Hello and welcome to this week's installment of my ongoing comic reading journey. Per my new usual I will be breaking this recap into two parts. What are we covering this week you may ask? None other than the top dogs themselves, the trinity of DC; Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Trinity Volume 1: Better Together includes issues #1-6. For this post I will be recapping issues #1-3 and give you some fun information about the writer and artist who brought this volume to life. Time to jump in and see what Batman and Wonder Woman think about this new Superman.
Better Together, Part One: Family Dinner: We start our story on what looks like the Kent farm, Jon is arriving home and Lois is narrating about what it is like to be a parent. She shares with us that Clark's parents were always afraid that people would find out about Clark and take him away. We see a glimpse of Wonder Woman (who just hunted a boar?) confirming that Batman is going to help her. Batman shows up (at what also appears to be the Kent Farm) and Lois is still narrating, that even as an intrepid reporter, it can be hard to know who to trust.
Inside the house Jon is telling his mom about his day. Some guy gave Jon something for free (honestly I am not sure what it was, magic seeds? If I figure it out I will tell you). Lois makes sure Jon was careful and didn't use his powers. He assures that he was. They are interrupted by their doorbell ringing. Jon rushes to answer it. We can see it is Bruce and Diana, but Jon uses his x-ray vision (guess he has that now) and sees Batman and Wonder Woman (note: they are dressed normally, he can just see they are wearing their costumes too). Bruce is wondering why Diana brought a boar.
We see Superman arriving home and changing into his day to day Clark outfit. Lois is still narrating about how most people don't get second chances or do-overs. Her Clark is being stubborn and she figures it is time to break him of some bad habits. As Clark walks out of the barn, he sees Bruce being knocked back and Diana blocking heat vision. Jon is freaking out, he didn't mean to use heat vision, he was just trying to see through the door. Everyone is okay, so Clark wants to know what they are doing there and why there is a boar. Turns out Lois invited them because it is high time they have friends again.
In the kitchen Clark is concerned, but Lois is not having it. If he is back in action then she wants to know the people who are going to have his back. In the dining room Jon says he is sorry for ruining Bruce's shirt. Bruce is now rocking a fun plaid shirt and in his usual grumpy self complains about preferring to work alone. Clark tells Jon not to let Bruce intimidate him, that he only thinks of Batman with Robin and recounts a fun story of Dick breaking his arm and Batman having to wear a rainbow outfit to distract and protect Robin. (I had to look this up, because I had seen the rainbow Batman and didn't realize that it was a real story from the 1957 comic.) Batman claims to not remember, which makes sense, but is a fun reference.
Bruce is worried about Clark's and Jon's power going unchecked. He might not have always seen eye to eye with the Superman they lost, but they bonded over their common loss. Finding another secret Superman is a bit of a shock and they have no idea who this new Clark is. Diana points out that that is why they are here. She sends Clark, Jon, and Bruce off, so she can have a moment with Lois.
Diana tells Lois to relax, she is not there to pine for an old romance. She further admits that she has been struggling lately (I think this is referencing the journey she is taking in her comic. I will cover that soon). We keep seeing shots outside of some crazy plant growing (this might have to do with the bag of magic seeds that Jon got and was dropping all over the place). The night winds down and Clark and Bruce put Jon to bed while Lois and Diana continue to bond.
Outside the Trinity is chatting. Clark admits to enjoying being back in action but not really wanting this hero's life for his son. They are about to share a bonding moment when Clark hears a voice calling out to him. Lois is still narrating her hopes that they can become more than friends, that they can become a family. Clark reaches the barn only to find a younger version of himself talking to his pa.
Better Together, Part Two: Smallville: A young Clark is narrating from past Smallville about the first time he was overwhelmed by his super hearing. He told his father about it and it was the first time he heard his father's heart racing. He remembers the day he heard his father's heart stop too. Young Clark enters the barn to see a fully costumed up Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman holding what he thinks is a dead Jonathan Clark. Adult Superman doesn't know how they got there or got into their costumes, but he thinks he killed his father.
