Superman / Batman #53 - DC

Do you remember the old Composite Superman/Batman stories? You know, the ones who used to run through World's Finest all of the time? Well this story, is kind of along those lines. That's what immediately came to my mind when I started reading it. It appears that Michael Green and Mike Johnson are going to be the writers on this series for the foreseeable future. I've enjoyed their stories so far. I don't think this one will be an exception. Basically, Clark and Bruce are at a benefit when the Silver Banshee crashes the party. Bruce has some antiquities there, and apparently she's after an amulet . . . the brooch of Cowdor. Somehow it amps up her power. She's magical in nature, so . . it doesn't take much. Anyways, Superman and Batman both try to take her down, and both get the short end of the stick for it. However, Batman gets the worst because his body is covered with shards of broken glass. Anyways, Superman takes him back to the cave, and Alfred tends to his wounds. Almost immediately they notice a shift in power. Superman's x-ray vision appears to be on the fritz. Then, on his way home his super-hearing, heat-vision, and even flight go awry. Meanwhile, Batman, while on patrol with Robin, starts noticing that he's able to do things that he shouldn't be able to. The issue ends with Superman crash landing into his apartment, and then outside . . . Batman is hovering above the building. "We need to talk.", he says, while his eyes appear to be blazing like a red sun. The reason I liked the composite Superman/Batman stories is because the main theme of them is always comparing the similarities and pointing out the opposites of these 2 characters. It's not just their costume or origins . . or even their beliefs. It goes right down to their core . . how much these 2 are dissimilar of each other. But, at the same time, I think, it's the different ways they have of looking at things that makes them such good friends and partners. Even though they both think the other goes to far with their hope or pessimism . . either would lay their life on the line if needed. It's a great theme to be explored, and the perfect characters to do it with. Rags Morales is back on pencils this issue, and I couldn't be happier. I love this guys work. I think he's a hugely underrated talent. It looks like we're at the beginning of another great story-arc in this fantastic book.