and movies that have featured Batman and Superman.

 Highly recommended.

 I rate this graphic novel 5 stars out of 5.

 This graphic novel can be found on Amazon.com here: Superman/Batman Volume 1: Public Enemies

 Reviewed on October 6, 2007

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