Writer/Artist/Letterer: John Byrne & Colors by Trish Mulvihill
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics in 2000, this 192-page collection assembles the four-issue Elseworlds mini-series of 1999. Aging the iconic characters in real time, writer-artist John Byrne depicts Superman and Batman’s lives at ten-year intervals starting in 1939.
Over sixty years, the World’s Finest Duo pursue truth and justice before time’s inevitable tragedies impact them. In a deliberately contradictory epilogue, Byrne brings this volume virtually full circle. Byrne’s two subsequent sequels fill in unexplained gaps, including teases re: the mysterious Mrs. Wayne’s identity.
1939 (The Vigilantes): Each approximately 28-30 years old, Batman & Superman seemingly meet for the first time at the World’s Fair in Metropolis. Joining forces, they must rescue an abducted Lois Lane from the Ultra-Humanite’s clutches. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne meets a future Boy Wonder.
1949 (Family Matters): Before Dick Grayson leaves for college, the original Dynamic Duo’s last case reunites them with the Man of Steel. Facing a kryptonite death trap, it’s up to Batman & Robin to help rescue Superman’s pregnant wife from the combined forces of Lex Luthor and the Joker.
Note: Alluding to the Joker’s post-war return, this 1949 segment is a direct, if unacknowledged, sequel to Byrne’s mid-90’s Captain America & Batman one-shot. Their Golden Age-inspired team-up appears in 1998’s DC-Marvel Crossover Classics II trade paperback.
1959 (Strange Days): The World’s Finest tag-team contends with Bat-Mite & Mr. Mxyzptlk amidst a hostile alien threat. While Luthor ominously makes his next move, Lois Lane-Kent makes a startling discovery re: young daughter Kara.
1969 (Changing Times): Multiple tragedies strike the Kents and a second-generation Dynamic Duo. With the Joker’s son evidently on the loose, a new Batman must soon rise.
1979 (Twlight of the Gods): In the Himalayas, a seventy-year old Bruce Wayne seeks out Ra’s Al Ghul for a long-overdue confrontation. Luthor and his secret accomplice unleash devastating vengeance upon Bruce Jr./Batman & Kara/Supergirl’s wedding day.
1989 (Crime and Punishment): U.S. President Hal Jordan reluctantly seeks to capture a fugitive Superman. At the Fortress of Solitude, the current Batman has a showdown with the Man of Steel.
1999 (Beginnings and Endings): Bruce Wayne resurfaces to confront his own son and settle Batman’s future. Superman reunites with an old friend, as they meet a third-generation hero who is linked to both of them.
2919 (1929): In the far, far future, the two legends recall their first costumed adventure together back in 1929 teaming up with fellow teen adventurer Lois Lane. Superman has a surprise guest to greet the original Dark Knight.
REVIEW:
From a visual standpoint (including collaborator Trish Mulvihill’s expert colors), Byrne’s work is flawless. There’s no mistaking his mostly first-class manner handling these characters.
As to his writing, Byrne’s uncomplicated storyline frequently scores the necessary points. For instance, the terrific 1939 segment accurately nails even minute details from that era. Whether it is utilizing Bob Kane’s original Bat-Man costume (not to mention, throwing in Bruce Wayne’s then-engagement to Julie Madison!) or, for that matter, Superman is seen leaping instead of flying, Byrne evidently knows his Golden Age history. Byrne continues with a solidly entertaining 1949 segment that reflects plausible evolution in Clark and Bruce’s private lives.
Readers then must endure an overdose of Mr. Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite in a Silver Age homage, as this segment is probably best just to peruse. However, the 1969 and 1979 segments will likely arouse controversy once their shock value and implied gore take effect. While the aftermath scenes effectively convey an emotional impact upon Superman and Bruce Jr.’s Batman, the homicidal imagery is unsettling. One could fault Byrne’s creative discretion during this stretch, as there were other less sensational means of achieving the same end results. Nonetheless, his plot twists in the 1969 and 1979 segments should preclude younger readers as a potential audience.
The 1989 segment is a distinct improvement, as a tech-powered Batman’s efforts to bait an elusive Superman into a confrontation is well-played. While the 1999 chapter is okay, it’s oddly disappointing. Specifically, Bruce Wayne’s self-involved attitude doesn’t reflect a particularly noble look. If it had been about a long-absent father relieving his weary, middle-aged son from Batman’s punishing mantle rather than merely desiring his cape and cowl back, the resolution would have then been a truly poignant moment. Still, the last few pages of the 1999 segment are worth catching.
As for Byrne’s ambitious finale, it’s a take-it-or-leave-it proposition. While it’s absurd to project the characters both surviving a millennium, Byrne knowingly counter-acts this notion with a whimsical Superboy-Lois Lane-Bruce Wayne tale that sports some fun surprises. If not for some debatable scenes late in the game, this book would have definitely merited a higher rating. As it stands, Superman & Batman: Generations is often a great adult read, but it could have been (and probably should have been) more kid-friendly.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None. It feels like a cheat that the covers aren’t provided.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
Note: Byrne’s Generations 2 sequel is also available in trade paperback form. As of this writing, his 12-part Generations III mini-series remains uncollected.
