Enemies & Allies by Kevin J. Anderson Review
DC Comics Heroes Superman, Batman Meet With Sci Fi, History Blend
Sep 20, 2009
In the course of "Enemies & Allies" by Kevin J. Anderson, Superman hefts sinking passenger liners from the ocean, absorbs killer death rays with his chest and knocks villains in armored suits around like castanets.
But there is something that weakens Superman even more than Kryptonite - trying to understand people well enough to write the relationship column for the Daily Planet.
These small, vulnerable moments - not the broad strokes of comic book action - make Anderson's take on the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight fresh and enjoyable to read.
Anderson Blends Historical Novel With Science Fiction
In "The Last Days of Krypton" Anderson could write largely independently of the Superman canon – touching on the traditional story line only occasionally - like a rock skipping along the surface of the water. By focusing in detail on Superman's history, Anderson made the novel feel like a more traditional science fiction novel with a life all its own.
But with a grown-up Superman in "Enemies & Allies", Anderson is more hamstrung to the plotline and inherent quirks of the comic books (how does no one recognize Clark Kent?)
But Anderson still manages to make it a wholly unique tale by expertly blending Batman and Superman lore with the historical events of the 1950s. Lex Luthor uses the Cold War in a bid to take over the world (including, at one point, blowing up Sputnik), Eisenhower awards Superman with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and there's a parade of iconic historical characters from Eleanor Roosevelt to Marilyn Monroe.
With the fancy "gee-whiz" technology and heat rays, the reader can forget that the story is set mid-century. Anderson compensates with as many references to the period as possible - from F100 Super Sabres to Nehi grape soda.
"Enemies & Allies" Reads Like Giant DC Comics Collection
Anderson writes concisely and writes well, even though he occasionally resorts to the occasional groaner joke ("Clark knew he wasn't in Kansas anymore") and some awkward exposition for the sake of moving the story forward ("...Lex Luthor, prominent American industrialist and one of the world's richest men.")
The chapters run only a few pages and offer fast-paced action, making "Enemies & Allies" read more like a series of comic book episodes and less like a novel. This is a great experience for fans of the genre and those who just have little time to sit and read.
Batman and Superman Find Common Ground
On its face, Anderson's story is pretty straightforward. Lex Luthor engages in an insidious plan to take over the world by fear; Superman and Batman must find a way to stop him.
At times, this simple plot can be disappointing because the two superheroes overcome with relative ease and little doubt that they will ultimately be successful. And as a villain, Lex Luthor also turns out predictable and uncomplicated - if it's evil, Lex will do it.
The enjoyment of this book comes from not from the tip of the plot, but the depth of the main characters below the surface.
Batman and Superman begin the book as enemies as a result of a fundamental misunderstanding about each other. Batman thinks Lex Luthor has Superman in his pocket and Superman sees Batman as a common criminal and vigilante.
And the two truly appear that they couldn't be more different at first.
Superman zips around rescuing whoever has gotten into the most trouble, most recently. Batman moves through shadows, calculating and striking at criminal elements with devastating precision.
Superman stands shyly in the spotlight. Batman runs from the glare of public scrutiny.
Superman comes from humble and traditional values. Batman comes from the rarified environment of money and privilege.
But the two come to respect each other, even if they disagree with the other's methods, and discover that they share the essentials – a hatred of evil deeds and a strong sense of justice. As they grow to trust and rely on each other, the two also discover the shared history of lost family and similar self-doubts.
So while the pact in the final lines of the book don't make much sense in terms of the plot, it certainly makes sense to the heart of "Enemies & Allies" – the characters.
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