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.

Supergirl #27

After reading writer Kelley Puckett's interview where he described coming aboard "Supergirl" and the changing of his first story arc, I had high hopes that issue #27 would be a good starting point for change. Well, I must say, for the first time in a long time, I enjoyed a "Supergirl" comic. The story titled "The Girl of Tomorrow" was a very interesting and fun read. I didn't really care that regular artist Drew Johnson only drew one page and left the rest to fill-in artists Rick Leonardi and Dan Green. Puckett constructed the story so that the change in artist flowed with the story. Puckett brings all of the wierdness of his initial issues and adds dialogue and a look inside Supergirl's thoughts, which makes for a good read. I like the direction that Puckett took Supergirl here. I'm actually looking forward to the next issue.

This issue is a good jumping on point for new readers. Puckett has stated that this is the first issue of what he had planned for "Supergirl" and it looks to be an interesting ride. I hope that he can keep up the momentum going forward.

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.

Countdown to Mystery #5 of 8

The Eclispo story stays front and center in this issue and I really enjoyed it. Now that the story is focusing on Spectre and Bruce Gordon, I have to say that the it is way more interesting. Bruce Gordon is a bit nuts and the Spectre has a hard time dealing with his insanity. Chad Hardin takes over the penciling duties for this story and does a fine job here. I think Dan Brown's coloring really makes the story pop and provides just the right mood.

Over in the backup story, Dr. Kent Nelson continues to loose his mind as he deals with the death of Inza and his dealings with Dr. Fate's helmet. I like how writer Steve Gerber takes a side trip with the "KillHead" comic by Inza Fox. I'm hoping that spending this time on Inza means that she will be returning to Dr. Fate's side. This story continues to be interesting and I like how Gerber has setup the character of Dr. Nelson.

I like what DC is doing with both Dr. Fate and Eclipso. Both of the characters have been rebooted as interesting, conflicted individuals. I think both will go a long way to upping the readability of DC's magic stories if used properly.

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.

Superman #670

"Superman" issue #670 brings to a conclusion the three-part "The Third Kryptonian" story line. The entire Superman family is present including new additions Chris Kent and Karsta Wor-Ul - the third Kryptonian in question. This is an action packed issue reminiscent of the old "Superman Family" adventures during the Silver Age. In the middle of the battle Karsta flies away leaving Superman, Supergirl, Powergirl, Krypto, and Batman left to fight her battle. Her return to the battle is inevitable and aptly timed as well. Writer Kurt Busiek does a fine job of moving the action forward and concluding this three part story. Busiek continues to weave his perception of Superman's post Crisis reality showing that Red Sun doesn't strip Superman's powers it just blocks his ability to access them. Artificial Kryptonite is also introduced. Now, I'm not a continuity nut but can Kryptonians breath in space? Post COIE Superman needed a breathing appartus. In the most recent Supergirl we get the 2-hour limit. In this issue Karsta flies off into space unaided....what's the deal? I also found the whole Kandor explanation a bit hard to swallow and look forward to Busiek or Johns pulling on this thread.

Rick Leonardi and Dan Green's art captures the action well and provides one of the better representations of Supergirl and Powergirl. I also liked Jesus Merino's cover and wouldn't mind getting a poster size version of it.

All in all, the three parter was a fun read and I would recommend it.

Superman #668 & #669

Superman #668 kicks off "The Third Kryptonian" story line and writer Kurt Busiek is going very SciFi. Superman is on a search for the third Kryptonian on Earth that he found out about when the Auctioneer came calling. He has ruled out Power Girl and, with the help of Batman, is going X-Files searching for the truth. Busiek provides a brief interlude to futher flesh out the Chris Kent character. Chris' interactions with both Batman and Robin are nicely done. Along the way we get to meet the protagonist of the story, Amalak, who has an interest in all things Kryptonian. The art by penciller Rick Leaonardi and inker Dan Green good with capturing both the youth of Chris and Robin and the maturity of Superman and Batman.

Issue # 669 introduces Kristen Wells as the third Kryptonian and she packs quite a wallop. Busiek takes the reader on a tour of post-Infinite Crisis Kryptonian history and I think he does a fine job of melding the John Bryne Utopian version with the Geoff Johns/Richard Donner military versus science of the Zod era. Busiek really cuts loose with the SciFi in this issue and weaves a very interesting tale of how Kristen Wells ended up on Earth. She does not have the morale center of Superman or the innocence of Supergirl and provides a stark contrast to Superman's ethical code. The issue ends with Amalak finding both Superman and Kristen and threatening the end of all Kryptonians. I'm looking forward to the next issue and seeing where this all goes.