Superman/Batman # 29 Review
This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk:
Writer: Mark Verheiden
Artist: Ethan Van Sciver
This new arc by Mark Verheiden is not fantastic, but it is head and shoulders above Jeph Loeb's last arc on the book. The shape-shifter from the last issue is still prevalent, but is not so dangerous in this issue. Rather, we see the Green Lanterns go nuts, similar to the rings being corrupted in Rebirth. I hope it’s not Parallax again. John Stewart is examining his ring in a lab (where the hell's he been in the DCU?) when he is attacked by another Lantern. Hal Jordan has been taken over, but while fighting Superman he realizes the problem with his ring, and through his willpower is able to stop the mind-control and take it off. Proving that Hal is the best Lantern.. blah blah blah... I still love Kyle. What is strong in this issue is the characterization of Batman. We don't get a lot of Superman in this issue. Also, I am liking Alfred's beginning narration at the beginning of each issue. Martian Manhunter (the real one) appears in his new alien getup and is a total ass to Batman. Batman, who has maybe been one of Jonn's best friends for his entire time on earth. Since when is Jonn such an asshole? Since we decided to give him his new look and new attitude?
Speaking of badass, we have to talk about Ethan Van Sciver. Like Pete Woods (read my Action comics review) Ethan Van Sciver deserves to be a superstar artist like Jim Lee. His art is amazing, and every time I look at it I find something new to love. His art is finely detailed, his linework is so specific, and he can master both light and shadows. I love his drawings of Martian Manhunter and Batman. Martian Manhunter looks like an asshole, he looks mean. Batman looks like a man dressed as a Bat. You can see the Human physique, that there is a human head underneath the cowl, that he is only a man. Another thing I like about Van Sciver drawing Batman is that he draws the cape like bat-wings hanging down off Bruce's shoulders. It feels like that at any time, Bruce could pick up his cape, spread his arms, and scare the crap out of anyone up against him by creating the Bat silhouette. I liked this issue's art more than the writing, but it is a worthwhile read with a big priceless moment at the end. See that below. C+/B-
I agree with you on the art Ethan is a fucking awesome artist that doesn't get the recognition he deserves. I've been a fan of his since he did some fill in issues for Quietly on New X-men and I always looked foward to his art more than Quietly's.
you are definitely right! ethan van sciver is just kicking so much a$$ with his freaki'n awesome art !! every panel/page is just so fucking awesome that it might give me a fucking heart attack !
one thing van sciver isnt is MEDIOCRE. he just puts to shame a lot of so called 'big shot' , 'youn guns' artists to shame with his talent and professionalism.