cleheny's review
2.0
This is about 2.75 stars for me. I'm finding myself increasingly annoyed by certain aspects of King's writing, even as I really like other parts.
The first arc, The Rules of Engagement, find Batman and Catwoman journeying to Khadym, a fictional haven for all sorts of bad people, and one that no one may enter, per the rules created by Batman and the Justice League. But rules are for people other than Batman and Catwoman, so off they go. I'm not sure what kind of tone King was trying to strike in the first part. It opens with Catwoman shooting a foundering horse (because they're travelling over 12 hours in a desert), and then she and Batman exchanging endearments. I don't know if this was an attempt at humor, but it came off as unbelievably callous.
I really dislike the tendency of Batman writers (and fans) to fetishize Batman--the human who can beat anyone because he's so brilliant and well-prepared. In the world in which Batman lives, that's simply impossible. The only plausible explanation is that he is superhumanly intelligent. But that explanation can't be permitted because it would make him a metahuman, which defeats the concept of why Batman is impressive.
I had thought King less likely to fall into that trap, but not only does he have Batman do something that no one else (even the Martian Manhunter) can do, Catwoman suddenly becomes the most amazing fighter ever. No one can stop her, and the course of her swordfight with Talia is ridiculous.
I am becoming a bit tired of King's narrative device of having characters mirror each other's dialogue. The 2-part Superfriends story gets at some of the tension between Batman and Superman, as well as their admiration for each other. But almost the entirety of the first issue is Catwoman and Batman, and Lois and Superman, having parallel conversations. I think it's supposed to be revelatory, but it comes off as contrived.
What continues to make King's run worth the read are the character moments. Whether it's another great scene with Bruce's sons learning about his mission and engagement, Dick supporting Damian, or Bruce and Clark and Lois and Selina bonding, the connections between the characters feel real. And there's a fantastic moment where Bruce and Clark team up to take down a mugger--this is who these guys are and it shows how well they work together and complement each other.
The first arc, The Rules of Engagement, find Batman and Catwoman journeying to Khadym, a fictional haven for all sorts of bad people, and one that no one may enter, per the rules created by Batman and the Justice League. But rules are for people other than Batman and Catwoman, so off they go. I'm not sure what kind of tone King was trying to strike in the first part. It opens with Catwoman shooting a foundering horse (because they're travelling over 12 hours in a desert), and then she and Batman exchanging endearments. I don't know if this was an attempt at humor, but it came off as unbelievably callous.
I really dislike the tendency of Batman writers (and fans) to fetishize Batman--the human who can beat anyone because he's so brilliant and well-prepared. In the world in which Batman lives, that's simply impossible. The only plausible explanation is that he is superhumanly intelligent. But that explanation can't be permitted because it would make him a metahuman, which defeats the concept of why Batman is impressive.
I had thought King less likely to fall into that trap, but not only does he have Batman do something that no one else (even the Martian Manhunter) can do
Spoiler
(hit a pitch from Superman and knock it out of the park)Spoiler
Throughout the fight, Talia narrates how incredibly well-trained and proficient she is--and it's clear that this isn't ego-maniacal ranting. Yet Catwoman doesn't simply hold her own--she beats her, all the while saying that she (Catwoman) has only picked up a sword 3-4 times (including this one). It would be fine if Catwoman beat Talia using her other skills--her agility, speed, willingness to fight in an "underhanded" fashion--but the resolution of this fight is just a way to make Batman seem more awesome through the reflected glory of his awesome fiancee.I am becoming a bit tired of King's narrative device of having characters mirror each other's dialogue. The 2-part Superfriends story gets at some of the tension between Batman and Superman, as well as their admiration for each other. But almost the entirety of the first issue is Catwoman and Batman, and Lois and Superman, having parallel conversations. I think it's supposed to be revelatory, but it comes off as contrived.
What continues to make King's run worth the read are the character moments. Whether it's another great scene with Bruce's sons learning about his mission and engagement, Dick supporting Damian, or Bruce and Clark and Lois and Selina bonding, the connections between the characters feel real. And there's a fantastic moment where Bruce and Clark team up to take down a mugger--this is who these guys are and it shows how well they work together and complement each other.
pavram's review
4.0
Originalna subverzija i pozitivni anti-klimaks; kad je retko, retko je. Zdravo je videti superheroje kao, ne čak ni heroje, nego samo ljude sa, eto, malčice ekstremnijim hobijima.
4+
4+
19lindsey89's review
4.0
This volume made me laugh out loud several times. I enjoyed that the focus wasn't on taking down a big bad villain. It was about Bruce and focusing on him as a person.
I loved the issues where Superman was hurt that Batman didn't call him to tell him about the engagement. The dynamic of these larger-than-life men unable to talk about their feelings was excellent.
But I could not figure out why Catwoman was meowing. ALL. THE. TIME.
I loved the issues where Superman was hurt that Batman didn't call him to tell him about the engagement. The dynamic of these larger-than-life men unable to talk about their feelings was excellent.
But I could not figure out why Catwoman was meowing. ALL. THE. TIME.
stewreads's review
4.0
Bitchin’! Batman’s banging broads before bashing baddies, basically beyond bemoaning Bane’s back-breaking battle. Bye bye brooding bachelor Bruce; baseball batting badass Bruce’s better.
angelwolf45's review
3.0
It was ok.
It was an ok read.
I enjoyed this book it was interesting but still just ok.
It was an ok read.
I enjoyed this book it was interesting but still just ok.
nathanaeljs's review
5.0
I loved this volume almost unreservedly. It has so many things I like, the Batman/Catwoman pairing, the Batkids sibling bickering, Dick being a great older brother to Damien (easily my favorite Batkid duo), and superheroes actually being friends and talking to each other and doing normal human being things. People who like their Batcomics plotty will probably hate this volume and gripe about fan service or whatever, but I don't care. It is delightful.
subhamroxx's review
4.0
This one was so good!
It focuses on Bruce and Selina going to Khadym to meet Talia and well its the rescue of Holly and the face off of Batman's two love interests and its intense and some border thing is there but I love the face off and the at is so good and Talia is gorgeous and though I wish the battle was longer I like what happens and its a reconciliation between the two and great stuff with Damian!
Finally the story with Superman and Lois and Bruce and Selina hanging out, the worlds finest and its some of the best DC story ever and shows why they are the best of friend and how they make each other best and well I just love them and Tom gets them perfectly! <3
Plus a tale of how they met in the past and continuing their old age and I remember it coming out in single issue and loving it and its perfect showing that their love story is eternal complimented again by great art and King does well to show these characters in a way that makes them feel perfect for each other and also this is such a new territory of Batman stories and makes this a standout! A must read!
It focuses on Bruce and Selina going to Khadym to meet Talia and well its the rescue of Holly and the face off of Batman's two love interests and its intense and some border thing is there but I love the face off and the at is so good and Talia is gorgeous and though I wish the battle was longer I like what happens and its a reconciliation between the two and great stuff with Damian!
Finally the story with Superman and Lois and Bruce and Selina hanging out, the worlds finest and its some of the best DC story ever and shows why they are the best of friend and how they make each other best and well I just love them and Tom gets them perfectly! <3
Plus a tale of how they met in the past and continuing their old age and I remember it coming out in single issue and loving it and its perfect showing that their love story is eternal complimented again by great art and King does well to show these characters in a way that makes them feel perfect for each other and also this is such a new territory of Batman stories and makes this a standout! A must read!