Funny thing happened on the way to Arizona...well, not
that funny, as it's part of my every day routine. Barnes & Noble is like a second home, something that hasn't changed in the coastal transfer. The only difference is that I haven't actually bought anything from our local B&N just yet. Anyway, I'm off track now.
I like to have a few books on me to make time pass on various trips, and this one was no exception. One of my last "final splurges" was the newest novel about my favorite DC Comics' boys, Batman and Superman. We're talking actual novel, not the graphic kind that is more common to Bats and the Big Blue Boy Scout.
Ever since reading the novelization of Batman's
No Man's Land series - written by Greg Rucka - I really enjoyed having a book about these characters without images right in front of me. While I love the graphic novels, having a novel is a whole different day at the ballpark. With one of these in hand, you're forced to come up with your own imagery in your mind, which is always a lot more exciting.
Enemies & Allies was no exception.
As both a reader and a blossoming Batman fan returning to her fandom roots, this book impressed me. In terms of writing, Kevin J. Anderson did a remarkable job in blending both history and the fiction. Reading his author blurb on the back cover, he doesn't say whether or not he's actually written any comics pertaining to the characters. But if he hasn't, he certainly fooled me. DC's characters have so far been the most complex bunch I've seen. They've been around for years, with so many different writers taking a shot at them, and therefore, there are tons of different versions and
origins that have been explored. It can be quite intimidating, but Mr. Anderson handled them like a pro.
What really impressed me was the setting, and how it was used with the characters. This particular story has been set during the 1950s, around the time of the Cold War. In the 50s and the 60s, the media was handled much differently than it is now, especially when it came to comic book heroes and other children oriented entertainment. Everything on television that wasn't a news broadcast was happy-go-lucky and "Everything is wonderful! Let's sing a song!" Batman, Superman, et all were the Superfriends instead of the more serious Justice League of today. I'm still surprised to this day that Adam West, our 1960s Batman, was even aware of his dark and gritty backstory. The gray plot of upholding justice as a vigilante following the death of his parents doesn't necessarily fit in with the solid black & white, good vs evil view from the era. The average reader would almost expect a similar interpretation to be done here in order to fit the time frame.
All I can say is, this isn't your Adam West and George Reeves interpretation, kiddos, not at all. Mr. Anderson nicely brings the modern day views beautifully into a 50s setting. Bruce Wayne isn't sitting there with Clark Kent going "What do we do now, Superman?!"
The pair's first meeting is outside the Luthor Mansion just after Batman escapes with important information. Superman intervenes, and sees Batman as a thief. Batman wonders if Superman in actuality works for Lex Luthor. There is uncertainty, debate over whether or not one can trust the other. Not until later chapters do the heroes meet again and make their reluctant decisions to trust each one another. There is the familiar hesitant friendship that we see today, due to their contradicting views on justice and the law. But at the same time a mutual respect for the other's beliefs briefly causes them both to think twice. All this set in a believable 50s era, it's wonderfully well done.
My other favorite part about this novel is the portrayal of Superman. In this day and age when realism and believability is at the forefront, I have seen Clark get put on the back burner, deemed "too perfect." Here's a man who has god-like powers due to his Kryptonian heritage. His only weaknesses are coming in contact a mineral from his home planet and magic. On top of that, he's perceived as such a goody-two-shoes that he annoys some of the modern-day fans who prefer dark, gritty, gray heroes like Batman. With my frustrations about placing realism on comic book characters and the like, obviously I think it's very unfair.
But in response to that, I suggest heavily paying attention towards the end of the book, specifically Chapter 63. Kal-El [Superman] decides to push his limits. He soars towards the very edges of space to see exactly how human-like he is. He's perfectly fine, the dangerous atmosphere that can kill a human being not bothering him whatsoever. In fact, he's using the sun's rays to recharge himself considering the excitement of the story's battle finale. Then, Mr. Anderson wrote these words:
"He was an alien, after all. No one had been here to teach him. He had no comrade to give him advice, no other Kryptonian to tell him about his heritage, his strengths and weaknesses [...] Kal-El might have been different from them...but all people were different from one another. Yet even with those differences, they all shared a common bond. And Kal-El--Superman--would always stay there to protect them."
How many people have found themselves in the same situation? The kid in school who was teased because he didn't fit in with the crowd. The new neighbor from out-of-town who is still learning about their new surroundings. The adopted or foster children who aren't sure if they should try to fit in to their new families. Hell, I fit into the first two categories. That's as real as it's going to get, and I thank Mr. Anderson for bringing that aspect of Superman's character into the light. Beneath the seemingly perfect exterior, he has hard times just like the rest of us. The difference is, he is the man that many people should aspire to be: good, honest, and brave.
Enemies & Allies comes completely recommended, even for non-comic book fans. If you have any chance to pick it up, do so.
Faith out. =)
