Superman/Batman Secret Files

(DC, 2003)
™ and © DC Comics, Inc.

Even though the lead story by Geoff Johns and his brother Jeremy ends on a cliffhanger of sorts (to be continued in Superman/Batman), this installment of Secret Files works pretty well as a stand-alone comic book. The lead story in question provides exciting battle scenes featuring a big, burly Major Force, it recaps Captain Atom’s origin, and it makes overall good use of Cap, especially regarding a fundamental difference with Superman. Unlike The Man of Steel, who lives to serve the people, The Silvery Sultan is basically a lackey for the state.

Other stories in this star-studded issue include a look by Mark Waid at a young Lex Luthor’s irreverent intelligence and a touching two-pager by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale involving a chance boyhood encounter between Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne.

Character bios, which are fun and breezy (Krypto is described as having “powers and senses far beyond those of mortal mutts”), repeat the oft-told tales of Batman and Superman, but also provide updated information on Lex Luthor, Talia, Metallo, and others. This is nice reference material, especially for new readers.

The only quibble is with Ed McGuinness’ anime-influenced renderings on the bios of Batman and Superman. The art is certainly stylish, but it’s hard getting used to seeing these American icons drawn in such a fashion (no matter how often it is done), especially for those of us who were weaned on Curt Swan (Superman) and Neal Adams (Batman).

— Brett Weiss

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Writer

Artist

#2003

November, 2003
Cover Price: $4.95
7 copies available from $2.98

Geoff Johns, Jeremy Johns, Mark Waid, Jeph Loeb, Mike McAvennie, Scott Beatty

Ivan Reis, Renato Guedes, Tim Sale, Ed McGuinness, Scott McDaniel