Superman/Batman #49: Discussion and Review Thread

[Binker]

By Nathaniel Ruff (also known as Binker, Binker2 and Nate on many forums)

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #49

Written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson
Art and cover by Shane Davis and Matt "Batt" Banning
Edited by Eddie Berganza

PLOT:
It's the final chapter of the epic search for Kryptonite, as the Man of Steel must confront an old and dear friend who's harboring the "K" and threatening to set off "Kryptonite dirty bombs" around the world. Can the Dark Knight prevent this before Earth is made uninhabitable for all Kryptonians?

REVIEW:
Issue #48 was another good one that I made it clear that, if issue #49 was the same, as was issue #50, then it would be official that: Superman/Batman is back! Of course, we need proof so it was better to wait on those issues until that could be proclaimed. Speaking of which, here is issue #49 right now! Let's see how this 6-part "K" arc ends, shall we?

This issue offers a fitting end to this arc that started back in issue #44, and adding it with the arc as a whole, I have to say that this series is finally back on track. THANK GOD! I felt that who was picked for the "old dear friend" the solicit mentioned fit, and the whole ending worked well with the plotline of the entire storyline. The picking of Lana Lang, now CEO of Lexcorp (seems to be fitting more and more with the main canon), as the person who harbors the last kryptonite, and the one who could go off and activate "kryptonite dirty bombs", was a surprise. However, while the friendship between Superman/Clark Kent and Lana Lang is now strained because of this, her reasons make alot of sense just like Batman's reason, and why kryptonite MUST be around, even if Superman hates it to be on his new home. That reason; it is because it helps as well. Lana kept the kryptonite because without it, the company would be done and her employees would all lose their jobs. Batman, and the government, keeps them just in case the man who "can do anything" can be stopped if he went out of control, or was under someone else's control. All of that is why kryptonite is actually needed, even with kryptonians on Earth. I guess, while Lana didn't infuse that reason, that is what this arc was trying to say. And I felt it, and that can only come from a well-written story, and well-written stories are very good, as this arc was.

Also, an interesting scene was written that might be going toward anyone who thought Superman/Clark should be with Lana and not Lois, more specifically "Smallville" people. The scene, where it is after Lana pushed the button to release the dirty bombs, is where Superman tells her that the reason is because Lois wouldn't have pushed the button. That may not be a big deal, but it does go into the fact that if Lois was in charge of Lexcorp, she would've found another way, like she always does, in order to keep the company going. Now, however, we have to consider something might be up as someone hiding says she did well in pushing the button. So it may not have been her actions at all.

Overall, this arc has brought back Superman/Batman back from the gutter that the series was in post-Jeph Loeb. It looks like Michael Green and Mike Johnson will be staying for a while, as they said in their Wizard interview that they have "millions of stories to tell". With that in mind, it looks like the title finally has a steady creative team, and this first arc from them proves that. They made a story that never happened before, felt like it did, and felt like it would be boring from beginning to end, but it was pulled off nicely. I was so happy that the depression I had with the title, going back from the "Enemies Among Us" and "Torment" arcs, was gone. Superman/Batman is back! And let's celebrate with the next issue being a celebration of this title, from the fifty issues that went from exciting to depressed, proud and bored, from our reading minds.

RATING: Yay

Next Issue: Celebrate fifty blockbuster issues with this extra-sized extravaganza!

[Samuraixsithlord]

So while does Lana release K-Dirty Bombs?

[jeangreydp]

So while does Lana release K-Dirty Bombs?

That is up for debate.

She tells Superman that she sold the kryptonite to the government so they could weaponize it. The reason she gives is that it was in the best interest of the company to turn a profit. When they had an influx of government money the stock went up. She tells Superman that she did it for the good of the employees and stock holders adding that he has no idea what kind of responsibilities she has now that she is CEO. (ugh- yeah Superman doesn't know about big responsibilities)
:rolleyes:

However after Superman tells her that she's an awful human being, an off-panel voice says "Why so sad? You did beautifully" leaving it open to say some other villain is pulling Lana's strings.

