Customer Reviews

Superman/Batman: Search for Kryptonite

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Honestly, this sounded like a slightly silly premise to me: "Hey, Batman, I've just had an idea! Let's find all the Kryptonite on Earth and get rid of it!" "Sure thing, Supes!"

In fact, it turned out to be a surprisingly good, and not at all dumb, read. It starts out with a scene that just has to make you laugh, then quickly and smoothly segues into the main point of the plot: Supes has noticed that there seems to be more and more Kryptonite around, making it harder for him to do his job (and incidentally, kind of dangerous just to live on Earth). Batman seems to come along on the mission because increasing amounts of Kryptonite presents a mystery, and/or because he thinks the naive, trusting Superman needs a babysitter. Well, Batman's motivations are always hard to fathom.

The plot is a good ride with a lot of unexpected encounters and events; it changed pace nicely, and gave a good balance between action and character. Well-written dialog and internal 'thought bubbles' provide nice, if not stunningly original, insights into both Supes and Bats differing reactions to the same events.. The artwork throughout is excellent. There's a scene where Superman is at the JLA's moon base after exposure to a previously unknown form of (possibly) magic Kryptonite. The depictions of the other League members from Superman's POV is hilarious; it just misses being over the top, but it works and it's a nice giggle in the middle of an increasingly tension-filled plot.

I can't really discuss the questions raised by what (and who) Supes and Bats find in Kansas without spoiling. So I'll just say, you can understand everyone's position up to a point, and interesting questions about secrecy, security and patriotism are raised.

I'm giving four stars instead of five for a couple of complaints: One, the scenes with the new Aquaman just make no sense whatsoever. No one's motivations or actions make any sense in these scenes, but Aquaman appears to belong in the Aqua-Looney Bin. Two, Superman's decision to perform no rescues while on the Kryptonite hunt is totally out of character. And three, Power Girl is not in the JLA; she's in the JSA. Apart from the Aquaman thing, none of these are serious enough to break the reader's suspension of disbelief. So maybe it should really get four and a half stars.

The story seems ready to close about four different times, which is cool. Just keeps hitting unexpected plot twists right up until the end. And the very last page is... infuriating, heartbreaking, beautiful, tragic, and completely in character. It's a good idea but by no means original. With competent execution, it would have been... fine. In order to make it truly moving, the depictions of the setting and the activity, the writing, and, most importantly, the expression on the character's face, all had to be perfect -- and they are. That last page is a tour de force.

Note: This book appears to be set in a more or less current DC 'verse, but doesn't seem to be part of any particular continuity.

If you're a Superman, Batman, or general DCU fan, "The Search for Kryptonite" is definitely worth buying. Enjoy!

The Search for Kryptonite is one of the better comic book graphic novels i have read. Basically, as the title says, batman and superman travel the world to rid it of Superman's greatest threat-kryptonite. What makes this graphic novel so good is that it deals with profound themes of vulnerability, trust, and friendship. Superman deals with his feelings of vulnerability as a result of the rampant spread of kryptonite. As the kryptonite decreases, Superman becomes slightly more ruthless which alarms Batman. Superman also deals with the loss of trust with his own government as well as one of his closest childhood friends. A few guest appearances by aquaman, Amanda Waller, a kryptonite sharded Doomsday (YIKES!)and others make it exciting and fun. Great writing, great story, and really good artwork make this a great graphic novel.

"The Search for Kryptonite" is a very original piece of art. The writers did an awesome job of taking a seemingly boring idea and making it the exact opposite. It's not the best Batman/Superman comic you will read, but its pros definately outweigh the cons.

For instance, we see Batman's and Superman's simultaneous thoughts in the panels, which I thought was very fascinating. If you can make thought bubbles thouroughly interesting then you got skills, my friend. Another pro would be the illustrations. I have seen complaints about the illustrations, but they must be reading the wrong book. The artwork is very nice. Our plot and dialogue are the best pros in the book. The story was very well written, and I know you will enjoy it. Lastly, the cameos and humor make a small addition but a great addition.

I can't think of anything really wrong with this comic. I almost lost interest a few times, but I managed to get sucked right back in. (3 minutes later) Yea I can't think of much wrong. Just go pick up the book, bro!

This is a goog fun and self contained story featuring Batman and Superman attempting to rid the world of Kryptonite following yet another minor villain using the mineral which weakens Superman to put him out of action for awhile. Superman fears the time he spends recovering from Kryptonite poisoning puts the people he protects in danger and so the story begins.
Remembering that comics are a fun, adventure form of story and not to be overly analysed I reccomend this story as one which could be enjoyed by anyone with a basic knowlege of Superman. The one or two references to ongoing storyline can be passed easily.
Read this and enjoy the variety of problems the heroes face in their search for Kryptonite.