Young Clark is upset and punches Superman in the face, then throws Batman across the barn. Young Clark, thinking his father is dead, does what his dad told him to do in the event this ever happened, he runs. Superman is able to perform CRP and revives Mr. Kent. Batman wants to get the heck out of there, but it is too late they are involved. Jonathan comes too and assumes that Superman is Clark's father. Kent starts begging Superman to not take his son away. They try to explain it is a misunderstanding and Superman knows that Batman is right and they need to get out of there. It is hard though, he wants nothing more than to talk to his dad.
Back in the present day at Kent farm Jon is waking up. Superman is still narrating about all the things he would tell his parents if given the chance. Lois greets Jon who had fallen asleep at the window. She tells him not to worry about his dad, that he always comes home. Jon shouldn't live in fear because his dad, Diana, and Bruce will never let anything happen to him.
Young Clark is hiding in a cave, crying because he thinks his dad is dead. A small voice starts talking to him so he follows it deeper into the cave. Back at the Kent farm of the past, Mr. Kent is showing our trio the spaceship that brought his son to Earth. The ship has the same S that Superman wears. Superman may not be Clark's bio father, but Mr. Kent will put his fears aside if it can lead to the truth about Clark.
All the hero's pile into Mr. Kent's truck (I love it) and head out of town to where Mr. Kent thinks young Clark will be. Batman has a whisper conversation with Wonder Woman about affecting the timeline, but also how Superman is distracted. Wonder Woman tells him to chill and enjoy this moment.
Jonathan Kent starts to grill Superman. He is no dummy and obviously Superman knows that he is connected to Clark. Superman tells him that he isn't Clark's dad but he does have a son. Jonathan asks him if his son is super powered like he is and Superman tells him that he is. Well Jonathan isn't super powered and he has done all he can to protect his son, but now these three have broken down that wall. Maybe that is the best way to find answers for his Clark. Jonathan points out how nice it is that Superman has friends to help him.
Batman figures out where little Clark is and heads that way and Wonder Woman follows. Superman suddenly gets sick and falls into the river. Jonathan pulls him out and is like, wft, you can't swim (something like that). Superman, in a state of recovery, drops a lot of stuff about how great of a dad Mr. Kent is. Batman and Wonder Woman return with little Clark. Father and son are reunited and Batman figures out there is Kryptonite in the water, but wonders why little Clark wasn’t affected.
Back in the now, Jon notices all the plants growing on the side of the barn. Someone walks up and tells Jon the seed grew just like he was told they would. (Pretty sure it is Poison Ivy rocking a crazy plant beard.) She scolds Jon for taking treats from strangers as she gently makes him go to sleep. Inside the barn we see that Bruce, Clark, and Diana are also all asleep and Poison Ivy is indeed up to something.
Better Together, Part Three: Nobody Dies Tonight: Batman is narrating as we see his family exit the movies. The movie is Zorro and while Batman thinks, "Nobody dies tonight." He knows it isn't true, his parents will die tonight and a part of him will too. Up on a roof our three heroes are clearly in Gotham. Batman jumps down, not understanding how he was in the wrong place, missing the chance to see his parents alive one more time and is feeling lost in his own city.
Back at the Kent farm Lois is banging on the barn door, looking for Jon. She thinks he is still feeling bad about blasting Bruce with his heat vision. She can't get the door open and when she sees Jon's abandoned hat she becomes officially worried.
In Gotham a young Bruce Wayne is speaking with who is soon revealed to be Dr. Quinzel (aka Harley Quinn). He is telling her about a nightmare he's had and is asking for her help. She seems to be giving him sound advice.
Batman is narrating that this is wrong, the details are all wrong. He doesn't mean the scene with the Doctor because we see our three heroes are now on a rooftop again somewhere in the city. Batman tells Wonder Woman and Superman that this is not his Gotham. He knows every ally and street. He previously thought they might be in the past, but it seems more likely they are in a different world. It is unclear what they are doing or who brought them to this world. Wonder Woman figures Wayne Tower is as good a place as any to find some answers.
Alfred is talking to young Bruce back at the manor. He is trying to comfort Bruce, but Bruce isn't really feeling it and snaps at him. When Bruce turns to apologize he is face to face with a fiery ghost horse whose ride is indeed very scary looking. It comes at Bruce and they both break through the large window that is no longer at Wayne Manor but Wayne Tower. (Look I checked, the scene for sure seems to start at the house and then move to the tower. I am just going to assume dream logic.)