Having said that- she is a C. U. Next Tuesday. As Superman points out, had that been Lois, she would never have pushed the button. Even if there were somebody threatening her or pulling her strings- Lois would have refused because she has a backbone and some morals.

Lana pushed that button thinking that Clark would have to live off planet forever. This issue must have been slated to come out earlier, because Chris was in it. Which means that Lana also knowingly put Clark's child in mortal danger. How is that for a friend?

[Samuraixsithlord]

Ok just read it.

Lana is an idiot by the way. Kryptonite may not seem lethal to humans at first, but after long term exposure it is, not to mention all the dangerous mutations

[md62]

I loved S/B when the series started. However I lost interest with Loeb's last arc - # 20-25 & dropped the title. I kept checking reviews after that but never read any reviews that convinced me to try the book again...until this last arc.

The art by Shane Davis was fantastic. He definitely is a superstar artist. The story by Green & Johnson was great. The only part I didn't like was Lana's portrayal. Green even got me to like the new Aquaman. I liked the way the writers' captured the dynamic between Bruce & Clark. I'm definitely getting # 50!

[WorstThingUS]

Overall, this arc has brought back Superman/Batman back from the gutter that the series was in post-Jeph Loeb. It looks like Michael Green and Mike Johnson will be staying for a while, as they said in their Wizard interview that they have "millions of stories to tell".

Aside from the fact I always thought the book blew and it hasn't changed at all, if they have "millions of stories to tell" they might want to take a little time to read the 40 that came first so they'd know little things like Batman organizing the world's heroes for a Kryptonite clean-up during the Supergirl storyline, which pretty much prevents this story from occurring.

[JackBurton01]

The solicits for august september scare me. 50 looks like a good issue to jump off this train

[Madseason]

Since it hasn't been brought up yet, I have to comment that I really liked the way Davis and Banning drew Power Girl for her cameo, and it was a cute scene on top of that.

[MaxofSteel]

Since it hasn't been brought up yet, I have to comment that I really liked the way Davis and Banning drew Power Girl for her cameo, and it was a cute scene on top of that.

It's the second time they've relied on her "skills" to get Hiro on their side. :tongue:

Now I'm just trying to figure out if Hiro is indeed a Toy Man robot or not.

[WorstThingUS]

It's the second time they've relied on her "skills" to get Hiro on their side. :tongue:

Now I'm just trying to figure out if Hiro is indeed a Toy Man robot or not.

Okay, so editorial continues to be absent. Not to mention this brings up the simple fact that both Superman and Power Girl would be able to see and hear that Hiro is a Toyman robot. Sorry, but this book came out last month and the new Action has come out. Its spoiler "statue of limitations" is over.

[MaxofSteel]

Sorry, but this book came out last month and the new Action has come out. Its spoiler "statue of limitations" is over.

Yea. I figured I'd be nice and take a precaution in any case.

[Batman Fan 31593]

So Batman now supposedly is the only person on the entire planet to possess a piece of each color of kryptonite?

With the editors that work at DC these days, how many months will it be before an issue comes out that shows some random villain in possession of kryptonite?

I say within 3 months.

[Choppa]

Okay, first of all, no one has mentioned the bizarro talk in the last scene with Lana. Obviously something is being implied, most likely that she was being manipulated in some way that we're not aware of.

Second, why would Batman still be keeping kryptonite after Infinite Crisis? E2 Superman even says right to him that it's things like that that made that world so "dark." The whole paranoid Batman thing is supposed to be over.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Whether or not Hiro is or isn't a robot created by the original Toyman doesn't really have much impact on his appearances to my mind. The character's personality and motivations are the same regardless of whether he's a real Japanese boy or a robot programmed to think he's a real Japanese boy. In fact, the ambiguity adds a bit more spice to the character.

Clearly, the appearance of Christopher Kent means this story took place prior to the recent Toyman issue in Action Comics, so there's no continuity discrepancies from editorial here guys. And, as was mentioned in Action Comics, Toyman's new robot dopplegangers have apparently become so sophisticated that even a Kryptonian's senses can't tell them apart from a human being.

