Torn apart by betrayal, Batman and Superman try to find a way back to friendship, to trust. Both understand that the future of the DCU depends on this relationship; both understand that without the help of the other, their lives will fall apart. And yet, one is still the spoiled rich boy, and the other is still the naive farm boy. Men from two worlds confront each other and try to see the hope behind the madness.

Writer Tom King has been killing it this year delivering four of my favorite issues all in Batman. It should not be a surprise that in each case, King focuses on the person instead of the personality creating comics that are introspective, relatable, and in the case of Batman #37 (and the previous), fun.

After last issue’s focus on toxic masculinity and Batman and Superman both being stubborn about talking about Batman’s engagement, this issue has the two couples heading to a fair to hang out and get to know each other. It’s superhero day at the fair though and no admittance without a costume. Where that goes, I’ll leave it to readers to discover but it’s funny and kicks off the issue in a way that’s hard not to smile. From there, Batman and Superman get their macho on as they try to relate and Lois and Selina have fun bonding, and getting drunk.

The issue dives deep into what makes these couples tick. What’s the attraction? What’s the glue that binds? King explores that with hilarious results and gives us an ending that feels a bit iconic like Superman racing the Flash, though knowing the result was a bit of a let down (leave it open ended!).

Clay Mann‘s art gives us small details and humor as the two couples are in their costumes and everyone else around them is too. There’s so much in each panel as it’s a fair and fairs tend to have a lot going on. Some great use of panels and panel framing and we have an issue where the art enhances the fun and focus.

This is one of my favorite issues of the year giving us a new dynamic between Batman and Superman and making me want to see a Lois Lane and Selina Kyle road trip comic. Simple in concept but deep in execution, Tom King has cemented himself as one of the top writers of the year with just this one issue.

Story: Tom King Art: Clay Mann Cover Art: Mikel Janin
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

In the second “War of Jokes and Riddles” interlude, it’s the making of a super-villain! He’s been pushed by Batman to snitch on The Joker, and cajoled by The Joker to betray Batman-now, the flunky who would be Kite Man finally snaps. He’s lost everything, and a life of crime is the only way to go.

Batman #30 is the second part of “The Ballad of Kite Man” we follow up with Kite Man who’s now chest deep in Joker’s crew as the war rages between the Riddler and Joker. Batman has chosen sides and is taking down villains one by one, with some rules to go by.

The first part of “The Ballad of Kite Man” was one of the best single issues of the year and this second part is just as solid as we see a man slide into villainy… in a rather pathetic sort of way. And it’s that sad reality of the character that’s the draw.

Writer Tom King brings you into this character’s world as he reflects upon what’s going around him as he thinks about his child. You can see the desperate and sad nature of it all and by the end of the issue I felt both disgusted and sad for him. King has added more depth to Kite Man in two issues than probably all of his previous 57 years of existence. The character isn’t as much of a joke as his a tragedy. This is the average schmoe who turns to a life of crime as nothing else is working and even then no one takes him seriously. Add in domestic issues and the character feels like a fully realized arc in two issues. We see his slide and by the end of this issue it’s a very different Kite Man, one I hope we see more of.

But, it’s that end of the issue that is the answer to both the riddle and the joke. We see how both the Riddler and Batman see him and though he’s the last man standing (not really a spoiler) it’s not because of his strength but his weakness. He’s seen as a joke and thus answers the riddle of why he’s left for last. King’s set up is utterly brilliant in this way and one that you can debate at depth.

The art by Clay Mann is amazing and the use of every character is top notch. King delivers humor in his story and the panels where it exists had me laughing out loud (many say this, I actually did it) and at the same time Mann’s decisions for what he does and doesn’t show creates an ominous atmosphere of Batman stalking the Joker’s allies one by one. He’s the predator that lurks off panel that you only see quickly or at the last second. It’s the Batman we knew exists but rarely see.

Is perfection too much to call something? The first part of Kite Man’s story and this create two issues that for me is the best of the year for me. Kite Man has turned from a joke to a tragic character and one I have a lot of sympathy for. Just utter brilliance that can show that even joke characters can be made into something special.

Story: Tom King Art: Clay Mann Cover Art: Mikel Janin
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review