Batman #36

SUPERFRIENDS pt I

Written by Tom King
Penciled by Clay Mann
Cover by Clay Mann
Published Dec 6 2017

   Superman flies high above a train, preparing to save it from derailment while talking to Lois. He thinks Batman should call HIM. He's the one who got engaged. Meanwhile, Batman shares a similar thought with Catwoman. She reminds him Clark is his closest friend. Batman says Alfred is his closest friend, but Selina tells him that doesn't count because Alfred is on the payroll.

Well I mean, Alfred IS a pretty good friend.

   Clark and Lois leave the Daily Planet. She wants to meet Catwoman but Clark is reluctant to share his secret identity. While Catwoman is clearly already aware a guy who looks just like Superman who writes stories about Superman, is actually him. Clark helps Lois out on a story she's writing about railroads but senses a boulder hurling towards them. Catwoman tells Batman he's afraid to talk to his friends.
   Later on, Superman catches the boulder - which turns out to be some sort of alien villain and admits he didn't call Bruce. She's found some anomalies in her railroad stroy, but insists they talk about him not talking to Batman. At the same moment, Selina asks Bruce if he's ashamed of her. 

Bruce, are you really THAT busy?

He keeps researching but tells her no. The two go to investigate radiation while Superman and Lois go out to investigate as well. The next few pages discuss the to men's similarities and differences, finally opening an elevator and revealing all four of them are on the same floor of the same building, and Lois and Catwoman shake hands. 

Three people wearing costumes. One person wearing normal clothes.

   The issue wraps with the 2 being attacked by the convergence of the two villains they were chasing. After they're both defeated, Superman suggests they all go get a bite to eat and with that, we're left to be continued.

Who's hungry?

   While I'm sure some people will have a problem with it, I always enjoy the occasional story that focuses on character development. And further, if there's any writer who can do that better than Tom King, I'd like to meet them. Everybody knows Batman has layers, and Superman is constantly inundated with similar laid back stories in his own book. But finally a chance to see them both develop. These guys obviously have a friendship to maintain. I'd just like to believe that the Justice League series could maybe take a page from this one. I give it a 9/10.

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