Batman/Superman Volume 1, issue 1-4, Cross World Volume 1, issue 1-4, Cross World.

A dynamic, intelligent, and odd tale that pits younger, alternate versions of Superman and Batman against older, more experienced versions of themselves. Evil goddess Kaiyo-minion to Darkseid-transports the four heroes from place to place "like chess pieces" to compete against one another to prove who is strongest. In a strange parallel world, Batman and Catwoman are married and Superman hasn't yet begun dating Wonder Woman. Awe-inspiring art by Lee (The Dark Tower; Hellshock) presents moody, dark, angular people and structures. Shadowy black spires fill a surreal Gotham City skyline, weird technorobots run amok, and a wispy, fiery Kaiyo appears and disappears at will. Heated battles erupt. Veteran Batman takes on young Superman (who can't fly yet but leaps into the sky); Wonder Woman tackles Kaiyo; young Bats squares off against old Bats; and young Supes wallops veteran Superman a few times. Writer Pak (Incredible Hulk) includes clever twists on well-known characters and plenty of smashing and crashing. Verdict More appealing on a second reading. Keeping track of which Superman and Batman populate a given panel is difficult, despite small visual cues. Wonderful coloring aptly conveys atmosphere, from insidious blacks and greys and muted tans to splashy bright oranges and blues. Fans of DC's "Elseworld" stories may appreciate the issues collected here more than others.-Jeffrey W. Hunter, Royal Oak, MI (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.