Personally, I think they should keep whether or not Hiro is really a robot or not somewhat vague for a bit. Given that Hiro said Toyman stole designs from his grandfather, it's entirely possible that Toyman created a robot of Hiro to discredit his claims.

These are comic books after all, anything is within the realm of possibility.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Second, why would Batman still be keeping kryptonite after Infinite Crisis? E2 Superman even says right to him that it's things like that that made that world so "dark." The whole paranoid Batman thing is supposed to be over.

Old habits die hard.

[Solaris01]

This issue, and in general this story arc rocked, imo! So, I say YAY.

Shane Davis is such a fantastic artist; he is without a doubt in my top 3 favorite artists to draw Superman, and Batman as well. Wow. Please, keep him!

Green and Johnson really seem to get these characters. I loved when they said:

Batman: It shouldn't come as much surprise. To find LexCorp was behind it all.
Superman: I'm shocked.


I have a question, was this story supposed to be part of the movie 'World's Finest'? Or was it happening for real? I'm confused. When Bruce greeted Lois, it seemed as if he didn't know Clark..:confused: Can someone help here, please?

Also, it seems to me that Lana has been blackmailed or something; that person that was talking to her sounded robotic, no? hmm.....Brainiac?! I'm intrigued! LOL.

[WorstThingUS]

So Batman now supposedly is the only person on the entire planet to possess a piece of each color of kryptonite?

With the editors that work at DC these days, how many months will it be before an issue comes out that shows some random villain in possession of kryptonite?

I say within 3 months.

Already done. Luthor has all these variations of kryptonite.

Whether or not Hiro is or isn't a robot created by the original Toyman doesn't really have much impact on his appearances to my mind. The character's personality and motivations are the same regardless of whether he's a real Japanese boy or a robot programmed to think he's a real Japanese boy. In fact, the ambiguity adds a bit more spice to the character.

Clearly, the appearance of Christopher Kent means this story took place prior to the recent Toyman issue in Action Comics, so there's no continuity discrepancies from editorial here guys. And, as was mentioned in Action Comics, Toyman's new robot dopplegangers have apparently become so sophisticated that even a Kryptonian's senses can't tell them apart from a human being.

Personally, I think they should keep whether or not Hiro is really a robot or not somewhat vague for a bit. Given that Hiro said Toyman stole designs from his grandfather, it's entirely possible that Toyman created a robot of Hiro to discredit his claims.

These are comic books after all, anything is within the realm of possibility.

But it requires the Toyman to develop a robot so advanced neither Superman nor Power Girl can't tell it's a robot with x-ray vision and super-hearing. It's just a huge blunder on the part of Geoff Johns to do it and for editorial to allow it.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

But it requires the Toyman to develop a robot so advanced neither Superman nor Power Girl can't tell it's a robot with x-ray vision and super-hearing. It's just a huge blunder on the part of Geoff Johns to do it and for editorial to allow it.

It's the same logic used for the Skin Jobs in Battlestar Galactica, which certainly has a higher level of realism than anything in the DCU ever has. Why, in a universe overflowing with aliens, magic, zombies, ghosts and mad scientists, is the idea of a robot who can't be detected by X-ray vision or super-hearing not within the realm of possibility?

You can swallow the idea that nobody notices Clark Kent is just Superman with glasses but a robot undetectable to super-senses is a huge blunder?

I don't get it.

[Choppa]

Also, it seems to me that Lana has been blackmailed or something; that person that was talking to her sounded robotic, no? hmm.....Brainiac?! I'm intrigued! LOL.

Okay, first of all, no one has mentioned the bizarro talk in the last scene with Lana. Obviously something is being implied, most likely that she was being manipulated in some way that we're not aware of.

See previous post

[Solaris01]

I have a question, was this story supposed to be part of the movie 'World's Finest'? Or was it happening for real? I'm confused. When Bruce greeted Lois, it seemed as if he didn't know Clark..:confused: Can someone help here, please?

.