Superman catches Bruce, but the poor kid sees a monster and squirms away from him. This time Batman, also looking like a monster, catches him and we understand the horse and rider were in fact Alfred. (I think that some scarecrow fear toxin is at play here.) Batman is trying to convince young Bruce and himself that the deaths in his life were not his fault. Wonder Woman tries to step in and use her lasso to show young Bruce the truth. To Bruce she looks like a minotaur with a giant chain. The lasso does work and in the next shot our heroes are gone as Alfred helps a confused Bruce to his feet.
Up on what I can only assume is another Gotham roof Batman admits to how much he is struggling with how his actions seem to affect those he loves. He is having a hard time facing his family, so he went to the dinner figuring it would be easier to be around strangers. Superman reminds Batman that Tim was not his fault and that this is who they are and it is who their sons will be too. In that moment he realizes that they will all need to be prepared, not just protected. Wonder Woman understands loss the best, pointing out that self blame belittles the sacrifice made by those who have died. They may not understand the world they are in but together they can do anything. They will have to trust each other.
This volume ends with a crash. Literally Lois crashes the old truck right into the barn door and sees Ivy holding her son. She is not happy y'all!
Thoughts: Okay look, I love this dream team. This is DC bread and butter at its best. I am happy to see them all working together again. All this new Superman business has had me on edge wishing they could all just be friends again. I think that is the goal, but we will have to wait for part two to find out for sure! Also super curious who Ivy is working with?
The very talented Francis Manapul is the writer for this volume. He was also the artist for issues 1,2, and 5. Seems like issue 3 was done by guest artists Clay Mann and Jack Herbert. So far issue 3 is my favorite, but I might be a bit of a fangirl for Clay Mann. Issues 4 and 6 the artist was Emanuela Lupacchino and I look forward to posting some clips of her work in part two. Click on the names if you want to check out their Twitter feeds. See you all later this week!
Last Week: Action Comics Volume 2: Welcome to the Planet, Part 1
Action Comics Volume 2: Welcome to the Planet, Part 2
Next Post: Trinity Volume 1: Better Together, Part 2
Note: All images belong to DC™
Better Together, Part One: Family Dinner: We start our story on what looks like the Kent farm, Jon is arriving home and Lois is narrating about what it is like to be a parent. She shares with us that Clark's parents were always afraid that people would find out about Clark and take him away. We see a glimpse of Wonder Woman (who just hunted a boar?) confirming that Batman is going to help her. Batman shows up (at what also appears to be the Kent Farm) and Lois is still narrating, that even as an intrepid reporter, it can be hard to know who to trust.
Inside the house Jon is telling his mom about his day. Some guy gave Jon something for free (honestly I am not sure what it was, magic seeds? If I figure it out I will tell you). Lois makes sure Jon was careful and didn't use his powers. He assures that he was. They are interrupted by their doorbell ringing. Jon rushes to answer it. We can see it is Bruce and Diana, but Jon uses his x-ray vision (guess he has that now) and sees Batman and Wonder Woman (note: they are dressed normally, he can just see they are wearing their costumes too). Bruce is wondering why Diana brought a boar.
We see Superman arriving home and changing into his day to day Clark outfit. Lois is still narrating about how most people don't get second chances or do-overs. Her Clark is being stubborn and she figures it is time to break him of some bad habits. As Clark walks out of the barn, he sees Bruce being knocked back and Diana blocking heat vision. Jon is freaking out, he didn't mean to use heat vision, he was just trying to see through the door. Everyone is okay, so Clark wants to know what they are doing there and why there is a boar. Turns out Lois invited them because it is high time they have friends again.
In the kitchen Clark is concerned, but Lois is not having it. If he is back in action then she wants to know the people who are going to have his back. In the dining room Jon says he is sorry for ruining Bruce's shirt. Bruce is now rocking a fun plaid shirt and in his usual grumpy self complains about preferring to work alone. Clark tells Jon not to let Bruce intimidate him, that he only thinks of Batman with Robin and recounts a fun story of Dick breaking his arm and Batman having to wear a rainbow outfit to distract and protect Robin. (I had to look this up, because I had seen the rainbow Batman and didn't realize that it was a real story from the 1957 comic.) Batman claims to not remember, which makes sense, but is a fun reference.
