Superman/Batman #65 is a story that has been retold many times, but this issue is still an enjoyable and interesting read. This issue is really carried by the great art that appears throughout the book by a number of artists. The short, yet entertaining stories make for a rather interesting “Halloween” themed issue.
Issue #65 is written by Peter Johnson and Matt Cherniss, who write a fast paced story with little left unanswered and little to ponder about. The story revolves around the Scarecrow kidnapping Superman, Batman, the Joker, and Lex Luthor. He puts each of the characters to sleep, where each one goes into their worst nightmare. Superman’s nightmare involves a crashing airplane in which, Lois Lane, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, and Martha Kent are all on board. Superman races to stop it, but it is too late, and each of his loved ones are killed. The Joker story plays with the concept of, What if everyone thought the Joker was funny? After murdering several people, everyone begins to laugh at him; this upsets the Joker, saying that he is not a joke and wants to be taken seriously. The next story is Lex Luthor’s nightmare, he sets out to finally destroy Superman, but is interrupted by Perry White, which leads to rather funny mistake, and a crowd of laughter directed towards Luthor. The Batman story is the most entertaining in this issue. This nightmare opens with Alfred reminding Bruce of his’ responsibilities and that they need to discuss his priorities. I don’t want to give this nightmare away, but I will say that Alfred makes a damn good villain! The overall plot is a rather dull one, which ends with Batman awaking from his dream and conquering the Scarecrow. The individual nightmares are what make this such an enjoyable issue. Johnson and Cherniss understand these characters and each nightmare paralleled the character very well.
The story is good, but the different art styles throughout the book are fantastic. Five different artists worked on the book which included; Brian Stelfreeze, Brian Haberlin, the infamous Kelley Jones, Joe Quinones, and Federico Dallocchio. Kelley Jones draws the Joker the way he should be presented. He draws him very cartoonish, but he is still able to capture the essence of what makes the Joker such a terrifying character. I’ve never really seen Federico Dallocchio, but his art style lends itself perfectly to Batman’s nightmare. Each artist fits perfectly into the story that they are drawing.
Overall, the book isn’t earth-shattering, but it is “fun”. It does what it was set out to do, present each character’s worst nightmare, and I think it does that. However, the art is what makes this book stand out. The art is so well-done, that you find yourself not really paying to much attention to the nightmares, but that doesn’t take away from the stories. If you haven’t picked up issue #65 yet, I would defiantly do so.
Superman/Batman #65:
Reviewed by Zfactor
