TV & Movies

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies is the latest direct to video animated feature from Bruce Timm and his team at Warner. It is adapted from a six issue story written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by Eric McGuinness, that was published in DC Comics' Superman/Batman.

Follow up:

The opening of the story (although written several years ago) describes conditions that, scarily, sound a lot like the economic and political climate of today. These conditions are used to justify a rather astounding premise - that Lex Luthor, because he was the one man that could fix the problems, has been elected President of the United States of America. Now, a meteor, composed largely of kryptonite, is headed towards Earth and Luthor promises to prevent it - but he uses the meteor to frame Superman as a criminal and puts a large bounty on his head. One man stands with Superman - Batman.

Together, Superman and Batman must fight off hoards of villains, and even a few heroes, while trying to clear Superman's name and to stop the meteor. The result is an entertaining, high action romp that manages to still find time to reveal insights into the personalities of both Superman and Batman and the unique relationship they have.

Bruce Timm's team rarely makes a wrong step (cough, Superman: Doomsday, cough) - so it is really no surprise that this film is good. They've also brought back fan favorite voice actors. Tim Daly plays Superman, Kevin Conroy plays Batman, and Clancy Brown plays Lex Luthor. Allison Mack (Smallville's Chloe) enters the Timmverse playing Power Girl and LeVar Burton plays Black Lightning.

Quite a few DC Comics characters get the spotlight in this film. Besides Power Girl and Black Lightning, Metallo, Captain Atom, Major Force, Starfire, Captain Marvel, Hawkman, Mongul, and Silver Banshee have important parts. In the background, even Catman can be seen.

The art style is a little different from the Timmverse norm. The inspiration is definitely that of the original comic, drawn by Eric McGuinness, although not quite as curvy. Many of the characters are a little too hyper-muscular, but it only takes a few minutes to get used to it.

The extra features include a short documentary on the psychology of Clark/Superman and Bruce/Batman, a filmed dinner conversation between the creative team, a look at the next feature to be released, trailers for several of the Warner animated features, and several episodes from the JLA/JLU animated series.

There is no need for the viewer to be up on the intricacies or continuity of the DC universe. This film is the perfect gift for anyone with an affection for Superman and Batman. Learn more at the offical website, here.