DC’s universe, flipped. What if Superman were raised in Ukraine and Batman an enemy of the soviet state? This mini-series deals with themes of personality, tolerance, and nature against nurture. The art is beautiful and clean, the splashes memorable.

Very possibly, darling, but at least Lex Luthor is a demagogue who speaks English.

Why I read it: A full-length animated movie version came out this year, and after people pointed out that the ending was different than in the original script, I decided to read the comic.

Review

You already know Mark Millar, the writer, from the big screen. He wrote the original books behind:

• Kingsman
• Civil War
• Old Man Logan

The re-imagination of the universe features many characters beyond Batman and Superman. Bizarro is a good guy who sacrifices himself for the greater good. Lois is Lois Luthor. Batman’s parents were killed by the Russian police.

It asks good questions:

• Is your personality and character innate or is it the product of your environment?
• Are farmers in Kolkhoze (Ukraine) very different to the ones in Smallville?

“Even if everything works, am I too authoritarian ?” asks Superman

I’m still unsure why Lois staying with Lex. She’s clearly unhappy in their relationship. Unless her personality is also flipped ? She’s not an enamoured 14-year-old.

Batman was well done! Ideologically super good. I don’t see a reason to give Batman Ushanka. Doesn’t he have professional gear? I guess it’s to make the soviet context more obvious. It’s very interesting to see the turn that Superman takes from book 3 as he becomes more tyrannical.\