Rating:  -
While I really enjoyed Superman / Batman volumes 1 - 3, Volume 4: Vengeance was a complete letdown.
First off, the story didn't really make any sense; it was all over the place, moving back and forth between different worlds/times with varying characters and motives. While it's somewhat difficult to follow, there are some good surprise cameo appearances.
Second, the overall premise of this arc is just odd and ties back to a storyline in Superman that wasn't even that good (see: Emperor Joker). The basic plot is just out-there.
The real disappointment, especially after the events in volume 1 and 2, is that stories occurring these later volumes have no overall effect on the Universe; what was once a starting ground for stories (the downfall of President Luthor, the re-introduction of Supergirl, has now become a series of random, pointless stories with no repercussions.
Unless you are a giant Loeb, Superman or Batman fan (or if you don't mind Bizzaro speak, en mass), I would pass on this.
Rating:  -
A bizarre cross-universe game between Mxyzptlk and the Joker, it seems. Batman and Superman are harassed and kept off balance by an Ultimate Marvel Universe satire, and two Bizarros, including a Batman.
In the end, this appears to all be a plot to free Bat-Mite and release Darkseid from the Source Wall, as well as get Batman and Superman to be more trusting.
They get to through in a Batwoman, a Superwoman, and a Supermen and Batman through the ages. Lots of fun for the artists, presumably.
Somewhat incomprehensible and whacky.
Rating:  -
I'm not quite sure why so many people have a problem with this story. Sure it's crazy, but considering the main "villains" involved, it should be nothing else. I don't think a lot of people really "get" this story, which is so crazy...it works.
There's a ton of characters involved, and some twists to old favorites. I loved The Maximums as an Avengers parody, great stuff there. Bizzaro and Batzarro are great as unlikely heroes, although after awhile it can be a chore reading their text. It was cool to see Loeb handle them just as he does Supes and Bats though.
Overall this is a fun read, if you take it too seriously, you'll end up jaded like the other people who've written reviews on it. It looks very likely that Loeb and McGuinness just wanted to have a good time with their last S/B arc. It's nice to have some comics left these days that don't take themselves so seriously. It's also worth noting that this arc again builds on the relationship between Superman and Batman, which Loeb is great at. I recommend it, don't listen to the hate.
Rating: -
Up until this storyarc, I pretty much enjoyed Jeph Loeb's run on the high selling Superman/Batman series, but sadly, Loeb's final arc on the title is just loaded with plot holes and hard to understand. Vengeance finds a group called the Maximums hunting down Superman and Batman because they believe the two iconic heroes murdered one of their own. Naturally, this is not the case, and soon enough Bizarro is on the scene, along with "Batzarro" (I kid you not), the Joker, and Mr. Mxyzptlk. What happens next in Vengeance is incredibly hard to follow as Loeb appears to shift things into high gear, but things never take off. His renditions of Supes and Bats are more wooden here than ever before, and the story inconsistencies and additional appearances out of nowhere just boggle the mind. Ed McGuinness, who teamed with Loeb when Superman/Batman launched, returns to lend his pencil work with Dexter Vines on inks, may be too cartoony for some, but it's undoubtedly the highlight of this TPB. This ended up being Loeb's last arc on the title before taking work once again with Marvel, so hopefully the otherwise talented and celebrated writer has had his batteries recharged.
Rating: -
I loved the first two arcs of the Superman/Batman series - they were superb. The first of those, "Public Enemies", was made by the same team that created this, but its hard to believe by reading it. Loeb weaves a ridiculous plot that doesn't really do anything except introduce a variety of characters into an absurd storyline. The only redeeming feature of this whole thing is the artwork by McGuiness, which was excellent as usual. But it doesn't make it worth wasting time with this silly piece.
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