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Batman/Superman (2019)
Batman/Superman, Vol. 1: Who are the Secret Six?
Batman teams up with the Man of Steel to track down and help those who have been infected by a ravenous, mutated Joker virus. Just one problem: they don't know who they are.
A virus is spreading, and it's not just after innocent people, but some of our most powerful heroes as well. The biggest question isn't why or how, but who?
The Batman Who Laughs was one of the premier villains crawling his way from the depths of the Dark Multiverse and wreaking havoc on the DC Universe. Now he has been infecting some of the biggest heroes across the world with a mutated version of the Joker virus that is coursing through him.
Cue the team-up of two of the greatest superheroes in history: Batman and Superman. They decide to work together to find out who is infected and hopefully cure them before it's too late.
Collects: Batman/Superman (2019) #1-6.
A virus is spreading, and it's not just after innocent people, but some of our most powerful heroes as well. The biggest question isn't why or how, but who?
The Batman Who Laughs was one of the premier villains crawling his way from the depths of the Dark Multiverse and wreaking havoc on the DC Universe. Now he has been infecting some of the biggest heroes across the world with a mutated version of the Joker virus that is coursing through him.
Cue the team-up of two of the greatest superheroes in history: Batman and Superman. They decide to work together to find out who is infected and hopefully cure them before it's too late.
Collects: Batman/Superman (2019) #1-6.
160 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2020
158 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 20, 2020
Batman and Superman team up to try and stop The Batman Who Laughs from infecting six heroes (The Secret Six) with the Joker's toxin. This is a follow-up to Scott Snyder's The Batman Who Laughs. Williamson does a good job of keeping the plot simpler than Snyder has in his recent indecipherable work. I liked seeing the dark reimagining of some of Earth's heroes.
David Marquez's art is exquisite. He's really turned up a notch coming over to DC. I like the slight textures he's added.
David Marquez's art is exquisite. He's really turned up a notch coming over to DC. I like the slight textures he's added.
February 28, 2020
Overall pretty forgettable and I'm so tired of the Batman who Laughs.
Batman who laughs is fucking contained in the bottom of the Justice League hall and yet he's still up to NO good. Just kill this fucking guy already. He ain't even from the same universe, who cares? So have Batman and Superman team up to stop his plan of infecting everyone but is it too late? Has the guy succeed?
I'll be honest the art is really the saving grace here. Sometimes beautiful, with awesome action shots, that's what made me finish this one. Willliamson doesn't add much except some decent dialog for Batman and Superman, and also make the ending pretty different. The rest? Cliche as can be, and it's just one big brawl. Nothing new. Nothing worth reading till this year of villains is over.
A 2.5 out of 5.
Batman who laughs is fucking contained in the bottom of the Justice League hall and yet he's still up to NO good. Just kill this fucking guy already. He ain't even from the same universe, who cares? So have Batman and Superman team up to stop his plan of infecting everyone but is it too late? Has the guy succeed?
I'll be honest the art is really the saving grace here. Sometimes beautiful, with awesome action shots, that's what made me finish this one. Willliamson doesn't add much except some decent dialog for Batman and Superman, and also make the ending pretty different. The rest? Cliche as can be, and it's just one big brawl. Nothing new. Nothing worth reading till this year of villains is over.
A 2.5 out of 5.
March 27, 2022
In order to understand this, you need to know that this follows on directly from The Batman Who Laughs trade. But that won’t make any sense unless you have read Dark Nights: Metal. And to be fair, that only really makes complete sense if you have read Final Crisis, Scott Snyder’s New 52 Batman run, and the two Dark Days one-shots.
Such is the state of DC lately, where the sprawling universe doesn’t so much afford opportunities to enjoy varied stories as it seems to assign its core fans just a whole lot of homework.