Can anybody answer my question please?? ^^^



See previous post

Seen it, thanks. Still, she could not have pushed that botton, right? Interesting twist, I'm very intrigued. Does everybody dig it, or not?

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Can anybody answer my question please?? ^^^


He was pretending not to remember meeting Clark as part of his flakey Bruce Wayne persona.

[WorstThingUS]

It's the same logic used for the Skin Jobs in Battlestar Galactica, which certainly has a higher level of realism than anything in the DCU ever has. Why, in a universe overflowing with aliens, magic, zombies, ghosts and mad scientists, is the idea of a robot who can't be detected by X-ray vision or super-hearing not within the realm of possibility?

You can swallow the idea that nobody notices Clark Kent is just Superman with glasses but a robot undetectable to super-senses is a huge blunder?

I don't get it.

First of all, I'm not asking for "realism." I'm asking for them to continue along established rules of suspension of disbelief (that's why a simple mask or even glasses can hide a person from even a loved one) and established rules have Superman able to distinguish people and robots using x-ray vision and super-hearing (he can track people by their unique heartbeats), and nowhere along these set precedents has Toyman ever displayed the technological prowess necessary to fool Superman's abilities. There's not even an aside where Superman remarks that The Toyman has made a robot that can fool him which would also explain it.

Johns wanted to get rid of that especially creepy Toyman, but failed to realize that Superman would have known all along it was a robot. It's like how Byrne noticed quite rightly that Dr. Doom would never allow Arcade to light a match by striking it on his armor the way Claremont depicted. He later wrote a story where that was a malfunctioning Doom-bot. It's an easy way out of characterization misstakes or blunders, but it unfortunately just gave birth to another. And if DC had editorial they would have pointed this out to him.

[JCAll]

He was pretending not to remember meeting Clark as part of his flakey Bruce Wayne persona.

It's strange how Bruce Wayne switches between "Lois and Clark are two of my best friends" to "I have no idea who these people are. Security!" at the drop of a hat. Seriously, seen it both ways this month now.

[Ferrian]

Anyone else think that during this entire arc the way Superman and Batman has been written is mostly out of character, especially compared to how they are written in their own books?

[earl]

Who is to say that the Toyman is even telling the truth to Jimmy Olsen in that Johns' story. Toyman is a nut job, I'm not sure that he is the most reliable person to take what he says as truth. I'd file this one under, to be continued when some writer comes up another story. I've got a feeling this is not going to be the last time that we will see Hiro.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

First of all, I'm not asking for "realism." I'm asking for them to continue along established rules of suspension of disbelief (that's why a simple mask or even glasses can hide a person from even a loved one) and established rules have Superman able to distinguish people and robots using x-ray vision and super-hearing (he can track people by their unique heartbeats), and nowhere along these set precedents has Toyman ever displayed the technological prowess necessary to fool Superman's abilities. There's not even an aside where Superman remarks that The Toyman has made a robot that can fool him which would also explain it.

But there is a line of dialogue in there addressing this. Toyman says he made these robots so well "even Superman couldn't tell the difference". So, clearly, these are not your standard issue robots. Clearly, these robots are so sophisticated that even a guy with x-ray vision and super-hearing can't tell the difference.

I mean, do you actually thing a writer like Geoff Johns, who lives and breathes this stuff--who thinks about the minutiae of DC continuity to such a degree that he actually came up with an explanation for Jay Garrick's goofy hat, Hal Jordan's gray hair and Power Girl's cleavage hole---you actually thing this guy didn't think about Superman having x-ray vision and super-hearing when he came up with this idea?

Come on, give the guy a little credit....

[WorstThingUS]

Who is to say that the Toyman is even telling the truth to Jimmy Olsen in that Johns' story. Toyman is a nut job, I'm not sure that he is the most reliable person to take what he says as truth. I'd file this one under, to be continued when some writer comes up another story. I've got a feeling this is not going to be the last time that we will see Hiro.