Bruce is worried about Clark's and Jon's power going unchecked. He might not have always seen eye to eye with the Superman they lost, but they bonded over their common loss. Finding another secret Superman is a bit of a shock and they have no idea who this new Clark is. Diana points out that that is why they are here. She sends Clark, Jon, and Bruce off, so she can have a moment with Lois.
Diana tells Lois to relax, she is not there to pine for an old romance. She further admits that she has been struggling lately (I think this is referencing the journey she is taking in her comic. I will cover that soon). We keep seeing shots outside of some crazy plant growing (this might have to do with the bag of magic seeds that Jon got and was dropping all over the place). The night winds down and Clark and Bruce put Jon to bed while Lois and Diana continue to bond.
Outside the Trinity is chatting. Clark admits to enjoying being back in action but not really wanting this hero's life for his son. They are about to share a bonding moment when Clark hears a voice calling out to him. Lois is still narrating her hopes that they can become more than friends, that they can become a family. Clark reaches the barn only to find a younger version of himself talking to his pa.
Better Together, Part Two: Smallville: A young Clark is narrating from past Smallville about the first time he was overwhelmed by his super hearing. He told his father about it and it was the first time he heard his father's heart racing. He remembers the day he heard his father's heart stop too. Young Clark enters the barn to see a fully costumed up Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman holding what he thinks is a dead Jonathan Clark. Adult Superman doesn't know how they got there or got into their costumes, but he thinks he killed his father.
Young Clark is upset and punches Superman in the face, then throws Batman across the barn. Young Clark, thinking his father is dead, does what his dad told him to do in the event this ever happened, he runs. Superman is able to perform CRP and revives Mr. Kent. Batman wants to get the heck out of there, but it is too late they are involved. Jonathan comes too and assumes that Superman is Clark's father. Kent starts begging Superman to not take his son away. They try to explain it is a misunderstanding and Superman knows that Batman is right and they need to get out of there. It is hard though, he wants nothing more than to talk to his dad.
Back in the present day at Kent farm Jon is waking up. Superman is still narrating about all the things he would tell his parents if given the chance. Lois greets Jon who had fallen asleep at the window. She tells him not to worry about his dad, that he always comes home. Jon shouldn't live in fear because his dad, Diana, and Bruce will never let anything happen to him.
Young Clark is hiding in a cave, crying because he thinks his dad is dead. A small voice starts talking to him so he follows it deeper into the cave. Back at the Kent farm of the past, Mr. Kent is showing our trio the spaceship that brought his son to Earth. The ship has the same S that Superman wears. Superman may not be Clark's bio father, but Mr. Kent will put his fears aside if it can lead to the truth about Clark.
All the hero's pile into Mr. Kent's truck (I love it) and head out of town to where Mr. Kent thinks young Clark will be. Batman has a whisper conversation with Wonder Woman about affecting the timeline, but also how Superman is distracted. Wonder Woman tells him to chill and enjoy this moment.
Jonathan Kent starts to grill Superman. He is no dummy and obviously Superman knows that he is connected to Clark. Superman tells him that he isn't Clark's dad but he does have a son. Jonathan asks him if his son is super powered like he is and Superman tells him that he is. Well Jonathan isn't super powered and he has done all he can to protect his son, but now these three have broken down that wall. Maybe that is the best way to find answers for his Clark. Jonathan points out how nice it is that Superman has friends to help him.
Batman figures out where little Clark is and heads that way and Wonder Woman follows. Superman suddenly gets sick and falls into the river. Jonathan pulls him out and is like, wft, you can't swim (something like that). Superman, in a state of recovery, drops a lot of stuff about how great of a dad Mr. Kent is. Batman and Wonder Woman return with little Clark. Father and son are reunited and Batman figures out there is Kryptonite in the water, but wonders why little Clark wasn’t affected.