The first time I read this, I enjoyed it well enough, but I didn’t really get it. I mean, there’s a Batman who is the Joker but also Bruce Wayne from the Dark Multiverse who is trapped under the Hall of Justice and how exactly does he see through metal again? I got the impression that I was missing something going in, which is not a good way to start when you’re reading a #1 issue, which is supposed to be new reader friendly. Before my second reading, though, I read The Road To Metal, then Dark Nights: Metal, then The Batman Who Laughs, and I had already read Scott Snyder’s New 52 Batman run and now I finally understood what was happening! Seriously, the world of Batman and the Justice League has become an exceptionally complicated and convoluted place under Scott Snyder’s watch. New reader friendly, it is not.
So, following my second reading, I got more out of this. The story and characterisations are solid, David Marquez does an amazing job on art duties (seriously, it’s so clean and beautifully rendered - so cool) and crucially, it actually made sense with the over 500 pages of context it needed to finally hold together.
An enjoyable trade, if you’ve done your DC-mandated homework. Otherwise, maybe read a Wikipedia plot summary or something before taking this on.
Such is the state of DC lately, where the sprawling universe doesn’t so much afford opportunities to enjoy varied stories as it seems to assign its core fans just a whole lot of homework.
The first time I read this, I enjoyed it well enough, but I didn’t really get it. I mean, there’s a Batman who is the Joker but also Bruce Wayne from the Dark Multiverse who is trapped under the Hall of Justice and how exactly does he see through metal again? I got the impression that I was missing something going in, which is not a good way to start when you’re reading a #1 issue, which is supposed to be new reader friendly. Before my second reading, though, I read The Road To Metal, then Dark Nights: Metal, then The Batman Who Laughs, and I had already read Scott Snyder’s New 52 Batman run and now I finally understood what was happening! Seriously, the world of Batman and the Justice League has become an exceptionally complicated and convoluted place under Scott Snyder’s watch. New reader friendly, it is not.
So, following my second reading, I got more out of this. The story and characterisations are solid, David Marquez does an amazing job on art duties (seriously, it’s so clean and beautifully rendered - so cool) and crucially, it actually made sense with the over 500 pages of context it needed to finally hold together.
An enjoyable trade, if you’ve done your DC-mandated homework. Otherwise, maybe read a Wikipedia plot summary or something before taking this on.
December 17, 2021
Well that was the best looking comic that I've ever uttered the sound "meh" for. But, meh. The artwork though? I thought it was striking. David Marquez is a solid talent. But the story? It's unfortunately tied into the mediocre Batman Who Laughs crap.
So this beautiful art is wasted on a story where Batman has diced to put the evil Batman in a cell under the Justice League (why?). Turns out to be a bad idea. Evil Batman corrupts six members (hence the "Who are the Secret Six?") and now Batman and Superman must team up. It's just them getting infected/not fighting JLA members who are infected. Yay. Is it terrible? No. But is there a lot here? No.
Still I liked it overall with a hearty meh. Nice art though.
So this beautiful art is wasted on a story where Batman has diced to put the evil Batman in a cell under the Justice League (why?). Turns out to be a bad idea. Evil Batman corrupts six members (hence the "Who are the Secret Six?") and now Batman and Superman must team up. It's just them getting infected/not fighting JLA members who are infected. Yay. Is it terrible? No. But is there a lot here? No.
Still I liked it overall with a hearty meh. Nice art though.
October 28, 2021
THIS WAS SO GOOD!
It tells the tale of Superman and Batman finally confronting the Batman who laughs but this nightmare version has infected Shazam and the other heroes and so suspicion arises as to who could be infected and well that begins the quest to solve this case and well close friends and family fall and also great twist with Donna and Jamie and the darkness when unleashed what will happen, who will win this was between Superman and Batman vs Batman who Laughs. And when Wonder Woman finds out about it how is it gonna affect the trinity?
Its an excellent book with so many twists and turns and its perfect the way its done, Josh really gets under the skin of the characters and explores them for their personality and the lines he writes for BWOL are terrifying but well done and also that taunts to Superman wow plus the way this book weaves together continuity is perfect. Some of the best for sure. And the artwork is godsend, some of the most beautiful panels out there for sure. All in all its a perfect book with stunning artwork and moments and a must read.