That could easily lead to freeing Hiro from this because I think there's too much potential in his character to be restricted to just being a Toyman robot. But it still doesn't change why Superman didn't know the crazed Toyman was a robot. But again, he could be lying to hide the fact he murdered a child (which actually solves everything). As you say, he's crazy and his view of reality is subjective.

But there is a line of dialogue in there addressing this. Toyman says he made these robots so well "even Superman couldn't tell the difference". So, clearly, these are not your standard issue robots. Clearly, these robots are so sophisticated that even a guy with x-ray vision and super-hearing can't tell the difference.

I mean, do you actually thing a writer like Geoff Johns, who lives and breathes this stuff--who thinks about the minutiae of DC continuity to such a degree that he actually came up with an explanation for Jay Garrick's goofy hat, Hal Jordan's gray hair and Power Girl's cleavage hole---you actually thing this guy didn't think about Superman having x-ray vision and super-hearing when he came up with this idea?

Come on, give the guy a little credit....

I'd love to, but there's nothing in this story or any other Toyman story that supports it. I'm going with earl in that nothing Toyman says can be taken at face value. He just as likely created the Hiro robot after fighting with the real Hiro as he created the crazed Toyman robot to somehow absolve himself of guilt. In fact, that goes along with your idea that Geoff Johns wouldn't make that kind of mistake. He didn't. The Toyman is simply lying and that will come up later.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

That could easily lead to freeing Hiro from this because I think there's too much potential in his character to be restricted to just being a Toyman robot. But it still doesn't change why Superman didn't know the crazed Toyman was a robot. But again, he could be lying to hide the fact he murdered a child (which actually solves everything). As you say, he's crazy and his view of reality is subjective.



I'd love to, but there's nothing in this story or any other Toyman story that supports it. I'm going with earl in that nothing Toyman says can be taken at face value. He just as likely created the Hiro robot after fighting with the real Hiro as he created the crazed Toyman robot to somehow absolve himself of guilt. In fact, that goes along with your idea that Geoff Johns wouldn't make that kind of mistake. He didn't. The Toyman is simply lying and that will come up later.

Agreed. This would make Toyman even more bat**** crazy and add another creepy layer to Johns' revamp.

I also like the idea that Toyman is lying about Hiro, mainly because I like Hiro and don't want him to get ditched.

[Kage Kisaragi]

Totally yay, but I would have so heat visioned "BiTCH!" into Lana's forehead. Also Bruce, again your levels dickery never cease to amaze me.

[CMBMOOL]

Totally yay, but I would have so heat visioned "BiTCH!" into Lana's forehead. Also Bruce, again your levels dickery never cease to amaze me.

I must say that I agree with you on both accounts. :redface:

[rZi]

Ive enjoyed all of this K arc but one thing that didn't annoy me is that a kryptonite dirty bomb is a fantastic idea. Lana made the whole planet unsafe for kryptonian's and it was simply fixed quickly in the same issue. To me it was of epic nature, and now it's all done and dusted

[Kage Kisaragi]

Ive enjoyed all of this K arc but one thing that didn't annoy me is that a kryptonite dirty bomb is a fantastic idea. Lana made the whole planet unsafe for kryptonian's and it was simply fixed quickly in the same issue. To me it was of epic nature, and now it's all done and dusted

Yes on a entirely evil plan to screw over Superman scale, her idea was indeed Epic. Again the most effective plan I've seen used by a human to basically rob superman of everything he loves. For that Lana Lang gets a A+. Yet I'm pretty sure she would have had to live in fear for the rest of her life. Cause had for example Lois stayed on earth, I'm pretty sure she would have eventually gunned down Lana :tongue: and if not her someone else who was a supporter of big blue would have kept screwing with her... I'm sure Toyman would have wanted revenge since Lana's dirty little deed robbed the world and Hiro of Power Girls awesome cleavage.

[WorstThingUS]

Totally yay, but I would have so heat visioned "BiTCH!" into Lana's forehead. Also Bruce, again your levels dickery never cease to amaze me.