After yet another perilous encounter with the deadly substance kryptonite, Superman decides to enlist the aid of his World's Finest buddy to help him ferret out and get rid of his natural Achilles' heel once and for all. However these two men are about to be in for quite a revelation. Kryptonite is everywhere, from massive chunks the size of small mountains to tiny dust particles of microscopic proportions, in all its haunting and paradoxical beauty. The sad irony not lost on Superman is that the only remnants of the revered planet of his birth are now cruelly lethal to him on his adopted home planet. Unfortunately this is just the tip of the kryptonite iceberg, as more unexpected obstacles are to follow. To their surprise, not everyone sees the value of their arduous quest, most specifically the new Aquaman and two other mysterious players, one predictable and the other not. Expediency can make for strange bedfellows, and while this peculiar pairing may be the result of a symbiotic relationship more governed by happenstance than design, the shameful consequences are the same nonetheless. Whether or not the rationale is to safeguard the world against future possibilities of Superman going rogue or more pragmatic purposes, no measures are inconceivable to deter our heroes from accomplishing their honorable mission. The final reveal of the astonishing adversary may come as a slight shock to some and be somewhat controversial, but the character is rarely used anyways, so some leeway is warranted, especially considering their current role in the DCU. It could also pave the way for future storylines with more intricate and greater import. This trade ended up being an excellent example of how a plot that appears generic and unoriginal on the surface can be elevated above its inherent simplicity by solid and exceptional execution.

So, Supes decides he wants to get rid of all the Kryptonite on Earth. Some might be wondering why it has taken him all this time. Then the problematic way one has to go about doing that is an issue. Here, readers are lead through this process which had strange personality traits by classic characters, unusual cameo appearances that really serve no purpose, and predictable plot points littered along the journey. But the art was really good. Shane Davis does a fine job of drawing two of comics' most iconic creations. He does a good job with the new characters and Superman's new suit. Overall though the story is really bland, predictable, and pointless and seems like it was authored by a TV writer....oh it was.

Oh yeah, I loved this book!!. Just when I was about to give up on the title...

I used to think that the first Jeph Loeb books were kind of ok (except for Supergirl. That was great), but then the books started to be boring and pointless given that those stories didn't have relevance with what has happening with the rest of the DC titles.

Anyway, I think this book will not have repercusions in the other titles, but it was SO much fun to read. Since page 1, actually since Christopher Nolan's introduction. It was great begining to end!!.

The story goes that both Superman and Batman decide to get rid the world of Kryptonite. Is easier to say than do it. They encounter a variety of people and problems they don't expect. In other words, the story is rick solid. Add this the art. The art is great. Shane Davis makes a nice job on this.

Because of this I give 5 stars and I would give it more if I could.

The Superman/Batman series continues to surprise me in a good way. I was a fan of the World's Finest (same team ups) in the 70s and 80s and didn't know what to expect from this new take. This search for Kryptonite has a lot of twists and turns is well-written and illustrated. It's one of those stories that you read and enjoy and don't forget. Recommended!

I am a big superman fan and a budding batman fan. This story really shows the best of both, and has a great combination of character development and surprises for the reader. The concept touches on the key differences between Clark and Bruce, and gets the reader inside their opposing perspectives. The settings and texture of the story are colorful and change surprisingly to keep things exciting and fresh. This is what a comic book reader wants from a Batman/Superman story. There are also a few lighter moments as well. Highly recommended, and I'm eager to see what else this author and this story line has to offer.

The premise of this story may SEEM silly and maybe even boring - Superman and Batman search and destroy all pieces of Kryptonite on Earth, but in the end, this was one of the most fun I've had reading a Superman/Batman story arc - especially a six-issue arc at that! (I didn't care for the "Enemies Among Us" story, to compare)

Without spoiling too much, you get a nice little fight between the two heroes and Aquaman - something you don't see every day, some new villains, and a surprise lead villain (which, I wasn't 100% OK with, but the main character was just as surprised as I was, so that helps me buy into it :-), and some funny pop-culture references to boot - from JAWS to Smallville, and I always welcome an homage or two to the Richard Donner films, and the Superman/Batman film set was pretty darn hilarious.

The art is really good, but that's also my only real complaint - there's very little facial expressions from the characters. They either look sad/disappointed or have a blank stare for the most part. These characters rarely move their lips when they talk to each other. Personally, I found that flaw distracting.

But, still, it's small flaw and this book still deserves 5 stars, because if you're a fan, it's a must-buy.