It tells the tale of Superman and Batman finally confronting the Batman who laughs but this nightmare version has infected Shazam and the other heroes and so suspicion arises as to who could be infected and well that begins the quest to solve this case and well close friends and family fall and also great twist with Donna and Jamie and the darkness when unleashed what will happen, who will win this was between Superman and Batman vs Batman who Laughs. And when Wonder Woman finds out about it how is it gonna affect the trinity?
Its an excellent book with so many twists and turns and its perfect the way its done, Josh really gets under the skin of the characters and explores them for their personality and the lines he writes for BWOL are terrifying but well done and also that taunts to Superman wow plus the way this book weaves together continuity is perfect. Some of the best for sure. And the artwork is godsend, some of the most beautiful panels out there for sure. All in all its a perfect book with stunning artwork and moments and a must read.
December 7, 2020
I like the art alot and the story had potential but im done with The Batman who laughs. It just hasn't been a compelling character.
March 9, 2025
Continuing the stories revolving around and stemming from Dark Nights: Metal, Batman and Superman are faced with a legion of six heroes turned into villains, while in the previous book in the chronological reading on GoodReads 'Year of the Villain: The Infected' we get to know before hand the identities of the six, we are treated to their presence as a mystery unfolding in this volume with all of them getting revealed one by one, so I guess the order of these two books is better reversed with The Infected being read after this.
The chronology moves on to 'Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen' next, so this calls for a choice, either to go down this branch and continue the remaining volumes of Batman/ Superman, or continue the 'Metal' arc and then revert back to this branch later on, I guess my choice will be held at the tie of reading my next comic.
The volume is quite satisfactory, buiding on the differences in opinion that both heroes have in approaching their problematic villains, and the extent to which a hero should use his power in crime fighting, the thin line between fighting villains and becoming one to defeat one.
MiM
The chronology moves on to 'Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen' next, so this calls for a choice, either to go down this branch and continue the remaining volumes of Batman/ Superman, or continue the 'Metal' arc and then revert back to this branch later on, I guess my choice will be held at the tie of reading my next comic.
The volume is quite satisfactory, buiding on the differences in opinion that both heroes have in approaching their problematic villains, and the extent to which a hero should use his power in crime fighting, the thin line between fighting villains and becoming one to defeat one.
MiM
November 8, 2020
It's always a good time when Batman and Superman work together, and DC has been publishing team-up books starring the two of them for decades. This volume is the newest series and it starts off with a bang. The story is a major chapter in what is going on in DC right now, featuring the Batman Who Laughs. While investigating a missing girl, Bats and Supes stumble onto a plot by the imprisoned Batman Who Laughs to infect six major characters across the DC universe with energy from the Dark Multiverse, so they can do his bidding and ultimately turn our world into a corrupted version of itself similar to his own.
This book occurs during the Year of the Villain initiative that Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV are in charge of, and here, Joshua Willaimson's story is more grounded and well-written than much of the stuff happening during all of this. Williamson really has a knack for the interplay between these two larger-than-life but very different characters and their mutual respect or one another. And it's always refreshing to see Batman doing some real detective work in the midst of all the craziness. The investigating here is one of my favorite things about this. But once all of the Infected get revealed, the superhero action is also equally compelling, as David Marquez gets to really flex his art muscles. And who wouldn’t want to see Wonder Woman give both Bats and Supes a scolding and put them in time out.
Also, check out some supplemental reading with Year of the Villain: The Infected, which highlight the different infected heroes revealed here, which helps to sweeten the experience of reading this. But before reading this, it's important to be generally familiar with the Batman Who Laughs and the Dark Multiverse, so I recommend reading the Dark Nights: Metal main event, the tie-in book, Dark Nights: Metal - Dark Knights Rising, and the miniseries The Batman Who Laughs, which works as a prequel to this.