I must say that I agree with you on both accounts. :redface:

And you both would have horribly injured and mutilated your first love who's endured a great deal of suffering protecting your secret over the years and who's obviously being possessed by a yet unseen villain. Smooth move. Superman should be suspicious that Lana would behave this way given this is in direct contrast to her recent appearance in Superman and you'll see that in the future, but I doubt it. These guys aren't that good and writing Superman out of character seems to be in these days (James Robinson, Scott McKeever).

[Kage Kisaragi]

And you both would have horribly injured and mutilated your first love who's endured a great deal of suffering protecting your secret over the years and who's obviously being possessed by a yet unseen villain. Smooth move. Superman should be suspicious that Lana would behave this way given this is in direct contrast to her recent appearance in Superman and you'll see that in the future, but I doubt it. These guys aren't that good and writing Superman out of character seems to be in these days (James Robinson, Scott McKeever).

See, I already put even money that the person speaking to her was either Luthor or Brainiac. The thing is though, she tried to justify whatever the reason that made her push that button. Superman already pretty much brow beat her to death with that whole "Lois would have never pushed that button." remark, and he's right. A real friend or even a lover would or should never do something like that. I mean it's different if for example she pulled out a kryptonite semi automatic and start popping kryptonite slugs into him, but she didn't, she didn't limit her attack to just Clark, she targeted nearly his entire immediate family. When Darkseid thought he killed Supergirl, Superman threw him into the source wall. Lana nearly or could have killed all the remaining kryptonians on earth. While factoring in former love and trust, at the very least a little punishment would have not be unwarranted.

[WorstThingUS]

See, I already put even money that the person speaking to her was either Luthor or Brainiac. The thing is though, she tried to justify whatever the reason that made her push that button. Superman already pretty much brow beat her to death with that whole "Lois would have never pushed that button." remark, and he's right. A real friend or even a lover would or should never do something like that. I mean it's different if for example she pulled out a kryptonite semi automatic and start popping kryptonite slugs into him, but she didn't, she didn't limit her attack to just Clark, she targeted nearly his entire immediate family. When Darkseid thought he killed Supergirl, Superman threw him into the source wall. Lana nearly or could have killed all the remaining kryptonians on earth. While factoring in former love and trust, at the very least a little punishment would have not be unwarranted.

...not if you're Superman. If you're Superman, you're wondering what's happened to Lana given your obvious familiarity with mind-control. It's the job of someone else to say, "You're being too nice." And then there's the fact that polluting the atmosphere the way she did is a crime...

[Alexx1]

...not if you're Superman. If you're Superman, you're wondering what's happened to Lana given your obvious familiarity with mind-control. It's the job of someone else to say, "You're being too nice." And then there's the fact that polluting the atmosphere the way she did is a crime...

I totally agree. I'm surprised and disappointed Superman chose to remind Lana why she wasn't good enough for him instead of trying to figure out what the hell was going-on with her. I hope we'll get some answers since Lana will be added to the Supergirl cast of characters and it won't be a situation that is brushed under the rug, left hanging over our heads with no further explanations. As it stands I have a hard to time buying into the fact Lana Lang would do such a thing not only to Superman and his family but also commit such a greiveous act against humanity all for a few thousand employees.

I also find it surprising that folks are SO critical of Lana's actions, the govn't the last issues, and Aquaman's a few issues before that and very few have little to say about Batman's betrayal. Afterall the very reason he gave for safe keeping the various kryptonites was in essence the very reasons others gave.

[WorstThingUS]

I totally agree. I'm surprised and disappointed Superman chose to remind Lana why she wasn't good enough for him instead of trying to figure out what the hell was going-on with her. I hope we'll get some answers since Lana will be added to the Supergirl cast of characters and it won't be a situation that is brushed under the rug, left hanging over our heads with no further explanations. As it stands I have a hard to time buying into the fact Lana Lang would do such a thing not only to Superman and his family but also commit such a greiveous act against humanity all for a few thousand employees.

Exactly. Kryptonite harms humans too. It's a carcinogenic substance. Kryptonite lung cancer would have been everywhere. I'm pretty sure Superman would realize that Lana Lang wouldn't poison the planet to get at him. The problems is, people just don't know what to do with Lana. Apparently only Busiek believes your first love can still be your friend, while everyone else likes to validate Lois by putting her down and to punish her for not going with Clark when he left Smallville. It will never cease to amaze me how many people just cannot get over high school.

