Day 22: Superman/Batman: Supergirl Vol. 2 by Jeph Loeb

Jeph Loeb and artist Michael Turner join to usher in the classic Supergirl’s return to the primary DC Universe continuum. This story is as much about Supergirl’s first experiences on Earth as it is about the tension and interactions between the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight. Loeb’s writing is at its finest, while his plotting is wrought with tension and suspense. I have to give the late Michael Turner his share of credit for drawing some amazing panels. He has a way for drawing women and depicting epic battle scenes. The dialogue Loeb wrote between Superman and Darkseid in their final confrontation was fantastic and believable. This is good writing meets good art. What more can you ask for?

                                                    

Day 5: Identity Crisis by Brad Meltzer

            This is the first graphic novel on the list and probably one of my favorites. It changes the tone of the DC universe and unleashes massive consequences that affect multiple titles. Meltzer produces a gripping mystery story tweaked with obsession, tragedy, and love. The twist ending is something no one could really have guessed or expected. It’s out of left field. But every beat that leads up to it is superb. This comic contains a variety of surprises that left me engaged and compelled to continue. There’s multiple storylines across the board here but none of them feel contrived or superficial. Batman’s fundamental investigative question, “Who benefits?” epitomizes the underlying theme of the novel as various characters’ relationships are strengthened in the wake of the opening crime.

Last year, I purchased a hardcover copy with the Michael Turner variant cover. It’s a beautiful cover, as expected of the late artist. And in October 2011, DC released an oversized Absolute Edition of “Identity Crisis.” I haven’t gotten a chance to peruse it yet, but I definitely want that for my collection. O Money, where art thou? So whether you like DC Comics, whether you even like superheroes, I strongly recommend “Identity Crisis.”