Absolute Superman/Batman Vol. 2

Unlike the excellent volume 1 of this series, Superman/Batman Vol.2 does not center on earth-bound adventures, instead sending the World's Finest on an adventure through the Multiverse. Ah, the Multiverse: a fascinating concept that gives readers a chance to see their favorite heroes warped in new, entertaining ways not possible in normal continuity. Unfortunately, alternate realities tend to become a bit cumbersome when used too much. Unless the Multiverse is being thrown into jeopardy in a DC 'Crisis' title, adventures in these bizarre dimensions can feel like 'how much longer do we have to spend time here until the good guys win,' instead of 'how can the good guys win?'.That being said, there is some fun to be had here. I won't go too much into detail regarding the various worlds, as the surprises they hold are best revealed first-hand to the reader. Batman and Superman are reimagined as evil dictators, or more accurately pawns, to an unexpected master. Bizzaro versions of the titular characters also arrive, and are quite enjoyable to witness. The trip to these and more worlds culminates in Superman and Batman facing off against a mildly disguised Marvel's Avengers. Individually, these ideas sound great and fun. However, when placed all together, throw in a bit of time-stream mumbo jumbo and a 5th-dimensional imp, it becomes a bit much. It's not so much the non-linear plot, more of the 'too much of a good thing' idea that drags down the story. I would have liked to see this arc broken up with a couple of small, normal continuity issues.There is not a whole lot about to say about the art, other than the fact that it varies between pretty great to average. While no art is ever really bad, the art in this volume fails to meet the same level as its predecessor.What saves the rating from three stars is the Superboy/Robin one-shot issue featured at the conclusion of this collection. For those not familiar, this story is a commemorative issue for the real-life Sam Loeb, son of the author, who passed away before the publishing of his first comic book story. This backdrop, along with the various contributing talents, merits at least a one-star raise.Overall, this is a decent collection. Bruce and Clark are written well, it is their surroundings that weaken the plot. You get a lot of pages for the price, and it is enjoyable, just be ready to deal with a lot of alternate reality plots and all the baggage that comes with that.

Item arrived a bit damaged

This book is in very poor condition.

It's not merely time travel but dimensional shifts. What would life be like if just one thing we're changed? It's the butterfly effect in the superhero universe and it's fantastic. Can't wait to read Volume 3!

Buy Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns for a real Superman/Batman story. Volume 1 of this series felt less like enjoyment and more like a task. Volume 1 had a strong last 20-30 pages that allowed me to give volume 2 and the series another chance. I put down volume 2 halfway through and gave up. Too many characters and too much going on here. The artwork is that of a Saturday morning cartoon. The only thing Loeb did well was creating the contrast of dark persona vs. bright persona of Batman and Superman throughout the small chunk I made it through.

See other post of Absolute Superman/Batman vol one. Great deep details into two great super heroes friendship.

Never read this run..great art and story lines..especially since Im a Marvel guy,,

Awesome love the "Absolute" format!

I like both batman and superman, good read.

Acho o escritor Jeph Loeb sofrível. Apesar de alguns acertos, a média dele é muito baixa. Mas entre seus acertos, está SUPERMAN/BATMAN VENGEANCE!!! Que coisa linda! Os dois ícones da DC Comics enfrentando QUASE TODO o panteão da Marvel e - que loucura! - SEM PREFERENCIALISMO nem PROTECIONISMO pra nenhum personagem!Adicione uma pá de vilões surpresa, personagens (até o Superman Red Son faz uma ligeira aparição) e tramas igualmente surpreendentes e você terá o encadernado mais legal desse volume de Batman e Superman!

One of the great ones

Absolute Superman/Batman Vol. 2 Collects Superman/Batman: Absolute Power, Superman/Batman: Vengeance, Supergirl: The Girl of Steel and Superboy & Robin: The boys are back in town.In "Absolute Power" Superman and Batman are Dictators who rule the world with iron fists. The story involves time travel and alternative realities which may be confusing to some readers. I can't help thinking this was just the easiest way to get the two characters into confrontations. Superman has a fight with Wonderwoman and later on in the story Darkseid and Ra's al Ghul show up. In "Vengeance" a group from an alternative universe called the Maximums are hunting Batman and Superman. Characters like Miss Miracle and Big Bard suddenly appear and the plot is difficult to follow. Throw in no less than five Supergirls and Bizarro and a post-Crisis first - Batzarro - and things become increasingly surreal.The Superboy & Robin story was written by Sam Loeb with 26 contributing writers and artists. The highlight of this edition is the Supergirl story even if it is only 22 pages long. It is the most grounded but most importantly makes the most sense.Most readers consider the Absolute Power and Vengeance stories to be the weakest in the Jeph Loeb Superman/Batman series and I would have to agree. This Absolute edition is an oversized hardback with slipcase, excellent paper quality and a ribbon marker. Extras include 34 pages of sketches and a conversation with the creators. Although not as good as Vol. 1 I would still recommend this edition to fans of The World's Finest.

The Earth wakes up on one day to a brand new world order-one in which Superman & Batman rule with an iron fist. Humankind has a choice: obey or die. How did things get this way? And is anyone left who can can stop them ? Before long, the World's Finest Duo is sent careening through a series of bizarre alternate Earths, facing an assortment of classic DC characters including kamandi, Sgt Rock, Haunted Tank, and many more!Collects SUPERMAN/BATMAN # 14-26