Batman/Superman [2019] #6 - DC Comics

BATMAN/SUPERMAN No. 6, March 2020

Publicised by “DC Comics” as dealing with the “aftermath of the infected”, Joshua Williamson’s script for Issue Six of “Batman/Superman” probably wowed its audience at first, what with its awesome opening depicting Wonder Woman battling a host of stone statues deep underground, and the comic’s titular characters having to nervously explain to Diana of Themyscira that they thought they could beat the Batman Who Laughs without asking for help. However, once the trio have disappointingly defeated the plethora of mythological beast-based animated constructs in rapid succession, “Infection Aftermath” arguably transforms into a much slower paced, dialogue-drive affair, which regrettably depicts the Amazon adventuress bowing out of the book’s plot all-too soon; “I will find Donna. But I fear it will be much more difficult to find trust in each other again.”

Similarly as undesirable as the daughter of Hippolyta’s early departure from the action is the California-born writer’s requirement to peruse numerous other publications alongside his own story-line, so as to fully understand precisely what is occurring within this twenty-two page periodical. These ‘editor notes’ crop up fairly regularly, and at times debatably give this comic the disconcerting aura of having simply been penned just to advertise some of the publisher’s other limited series, such as "Year Of The Villain: Hell Arisen”.

Indeed, between the aforementioned four-issue long special event focusing upon the battle between The Batman Who Laughs and the Apex Lex, as well as signposts for the tale ‘continuing’ in "Supergirl”, “The Infected: Death Bringer”, “Superman” and “Action Comics”, Paul Kaminski seemingly encourages this publication’s 34,967 readers to staggeringly purchase at least another eight comics. Admittedly, none of this additional literature is absolutely crucial to either understanding or even enjoying the main scenario depicted within this magazine, but story-points such as Superman having openly revealed himself as Clark Kent midway through the book somewhat jars the senses when Williamson suddenly refers to it.

Thankfully, any concerns over the somewhat sedentary-natured narrative can occasionally be forgiven, courtesy of David Marquez pencilling some truly pulse-pounding panels. Wonder Woman’s fury-fuelled fisticuffs beneath the Island of Aeaea are gloriously realised by the American artist as she smashes manticores, gorgons and scorpion-tailed beastmen at her leisure. Whilst the Dark Knight and Man of Steel have rarely looked better than when they’re drawn punching the daylights out of the Scarecrow and Metallo respectively.

Writer: Joshua Williamson, Artist: David Marquez, and Colorist: Alejandro Sanchez