Superman/Batman: The Search for Kryptonite (Hardcover)

by Michael Green (Author), Mike Johnson (Author), Shane Davis (Illustrator)

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: DC Comics (November 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401219330
• ISBN-13: 978-1401219338
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #100,707 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Read; Seriously Thought-Provoking, November 10, 2008

By	Carol J. Schwartz (New Jersey) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars With friends like these..., November 6, 2008

By	AeroRep (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

After yet another perilous encounter involving the deadly substance kryptonite, Superman decides to enlist the aid of his World's Finest buddy Batman to help him ferret out the malicious element in order to hopefully 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 of 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 undoubtedly not. Expediency can certainly make for strange bedfellows, and while this peculiar pairing may be the regrettable 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 by them to deter our intrepid heroes from accomplishing their honorable mission. The final reveal of the one astonishing adversary may come as a slight shock to some and be somewhat controversial, but the character is rarely used anyways, so some leeway and risks are warranted, especially considering their current role in the DCU. It could also pave the path for future storylines with more intricate and greater import. This trade ultimately ended up being an excellent example of illustrating how a plot that appears generic and unoriginal on the surface can be elevated above its inherent simplicity by solid and exceptional execution.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Can't Believe I'm Seeing Bad Reviews for This, February 27, 2009

By	Tyler S. "Tyler" (Brentwood, CA United States) - See all my reviews

"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!