This book occurs during the Year of the Villain initiative that Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV are in charge of, and here, Joshua Willaimson's story is more grounded and well-written than much of the stuff happening during all of this. Williamson really has a knack for the interplay between these two larger-than-life but very different characters and their mutual respect or one another. And it's always refreshing to see Batman doing some real detective work in the midst of all the craziness. The investigating here is one of my favorite things about this. But once all of the Infected get revealed, the superhero action is also equally compelling, as David Marquez gets to really flex his art muscles. And who wouldn’t want to see Wonder Woman give both Bats and Supes a scolding and put them in time out.
Also, check out some supplemental reading with Year of the Villain: The Infected, which highlight the different infected heroes revealed here, which helps to sweeten the experience of reading this. But before reading this, it's important to be generally familiar with the Batman Who Laughs and the Dark Multiverse, so I recommend reading the Dark Nights: Metal main event, the tie-in book, Dark Nights: Metal - Dark Knights Rising, and the miniseries The Batman Who Laughs, which works as a prequel to this.
January 18, 2022
75% | B+ | Great
"Is someone going to explain to me why all our friends have a metal fetish now?"
I always go into Batman and Superman stories excited as I am basic and these two are my favourite superheroes of all time, making team-ups between them a must read for me. This is miles better than the previous part because, unlike The Batman Who Laughs, this is actually a fun read. Bruce and Clark play off each other really well, and there are some other nice character appearances, the standout for me being Diana. . Absolute blast of a book which does the impossible and makes me glad that I've read The Batman Who Laughs.
"Is someone going to explain to me why all our friends have a metal fetish now?"
The Batman Who Laughs has infected various heroes, and it's up to Batman and Superman to team up and take down some of the most deadly foes they've ever faced
I always go into Batman and Superman stories excited as I am basic and these two are my favourite superheroes of all time, making team-ups between them a must read for me. This is miles better than the previous part because, unlike The Batman Who Laughs, this is actually a fun read. Bruce and Clark play off each other really well, and there are some other nice character appearances, the standout for me being Diana. . Absolute blast of a book which does the impossible and makes me glad that I've read The Batman Who Laughs.
August 11, 2022
Well, I always like an appearance by the World's Finest. The art is good, the characterization as well, but the plot and the dialog felt... meh (at leat to me). Maybe I just didn't want this to be my introduction to the "Batman Who Laughs" and the "Dark Multiverse". Andddd... the soi disant "Secret Six" are not the past team-up of villains, these are just secret long enough to fool Bats, Supes, and the reader.
July 10, 2020
Fantastic. A Batman & Superman team up with incredible stakes and lots of action. Joshua Williamson and the artist David Marquez killed on this title in my humble opinion. I got to say Marquez art is pretty good here as well. I really enjoyed the story in this volume. I was very curious about how important this book was going to be in the lead up to the Dark Nights: Death Metal crossover event. I was greatly surprise and please that this story is quite important. Basically Batman and Superman try to secretly without notifying the Justice League to deal with the threat of the Batman who laughs an evil jokerized version of Bruce Wayne from the Dark Multiverse. Chronically this story takes place after Dark Nights: Metal & The Batman Who Laughs by Scott Snyder. LOL, For some strange reason Bruce & Clark believed keeping this secret from the league was a good idea but in true comic book fashion this blows up in their face. What's great about this story is that Williamson really digs deep into the reason why Superman and Batman are counter measures for each other if either of them went bad or rogue. The book also feels like a bit of a critique on much of the bad decisions and dark outcomes that have occurred in the DC universe. This includes the fallout of destroying the source wall at the end of Dark Night Metal and the stupid decision to create Sanctuary in Heroes in Crisis.
