The covers: Under the watchful eyes of Batman Thomas Wayne, from the Flashpoint universe, Superman gently holds Lois Lane’s hand as his wife is soon to give birth. This is a very human moment for the Man of Steel to be involved with and it’s a great cover. It makes this uber-powered alien seem normal, if such a thing were possible for a Kryptonian. Love having Batman up high looking down upon the scene. This is obviously the Batcave, but friends in one universe are not friends in another. Nicely done by Lee Weeks and Brad Anderson. The Variant cover is designed by Chip Kidd and features a sinister looking Superman, drawn by Bernard Chang and colored by Blond, emerging from a blue smear. I’m a sucker for these variants, so this is the one I bought. Overall grades: Both A
The story: Batman is getting a status update from his computer within the Batcave regarding how the fight goes with Superman. The hero is being engaged by Abin Sur, Captain Marvel, and Cyborg. They’re fighting him to obey Telos’s orders to fight another city’s champion to save their own metropolis. Seeing the flying car that Jimmy Olsen is using to assist his super powered friend, Batman realizes that the two are from a parallel universe, much as the Flash that visited him from the Flashpoint series. As he ponders if that means there’s another Gotham, Superman is making short work of the not-so heroic trio. Superman puts a stop to the battle when he hears someone’s voice and he speeds off. Dan Jurgens has created a great ending for this two-parter. Batman has to make a decision (when not stealing Rorschach’s dialogue), Superman is focused on one goal, and another hero realizes he’s been in the wrong. This issue has got a lot of heart, and that’s a rarity in super hero books. Yes, there’s plenty of punching and yelling, but it’s the ending that really stuck out for me. This is what the current Superman books were missing: a soul. A terrific read. Overall grade: A+
The art: Pulling double duty is Dan Jurgens on pencils. I’m a huge fan of Jurgens’s work and he continues to show he’s equally gifted drawing as he is writing. The heroes look fantastic and when they’re in action it’s easy to get lost in the power that’s coming out of them. Page 6 has a particularly strong scene that shows two heroes exploding with energy. As with the story, this isn’t just a punch fest; the final panel on Page 8 has Superman give a look that telegraphs his heart in an instant. Any reader will know that the voice he’s hearing overrides everything that’s going on at the moment. It’s the look of a man in fear, and it’s outstanding. The “ink art” on this issue is done by current Flash finisher Norm Rapmund. Last issue it was Lee Weeks, who’s good, but has a very thin line. Rapmund makes this book look more like the Jurgens work I’m used to seeing. Page 18 has a stunning full page body shot of a Superman that means business. This is the Superman I’d love to see monthly. Overall grade: A+
The colors: Fresh off of coloring Convergence #5 is Brad Anderson who does a super job on this book. He’s continuing to create depth through his coloring by lightening anything in the distance, such as computer screens, or flashbacks. His coloring is sensational in the present, as shown with the energy that comes out of Green Lantern’s ring in the second panel on Page 4. Notice how it’s dark green around the edges to match the character’s costume, but going toward the ring, the energy becomes lime colored, and finally white at the source of the power. This is a really slick job for such a tiny panel! Page 6 is gorgeous in reds, and I love the faded blue eyes in the final panel on 8 that make this strongest hero seem absolutely terrified. Even in the Batcave Anderson has the makes the most for a bright splash of color as Superman makes a speedy entrance. Terrific work. Overall grade: A+
The letters: Tom Napolitano creates scene settings, dialogue, the Batcomputer’s voice, glorious sounds, and the closing credits. I’m so pleased that Napolitano got to do some sounds, because that’s half the fun of reading a comic book, and there are some stunning ones in this book to take a reader back in time when one could hear punches connect. Overall grade: A+
The final line: Perfect in every way. Highest possible recommendation. Overall grade: A+
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