Writer: Gene Luen Yang
Art: Ivan Reis, José Luís, Danny Miki, Jonas Trindade, Sabine Rich, and Saida Temofonte
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 25th, 2021
The Caped Crusader and the Man of Tomorrow are on a voyage to stop this otherworldly being known as Auteur.io from obliterating the pocket worlds he’s somehow forged. However, where did Auteur.io come from? Well, let’s dive into BATMAN/ SUPERMAN #18 by Gene Luen Yang and see if our heroes can get to the bottom of this new threat and save these pocket worlds before it’s too late.
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.
WORLDS APART
This nostalgic fantasy continues to impress this week as Yang reveals more background into how these realities are colliding and who’s behind this Science Fiction mystery. Nonetheless, to anyone who thinks the classic feel is beginning to wear off, Yang provides some uniquely clever twists that are sure to impress. The villain reveals in each universe are creative AND the twists to classic characters are definitely imaginative. From Alfred as Bane to Bruce Wayne as a combination of Bizarro meets Two-Face, Yang establishes these new amalgamations that are tons of fun for long-time SUPERMAN and BATMAN fans.
Additionally, Yang puts in the smallest details that add that extra layer to the story making readers feel connected to the narrative. For example, Robin’s Trig homework remarks, BATMAN’S announced strategies, SUPERMAN cauterizing BATMAN’S wounds, and the villain unmaskings are what set the stage for this issue of BATMAN/ SUPERMAN and capture the reader’s attention. For a story that seemed to begin more surface level, Yang has really developed specific story threads that have morphed this tale into a SciFi delight.
ART
Ivan Reis, José Luís, Danny Miki, Jonas Trindade, and Sabine Rich take this BATMAN/ SUPERMAN tale to the next level. The artistic design was incredibly rich and saturated with bright, vibrant colors. The inks added so much depth and shading to furnish the illustrations with more definition. Furthermore, it was the deep, powerful colors that helped control the story’s mood, pacing, and readability. Reis led a team of artists that worked masterfully together and ultimately gave this issue its power.
Heck, for a comic that was heavy on the lettering, the coloring and pencils assisted very well making the story more manageable and easier to digest, especially the use of colors to expand the issue. It’s a truly great artist that will make the reader’s eyes move subconsciously across each page with preparation to stop at every important detail. Without this art team, I have no doubt this series would be an average tale. What a truly amazing job by everyone involved.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As some might view this week’s edition of BATMAN/ SUPERMAN as a bit too involved and intricate, I see this comic as finally starting to take shape. Readers will get some clues as to how and why our heroes can jump from “world” to “world” AND a premise as to where the Auteur.io originates. Furthermore, Yang is a master at molding these diverse plots together. It’s got to be tough to juggle multiple blueprints with the same type of characters. Yet, Yang weaves the story together flawlessly.
Reis and his team provide fans with distinct, stimulating illustrations that are so bold and refreshing. This style is so incredibly polished, smooth, and realistic. Honestly, what’s not to love about this issue? It’s brilliant, well-paced, and I simply wanted to read it again! I strongly recommend giving this issue of BATMAN/ SUPERMAN a shot. However, it’s not the best place to jump in. So, maybe you look at grabbing the trade instead? Nevertheless, Yang and Reis are doing some amazing things here. So, if you can get your hands on some back issues, I’d totally chase them down! Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!