Superman/Batman #46

Quite the opposite of this month's "Justice League of America", "Superman/Batman" delivers on all levels. From the outstanding cover to the final splash page, writers Michael Green and Mike Johnson are hitting on all cylinders. Penciller Shane Davis continues to impress me. He gives the book a cinematic feel and captures the intensity of Batman and the strength of Superman. I'm glad he's on for this entire story arc. When I heard of this arc I was a bit "meh" on it. However, I have enjoyed the entire arc and I'm looking forward to the slam/bang conclusion.

Green & Johnson have really turned this title around. With them on the title, you can't go wrong in picking it up. If you dropped "Superman/Batman" it may be time to try it out again.

Superman/Batman #46

"Superman/Batman" of late had lost some of its luster. I read the early TPBs and was impressed by the title, but the last year hasn't captured my attention. However, with the addition of the new creative team of writer Michael Green and artist Shane Davis, the title has returned to the light. "The Search for Kryptonite" arc has been a fun read. This title should involve stories that require both Batman and Superman to solve the problem at hand. Here we have an issue that requires both the brains and resources of Batman and the brawn of Superman. Grean, with an assist from Mike Johnson, does a fantastic job of amping up the thrills as Superman goes after every last chunk of Kryptonite on the Earth. I like the new Magic-K that is discovered in this issue and Davis'cartoon JLA is quite funny. Across the board, Davis' art is outstanding.

I see that this creative team is onboard for at least the next few issues. I hope that DC can keep them on long term as Green and Johnson on writing and Davis and Banning on art makes for a great read.

The Death of the New Gods #5 of 8

I missed picking this issue up last week and realized it when I got home. Luckily, I got it this week. As of issue #4 I had figured that writer Jim Starlin would be keeping the killer a mystery, but it seems that was not to be. What was becoming a good detective story took a right turn this issue with big ramifications for Final Crisis. If all is at it seems, this is the one true Countdown tie-in that you should be reading. Even more than the weekly title, this issue looks to impact Final Crisis the most. Metron's conversation with the New God killer is the most interesting part of this issue with Superman's battle with Kalibak and dealings with Scott Free a close second. Starlin has put together a solid miniseries so far and I'm starting to get into it. Starlin's art is good except for his version of Superman. The New Gods look great but his Superman comes across very stiff and awkward looking.

Even if you missed the first four issues, it looks like you might want to pick up the later half of this series as a good primer for Final Crisis.

Superman/Batman #45

I am enjoying writer Michael Green's "Search for Kryptonite" arc. While the issue #44 served as a prelude, this issue finds Superman, Batman, and a few friends spanning the globe scooping up all of the K that is out there. I was very impressed with penciller Shane Davis and inker Matt Banning's art. From the design of Superman's protective armor to toyman's ride, Davis does a fantastic job. I especially liked his take on the new Aquaman. This is my first story involving this character and I liked Green's take on him. Green poses some interesting questions towards the end of the issue and I like where he is going with these characters.

The last two issues have been the best Superman/Batman in quite a while.

Superman/Batman #44

The first page of "Superman/Batman" #44 had me asking what in the hell was writer Michael Green and penciller Shane Davis smoking. The bad posing and dialogue was almost too much. Turning the page and my questions where answered. I had to laugh at myself for taking this comic book stuff so seriously. This issue is all setup for "The Search for Kryptonite" story line. Green does a good job of capturing the main character's and guest star's personalities. Davis' art is good. I really like how he captured the guest star and would like to see him work on that character's monthly.

While this issue is the setup for the follow on story, I found it to be an entertaining read. I have always liked the interaction between Superman and Batman and the give and take as written by Green is done well. It has me looking forward to the rest of the story.

The Death of the New Gods #3 of 8

I'm still not seeing the impact to the DCU if the New Gods are dying off. I get that they have a stake in it but I don't see how this fits into the overarching "Countdown to Final Crisis" storyline. Some hints are dropped but it hasn't added up to much yet. Having said that, I'm starting to get into the story here. I like Jim Starlin's characterization of Darkseid, Mister Miracle, and Orion. This issue turns the corner and makes the characters interesting and moves the story forward quite rapidly. Besides a few awkward renditions of Superman, Starlins art is outstanding in this issue. He does a fantastic job of capturing the power of Kirby's Fourth World creations. I like his page layouts as he continuously keeps in interesting while supporting the story.

If you are not a fan of Kirby's Fourth World creations, then this miniseries doesn't have much to offer. However, if you have enjoyed Starlin's past work, you might like what he is doing here. At this point this series does not seem critical or required reading for the "Countdown" enthusiast.

The Death of the New Gods #1 & #2 of 8

Before reviewing the initial chapter of this miniseries I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of Jack Kirby's New Gods/Fourth World. Kirby started on these when I was very young and I never got into them. Of course, over the years, I have been entertained by Darkseid's use throughout the DCU as well as Mister Miracle and Big Barda's JLA runs. In an interview writer and penciller Jim Starlin stated that this was a "mercy killing" because of DC's abuse of Kirby's Fourth World creations over the years. Starlin wanted to honor Jack Kirby's creations while killing them off. I decided to pick this up as a tie-in to what is going on in "Countdown". With the death of Lightray and the continuing issues with Jimmy Olsen, I figured this series would tie up that whole plot line.

Issue #1 is basically a recap issue brining the reader up to speed on what is going on with the New Gods. It has Darkseid pontificating and bringing in reinforcements to protect Apokolips. I guess Starlin was hoping this issue would provide a good starting point for those truly unfamiliar with the New Gods. It succeeded to a point, but there are some many names thrown I got lost at points. I know the big name New Gods but the lesser ones really don't ring a bell. Sometimes I can't even tell if they are good or bad gods. Anyway, the issue ends with Starlin catching us up on the whereabouts of Mister Miracle and Big Barda. The final splash page isn't much of a shocker given the title of the miniseries.

Issue #2 starts off on New Gensis with Orion and a gaggle of New Gods contemplating what is happening here. Starlin then gives as CSI: JLA and a brooding Scott Free (Mister Miracle). I will have to look up what is up with the "Anti Life Equation" because as I said above I'm not up on all things Fourth World. Anyway, Scott Free has knowledge of the ALE and contemplates using it. Flash to New Gensis and Orion and Superman go through the motions in a battle of "honor" while on Apokolips Darkseid gets down to business. Starlin does a decent job of moving the plot forward but the battle between Superman and Orion goes on for too many pages. The side comments by Mister Miracle do make me believe that Starlin was making fun of the cliche element here.

Starlin's art is good but not his best work. Some of the poses are awkward and I can't tell if he is doing a homage to Kirby or not. If he is, then I get the art and he gets a pass.

While "The Sinestro Corps War" sets up a cosmic, galaxy spanning story that threatens the entire universe, "The Death of the New Gods" is truly just about that - the death of Kirby's Fourth World. Two issues in and I don't see the impact the New Gods living or dying has on the rest of the universe. Starlin has yet to make me care whether they live or die. The only two characters that I would care about living or dying are Darkseid and Scott Free. The others really have no real bearing or value in the DCU.