I also find it surprising that folks are SO critical of Lana's actions, the govn't the last issues, and Aquaman's a few issues before that and very few have little to say about Batman's betrayal. Afterall the very reason he gave for safe keeping the various kryptonites was in essence the very reasons others gave.

Well, Aquaman's was just stupid because, again, kryptonite is bad for everyone and would have been polluting the ocean and causing damage to ocean life. He should have been the first person to want it gone.

This book has always been poorly written. From Loeb turning Lex Luthor into a drug addict to this latest violation of character. But the art remains pretty.

[Kage Kisaragi]

He did try to figure out what was going on with her. He even fooled himself into believing that it was some kind of hidden agenda that Lex left behind, but it wasn't it was just Lana showing her new colors. Sure she'd probably be goaded on by someone in the background, and the real story is what Clark said about her doing something Lois wouldn't. It implies that there are some stories about the Lana that haven't been told, she obviously most have a darkside, that Clark just didn't want risk in a long term relationship. While Lois can be tough, Lana must be inherently evil. Maybe it was the romance she had with the most powerful being on the planet that satiated her darkside for the there in duration, and maybe its the knowledge of never getting him back thats driving her or at least making her vulnerable for manipulation by a darkside or evil person.

[WorstThingUS]

He did try to figure out what was going on with her. He even fooled himself into believing that it was some kind of hidden agenda that Lex left behind, but it wasn't it was just Lana showing her new colors. Sure she'd probably be goaded on by someone in the background, and the real story is what Clark said about her doing something Lois wouldn't. It implies that there are some stories about the Lana that haven't been told, she obviously most have a darkside, that Clark just didn't want risk in a long term relationship. While Lois can be tough, Lana must be inherently evil. Maybe it was the romance she had with the most powerful being on the planet that satiated her darkside for the there in duration, and maybe its the knowledge of never getting him back thats driving her or at least making her vulnerable for manipulation by a darkside or evil person.

I'm gonna have to go with the evil that is bad writing...

[Alexx1]

While Lois can be tough, Lana must be inherently evil. .

You must be a Smallville TV watcher. There's been nothing in Lana's comic book history to suggest she's inherently evil...in fact just the opposite. Lana's always been one of the more thoughtful and compassionate characters in comics.

[Kage Kisaragi]

You must be a Smallville TV watcher. There's been nothing in Lana's comic book history to suggest she's inherently evil...in fact just the opposite. Lana's always been one of the more thoughtful and compassionate characters in comics.

Did you really catch context to which I wrote that.. I never brought up smallville at all. But by examining the context that Superman actually says "Lois would have never had pushed that button." it implies that Lana has some impurities in her. Now is this bad writing, well that depends how good a story revolving around such a thing comes out. If they do write a evil Lana story, can you really fault them for trying to breathe some life back into a barely used character? I mean, supermans supporting cast is already quiet large, who could stand to have a few more enemies so they can stop regurgitating Lex.

[Alexx1]

Did you really catch context to which I wrote that.. I never brought up smallville at all. But by examining the context that Superman actually says "Lois would have never had pushed that button." it implies that Lana has some impurities in her. Now is this bad writing, well that depends how good a story revolving around such a thing comes out. If they do write a evil Lana story, can you really fault them for trying to breathe some life back into a barely used character? I mean, supermans supporting cast is already quiet large, who could stand to have a few more enemies so they can stop regurgitating Lex.

The Smallville thing was a joke...the whole "Lana is Evil". Nevermind..My issue was with the following part:

Lana must be inherently evil. .

