Batman/Superman #15
Scheduled to arrive in stores: December 22, 2020
Cover date: February 2021
“Snow Fight”
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Penciller: Andrei Bressan
Inker: Andrei Bressan
Cover: Alejandro Sanchez
Variant Cover: Travis Charest
Reviewed by: Craig Boehmer
Batman and Superman meet together at Arkham Asylum where they learn that Solomon Grundy is going to explode with a huge burst of radioactive energy. They agree to take him to Slaughter Swamp so that his energy can dissipate safely. They must defend him from mercenaries who are focused on stealing him as a weapon of mass destruction. All of this occurs during the worst blizzard to hit the East Coast in years. They are confronted by Deadline and his band of mercenaries. The battle draws the group closer to Slaughter Swamp. After the villains are defeated Superman carries Grundy to the swamp and they meet Swamp Thing who wants to take Grundy into the green and pontificates that a peaceful death will alter how Grundy wakes up. The issue ends with Superman and Batman discussing the exhausting nature of their fight against crime but reaffirming their commitment to help each other.
Story – 4: It’s a simple story of taking Solomon Grundy from point A to point B while being pursued by an enemy. They mix in some sciency sounding jargon to explain why Grundy needs out, but its kept pretty simple. All we need to know is that if he doesn’t get to the swamp he will explode and kill many people. Connecting Grundy with Swamp Thing at the end was an interesting addition, as well as the hint that in his next life Grundy may be different because of the nature of this death. The real gem in this issue, saves a rather generic story, is the interplay between Batman and Superman. Batman’s emotionally open moment about being tired allows readers to see the foundation of these two characters’ relationship. Superman’s response to throw snow at him, reminds of the importance of having close friends, even if you’re Batman.Art – 4: For the most part, the art is serviceable in this issue. Though at times the heads, necks, and faces are disproportionate or slightly askew and awkward. Nothing too distracting, but still frustrating given the constant rising purchase price. The designs of Deadline’s team is… interesting, I don’t hate it, but it does heavily remind me of character designs you would see in the early 90s, especially in the original Image comics. Again, I don’t hate the designs, but there’s no arguing that they feel a little dated.Cover Art – 4: This cover is effective at teasing the story within the issue. It highlights the central role of Solomon Grundy, but I think it minimizes Batman and Superman too much. Plus, for some reason I am just not a fan of the DC Universe logo in orange in the top right corner.
Variant Cover Art – 3: The concept for this cover is cool, and one that I have seen done many times. This one just doesn’t excite me. The art is scratchy and Batman’s face looks distractingly odd. I do like the capes creating a border between the colour and the white background, but on the same note, I do not like how the cover uses so little of the cover. It should have included a much larger, more dynamic view of the two skylines.
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