Author: Kevin J. Anderson
Publisher: William Morrow
Binding: Hardcover
Publication Date: May 2009
Batman. Superman.
These two symbols are recognized worldwide. They are synonymous with justice, awesome toys, and classic comics and movies for decades. The debate, over which one would win in a fight, might be the most asked question among fans and best friends. It is through their dynamic partnership that fans get an insight into the light and dark side of being a hero. Whether it is Superman’s Boy Scout nature, or Batman’s excessive methods, the two create a friendship and team that can rival any dynamic duo.
In Kevin J. Anderson’s novel, Enemies and Allies, the story of Superman and Batman’s first encounter is reimaged during the Cold War era. The storyline revolves around the arms race between the Soviet Union, the U.S., and Lex Luthor’s manipulation of the fragile tension between the two superpowers. Anderson unfolds the story of Batman and Superman’s first encounter with each other superbly, while developing their distinctive partnership. The novel engages a reader from beginning to end by meticulously developing each character and scene with great detail and dialogue.
Everyone knows that Superman is the ultimate weapon, representing everything related to the American way of life. In the Cold War era, the Communists do not view him as mankind’s savior, but as a threat to their own way of life. Enter Lex Luthor. Early on in the story, readers get a look at Lex’s secret dealings with General Anatoly Ceridov, a communist. It is through these dealings that Lex plans out his goal for creating international turmoil to gain advantage for Luthor Corporation’s weapons department. And why does the all-powerful Lex Luthor need to have shady deals with the communists? The answer is easy. He is going up against another well known weapons manufacturer. None other than Wayne Enterprise, who we all know is owned by playboy billionaire, Bruce Wayne. Luthor’s immoral deals eventually bring Bruce Wayne to Metropolis and establish the first meeting between Batman and Superman. However, this meeting does not lead to an immediate partnership. It would take several more unexpected meetings, careful observations, and possibly the best written rescue sequence, for both heroes to realize that they are fighting for the same cause. Finally, when they realize each other’s intentions, readers feel how unique and powerful this partnership becomes. By deciphering Luthor’s plans, and with the help of a nosey reporter, the heroes are victorious in their first adventure together.
Any story involving Superman and Batman is not complete without the mention of several key places and characters. This particular story begins and ends in two of the most famous cities in the world of heroes, Metropolis and Gotham City. Metropolis is where Clark Kent “stopped being Clark Kent and became someone else entirely.” Gotham City is where Batman realizes that “he was only one person. He had no allies.” Like the two heroes, these cities represent darkness and the light. In addition to the setting, there are several characters that have distinctive roles to the heroes. Superman’s story would not be complete without the mention of the infamous reporter, Lois Lane. Also, Batman’s story is never complete without Bruce Wayne sweeping a beautiful woman off her feet. . Clark, who might be the only hero whose secret identity is a normal human, resents the billionaire’s carefree and nonchalant flirtation aimed Lois. But Bruce unknowingly, in his usual arrogant character, ignores Clark Kent, the simple farmer turned reporter, and his feelings towards Lois. Once again the two heroes are connected unexpectedly. Furthermore, we also get the traditional squirmy moments of Jimmy Olsen and Alfred’s (Bruce Wayne’s butler) sarcastic responses like, “Hmmm, an amateur vigilante-that reminds me of someone I know.” Both of whom add to the humor of the novel.
The stories of Batman and Superman are endless. While there could be infinite ways that the origins of their first meeting could be told, there are many things that remain the same in every story. Their partnership is not based on a strong friendship, admiration for each other’s work, or choice of costume design. Their collaboration is based on a mutual respect and understanding that one balances the other. Think about it as Batman being the Yin to Superman’s Yang. They are smart enough to understand the need for each other’s form of justice. While Batman believes the ends justify the means, Superman believes in the “right” way of doing things. Each can exist without the other, but together they form an almost unstoppable force of brains and bronze. Whether it is Superman using his x-ray vision to see Bruce under the mask, or whether Batman is using his cunning detective skills to find the Fortress of Solitude and discovering that Superman is behind Clark’s bogus glasses, both heroes are always trying to one up the other. But more than anything, they trust each other, even if they are always guarded against each other. A partnership is based on trust and preparedness for the worst case scenario. It is no wonder why Batman keeps kryptonite on reserve. In the end, as enemies or allies, Batman and Superman are iconic characters that transcend all platforms and set a standard for all heroes and villains past, present or future. It goes without saying that this was a well written novel on two of the greatest heroes of all time and should be a part of everyone’s library.