Now you state Lana must have (or Superman must have seen) impurities with in her all along because Lois wouldn't do do anything impure (at least that's what you suggest when you compare the two women). How does Superman even really know what Lois would or wouldn't do? Clearly he doesn't know as much as he thinks he does about those closest to him, those within his inner circle because he doesn't have a clue nor would ever allow himself to suspect Batman of saving Kryptonite to use against him if it ever came to that. I didn't know whether to laugh at Superman's chastisment of Lana and her unworthiness or pity him. But back to Lana, because people do bad things or make mistakes, doesn't mean they are INHERENTLY evil. People mess up, including good people. Again there's been nothing in Lana's comic book history to suggest that she's inherently evil. As I mentioned before, it's been quite the opposite. Whether it's bad OOC writing at the moment I can't tell. It seemed to me Lana was being influenced by someone/thing that we didn't see but heard. If it's never brought up again and left as is then yes to me it's character assassination.

[WorstThingUS]

Did you really catch context to which I wrote that.. I never brought up smallville at all. But by examining the context that Superman actually says "Lois would have never had pushed that button." it implies that Lana has some impurities in her. Now is this bad writing, well that depends how good a story revolving around such a thing comes out. If they do write a evil Lana story, can you really fault them for trying to breathe some life back into a barely used character? I mean, supermans supporting cast is already quiet large, who could stand to have a few more enemies so they can stop regurgitating Lex.

I didn't think you meant Smallville at all. I just think you're trying to rationalize bad writing and faulty editing as some sort plot point. We just had Lana as a supporting character in Superman and it was clear she would never, ever do this even in her position as CEO of Lexcorp. In fact it was Superman who helped save it from bankruptcy on not one but two separate occasions, so Superman should have known immediately that there was something wrong and that this was not the same woman he's been dealing with. I'm not going to put the entire blame on the writer here. An editor should have pointed out the conflict with the Lana to him. And there's that little matter her setting off poisonous radioactive bombs in the atmosphere endangering all life!!! Where's Batman insisting she be arrested for it?

[Slaughter]

Michael Green is writing a awesome Supes/Bats book! I hope he stays until 2010 with long-term plans.

So, it's just me or Batman has ALL the Kryptonite of the world?

About Lana: I think it was a pretty moraly ambiguous thing. So, she made the world inhabitable by Kryptonians. But she saved many people of being jobless by doing it. She had so chose: Either her old flame or the jobs of thousands. Sure, exploding those bombs is pretty bad stuff, but that wans't just some "MHWHAHAHAHHAHAHA, I'll BLOW KRYPTONITE BECAUSE I CAN!!", but a choice. Lois never would press the button, Lana did.

[earl]

Agreed. This would make Toyman even more bat**** crazy and add another creepy layer to Johns' revamp.

I also like the idea that Toyman is lying about Hiro, mainly because I like Hiro and don't want him to get ditched.


Exactly, the fact is that Toyman could have done this whole thing out of personal jealousy or it could even be played up that Winslow Schott is so crazy that he THINKS he actually created Hiro. The rest of them might be robots he created, but maybe not Hiro.

I don't know that is a pretty tantalizing set of things for another writer to tackle at some other point.

To be continued...

[JCAll]

I didn't think you meant Smallville at all. I just think you're trying to rationalize bad writing and faulty editing as some sort plot point. We just had Lana as a supporting character in Superman and it was clear she would never, ever do this even in her position as CEO of Lexcorp. In fact it was Superman who helped save it from bankruptcy on not one but two separate occasions, so Superman should have known immediately that there was something wrong and that this was not the same woman he's been dealing with. I'm not going to put the entire blame on the writer here. An editor should have pointed out the conflict with the Lana to him. And there's that little matter her setting off poisonous radioactive bombs in the atmosphere endangering all life!!! Where's Batman insisting she be arrested for it?

Having Lana do something morally questionably...or just completely bitchish...isn't bad writing.
Havine like 3 characters I previously trusted all pull a Max Lord at the same time is bad writing.

[Sean Walsh]

Having Lana do something morally questionably...or just completely bitchish...isn't bad writing.
Havine like 3 characters I previously trusted all pull a Max Lord at the same time is bad writing.

Maybe Lana's a Skrull?

*runs away*

[JackBurton01]

Yep the big DC/Marvel Skrull war begins here.