Batman/Superman #31
“The Final Days of Superman: Dark Discovery, Part 2”
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Pencis: Doug Mahnke
Inker: Jaime Mendoza
Colors: Wil Quintana
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover: Yanick Maquette & Nathan Fairbairn
Variant Cover: John Romita, Jr.
Inks: Klaus Janson
Colors: Dave McCraig
Assistant Editor: Andrew Marino
Group Editor: Eddie Berganza
Batman/Superman #31 is part of a cross-over storyline entitled, “The Final Days of Superman: Dark Discovery, Part 2.” The beauty of stories crossing titles is the ability to weave a more expansive tale and incorporate the diversity of a larger creative team. However, the downside is some readers only subscribe to a single title and therefore miss part of the tale.
This is the case for me, as the regular reviewer of Batman/Superman for Dark Knight News. Batman/Superman #30 wrapped up a stellar three-issue story, but gave no indication or forewarning to readers of an upcoming cross-over story. Additionally, there is no indication of where Part 1 of the story can be found in the pages of the current issue. Fortunately, readers are enticed to pick up Part 3, found in the next issue of Action Comics #51.
The story is fairly straightforward, although the sudden appearance and subsequent disappearance of The Four Pillars – manifestations of the Chinese Zodiac – felt out of place. Perhaps, this is a continuation of Part 1 or an allusion to Part 3 of the story? Either way, the issue gave enough clues for readers to engage the story.
The primary antagonist, however, is the Kryptonian cancer riddling Superman’s body. The disease has taken over his body to such a degree his pupils have turned a green hew. This detail is illustrated in the issue, as Superman’s traditional baby blues are rendered a lime green – an excellent touch allowing the art to continue one line of dialogue throughout. To that end, Batman/Superman #31 contains excellent artwork. The pencils and inks flow together well, keeping the balance of fine detail and shadow.
In Batman/Superman #31, we find the relationship between the titular characters framed in Bruce’s powerlessness to cure what ails Clark, and Superman’s resignation to its ultimate affect. This is poignantly depicted without dialogue in two particular panels.
We see all we need in Bruce’s reaction – brilliantly drawn and brilliantly written.
Batman/Superman #31 is a good read that would have been enhanced if given a heads-up in the previous issue. I can only assume reading Part 1 would alleviate some of the plot gaps regular readers might experience. Having Superman deal with cancer is poignant on many levels. Most Americans can relate to courageous struggles malignant cells – either themselves or vicariously through someone the know and love. May this story bring hope!
So – for regular Batman/Superman readers, be sure to check out Eric’s review (it fills in gaps from Part 1!), and pick up Action Comics #51 for Part 3 of this story arch!