Back in the now, Jon notices all the plants growing on the side of the barn. Someone walks up and tells Jon the seed grew just like he was told they would. (Pretty sure it is Poison Ivy rocking a crazy plant beard.) She scolds Jon for taking treats from strangers as she gently makes him go to sleep. Inside the barn we see that Bruce, Clark, and Diana are also all asleep and Poison Ivy is indeed up to something.
Better Together, Part Three: Nobody Dies Tonight: Batman is narrating as we see his family exit the movies. The movie is Zorro and while Batman thinks, "Nobody dies tonight." He knows it isn't true, his parents will die tonight and a part of him will too. Up on a roof our three heroes are clearly in Gotham. Batman jumps down, not understanding how he was in the wrong place, missing the chance to see his parents alive one more time and is feeling lost in his own city.
Back at the Kent farm Lois is banging on the barn door, looking for Jon. She thinks he is still feeling bad about blasting Bruce with his heat vision. She can't get the door open and when she sees Jon's abandoned hat she becomes officially worried.
In Gotham a young Bruce Wayne is speaking with who is soon revealed to be Dr. Quinzel (aka Harley Quinn). He is telling her about a nightmare he's had and is asking for her help. She seems to be giving him sound advice.
Batman is narrating that this is wrong, the details are all wrong. He doesn't mean the scene with the Doctor because we see our three heroes are now on a rooftop again somewhere in the city. Batman tells Wonder Woman and Superman that this is not his Gotham. He knows every ally and street. He previously thought they might be in the past, but it seems more likely they are in a different world. It is unclear what they are doing or who brought them to this world. Wonder Woman figures Wayne Tower is as good a place as any to find some answers.
Alfred is talking to young Bruce back at the manor. He is trying to comfort Bruce, but Bruce isn't really feeling it and snaps at him. When Bruce turns to apologize he is face to face with a fiery ghost horse whose ride is indeed very scary looking. It comes at Bruce and they both break through the large window that is no longer at Wayne Manor but Wayne Tower. (Look I checked, the scene for sure seems to start at the house and then move to the tower. I am just going to assume dream logic.)
Superman catches Bruce, but the poor kid sees a monster and squirms away from him. This time Batman, also looking like a monster, catches him and we understand the horse and rider were in fact Alfred. (I think that some scarecrow fear toxin is at play here.) Batman is trying to convince young Bruce and himself that the deaths in his life were not his fault. Wonder Woman tries to step in and use her lasso to show young Bruce the truth. To Bruce she looks like a minotaur with a giant chain. The lasso does work and in the next shot our heroes are gone as Alfred helps a confused Bruce to his feet.
Up on what I can only assume is another Gotham roof Batman admits to how much he is struggling with how his actions seem to affect those he loves. He is having a hard time facing his family, so he went to the dinner figuring it would be easier to be around strangers. Superman reminds Batman that Tim was not his fault and that this is who they are and it is who their sons will be too. In that moment he realizes that they will all need to be prepared, not just protected. Wonder Woman understands loss the best, pointing out that self blame belittles the sacrifice made by those who have died. They may not understand the world they are in but together they can do anything. They will have to trust each other.
This volume ends with a crash. Literally Lois crashes the old truck right into the barn door and sees Ivy holding her son. She is not happy y'all!
Thoughts: Okay look, I love this dream team. This is DC bread and butter at its best. I am happy to see them all working together again. All this new Superman business has had me on edge wishing they could all just be friends again. I think that is the goal, but we will have to wait for part two to find out for sure! Also super curious who Ivy is working with?
The very talented Francis Manapul is the writer for this volume. He was also the artist for issues 1,2, and 5. Seems like issue 3 was done by guest artists Clay Mann and Jack Herbert. So far issue 3 is my favorite, but I might be a bit of a fangirl for Clay Mann. Issues 4 and 6 the artist was Emanuela Lupacchino and I look forward to posting some clips of her work in part two. Click on the names if you want to check out their Twitter feeds. See you all later this week!
Last Week: Action Comics Volume 2: Welcome to the Planet, Part 1
Action Comics Volume 2: Welcome to the Planet, Part 2
Next Post: Trinity Volume 1: Better Together, Part 2
Note: All images belong to DC™
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