Fiction Addict

Genre: Superhero

Publisher: William Morrow

Publication Date: May 2009

Reviewed by Josh Olds

They are the two most recognizable names in comic book history. They have starred in eleven live action movies, a number of live action TV shows, numerous animated movies and TV shows, radio, comics, newspapers—you name it. They have transcended the times to become a part of American—if not world—culture.

Moreover, each of them brings to light their own unique standard and worldview. One is a representation of the man we all wish to be; the other, a picture of the savior we all long for. The two symbols collide in Enemies and Allies, where the Dark Knight first meets The Man of Steel.

As an all-out fan of Superman and as an admirer of the Batman portrayed in the recent Christopher Nolan movies, I came to this book with quite a bit of expectations. It’s SUPERMAN and BATMAN, for crying out loud! Epicness is required! And in my opinion Kevin Anderson hits that standard.

Set in the 1950s, Kal-El of Krypton has just begun to manifest himself as a flights-and-tights superhero given the name Superman. Meanwhile, Clark Kent is busy making a name for himself in Metropolis’s main newspaper, The Daily Planet. In fact, he’s the one who broke the story on Superman. Over in Gotham City a crime surge has led a mysterious caped crusader on a vigilante mission to clean up the city that playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne calls home.

I won’t insult intelligences by explaining exactly how these four personalities coalesce into two people. It is only because of Metropolis billionaire Lex Luthor that Batman and Superman—and Bruce and Clark—meet. Being set in the 1950s, Luthor has made billions in defense contracts as the Cold War builds up both the American and Soviet military. Luthor is secretly conspiring with a Soviet KBG general to continue the escalation. Both superheroes are looking into Luthor’s covert activities for their own reasons. Initially, they don’t know what to make of each other. Is the Batman a petty thief and criminal? Is this Superman under Lex Luthor’s thumb?

It’s the beginning of a tenuous relationship that grows throughout the novel—which is good, because it’s going to take both of them to stop Lex Luthor in his drive for world domination. In the end, Enemies and Allies isn’t a literary masterpiece recounting the history of the 1950s. It’s derived from two comic book characters, so there obviously are times where one has to suspend disbelief to enjoy the story. This is a completely fun story, telling the tale of two great superheroes in a new and exciting way. It doesn’t do anything towards “rewriting the mythos;” nor was it intended too. It may not be a piece of modern literary fiction, but it’s got Batman and Superman together, and what more could you really ask for?

If you’re a fan of either Batman or Superman, this is a novel you’re going to want to read. (If you’re a fan of Superman, I’d also suggest reading Anderson’s The Last Days of Krypton.) If you’re not a fan, I still suggest you pick it up…you might just get hooked.