Change
When the previews were released there was negative feedback about a comment superman makes, and honestly, I can kinda understand where they are coming from, because there are certain characters who's morals you can mess with, superman isn't one of them unfortunately. Still, DC is trying very hard to make superman an aggressive blowhard instead of a inspirational figure, because for some god awful reason they thing that this way they will increase his popularity, which is pretty much redundant and stupid. Luckily there are writers who try to give superman a but of spunk and mix it with his kind mannerisms in a way that actually work out. Now I understand that superman making a comment that he isn't a boy-scout can be a bit.....annoying, but the fact that his actions speak much lauder than his words kinda rectifies that mistake.
I'll be honest for a second, recent annuals tend to take the wrong turn because some writers just don't seem to understand how to create a coherent plot within one issues, but Greg Pak manages really well to tie this one shot to his previously written events as well as make a fun ride. Honestly, this story is very character driven, which in my opinion is amazing, sure the concept of THE WORLDS DESTRUCTION gets used a lot, but it all comes down to the execution and characterization. Despite the plots simplicity, it's actually a well crafted experience. There are arcs that focus mainly on the fun aspects of the superman/batman relationship, and there are stories which question the protagonists morality. I absolutely loved superman here, and despite what he tells the audience( you know what I mean) he would probably be very familiar to long time superman fans, considering that despite unthinkable odds, he still manages to make the right decisions even when there seems to be no other choice, but that's the thing isn't it? There is always another way to Superman, and he proves this here . Moreover, there are certain ways you can write batman so he could successfully share a story with superman, but the way Greg Pak complicates things, you'd expect it to be absolutely impossible, yet things work out for the best. Batman and Superman are put in front of a terrible dilemma, because one of them has to cross a line in order to save millions, but both of them, find another way, which in my opinion, shows just how much these tow titans go with each other, because while their methods differ, at heart, they are very much alike.
Speaking of interesting characters, Greg Pak introduces a new version of Monguls son, named Jochi, who by the way, is vastly superior to Mongul Jr, because unlike him, Jochi wasn't a cheep knock-off of his Father. In fact, Jochi was a noble warrior, because unlike his Father, he believed that Mercy held strength, which is something his Father lacked, therefore, he was defeated in battle and sent to rot in the Phantom zone. It's amazing how much development can happen in one issue. Speaking of which, Jochi played an integral part not only in the story, but also in the evolution of the other characters as well, because Greg Pak, uses Jochi to display how Batman, despite his harsh exterior, can exhibit compassion and concern for someone who can change and mend his ways, because he understand that the darkness dwells within everyone, therefore he appreciates the strength of thous who can learn.
What is more, The art was awesome , and well divided too. Jae lee took care of the first half of the issues where the superman/batman banter was shown, and the second action oriented half was brilliantly done by Philip Tan.
Overall, I understand that some frustrations were caused by the previews, but I absolutely loved this one shot, and I suggest you give it a chance.