The truth is that the super hero community has not been heroic as of late in the DC universe. I really enjoyed all the action and suspense in this book. I was never sure where the story was going to go. Even though Superman and Batman win a small victory they still lose some friends & the trust of their Justice league companions. The Batman who laughs does get the upper hand but our heroes are not giving up. I am excited to read the next volume where get a face off between Ras Al Ghul and General Zod. Definitely a fun read. I'd also suggest reading the following comic book work by Joshua Williamson: Birthright, Vol. 1: Homecoming &The Flash, Vol. 1: Lightning Strikes Twice. He also cowrote Batman/The Flash: The Button Deluxe Edition with Tom King which I enjoyed as well.
The truth is that the super hero community has not been heroic as of late in the DC universe. I really enjoyed all the action and suspense in this book. I was never sure where the story was going to go. Even though Superman and Batman win a small victory they still lose some friends & the trust of their Justice league companions. The Batman who laughs does get the upper hand but our heroes are not giving up. I am excited to read the next volume where get a face off between Ras Al Ghul and General Zod. Definitely a fun read. I'd also suggest reading the following comic book work by Joshua Williamson: Birthright, Vol. 1: Homecoming &The Flash, Vol. 1: Lightning Strikes Twice. He also cowrote Batman/The Flash: The Button Deluxe Edition with Tom King which I enjoyed as well.
March 7, 2021
Pretty cool.
The art was awesome, the story was action packed with lots of satisfying splash pages. The story was cool and featured The Batman Who Laughs, which I’ve come to love as a villain.
All that being said, it was a little convoluted and almost too fast paced for me to fully enjoy. Every DC thing lately just seems so weird and reality bending. I kinda want some more grounded stories now.
Still wanna read Year of the Villain though.
The art was awesome, the story was action packed with lots of satisfying splash pages. The story was cool and featured The Batman Who Laughs, which I’ve come to love as a villain.
All that being said, it was a little convoluted and almost too fast paced for me to fully enjoy. Every DC thing lately just seems so weird and reality bending. I kinda want some more grounded stories now.
Still wanna read Year of the Villain though.
February 7, 2022
Kinda Meh
While I love Batman and Superman stories, this one just kinda felt meh. It wasn't bad, but it just wasn't something memorable. The reason why I dislike it is the reason for the conflict - lack of communication. It has a lot of wasted potential unfortunately. One thing I really love about it though is the artwork! It's amazing.
While I love Batman and Superman stories, this one just kinda felt meh. It wasn't bad, but it just wasn't something memorable. The reason why I dislike it is the reason for the conflict - lack of communication. It has a lot of wasted potential unfortunately. One thing I really love about it though is the artwork! It's amazing.
May 4, 2024
I just can't really get into the Batman Who Laughs. He's got a Clive Barker vibe and he seems like a great villain, but whatever reason his stories never quite grab me. I think it's because the whole Dark Nights Metal thing was so confusing it sort of hurt my interest.
In any case, in this volume we see Superman and Batman team up against the Batman Who Laughs, who has infected six heroes that are allies of the pair. The resolution wasn't exactly satisfying, but the story and art were decent enough. Just like the Batman Who Laughs limited series, however, it just feels like it's missing something.
In any case, in this volume we see Superman and Batman team up against the Batman Who Laughs, who has infected six heroes that are allies of the pair. The resolution wasn't exactly satisfying, but the story and art were decent enough. Just like the Batman Who Laughs limited series, however, it just feels like it's missing something.
May 12, 2020
Okay...so we're reading comic books. I get that. But it's tough to take them even a little seriously (and that's they want with these GRITTY post-metal books) when every page has someone referring to a bad guy as 'The Batman Who Laughs'. Like....it's so disconnecting. Just a bunch of hot nonsense.
April 22, 2020
This Batman who laughs thing needs to end sooner rather than later. The art was the only really worthwhile thing here
June 14, 2020
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
The Dark Nights: Metal event changed the DC universe forever by introducing the dark multiverse. All it took was a mystery too important for Batman to ignore to trigger a chain of events that could never be undone. While the world is still recuperating from this new reality and dealing with various other new threats slipping into their world from unknown parts of these multiverses, there remains one villain from this dark multiverse that continues to live in their world: The Batman Who Laughs. Being an alternate Batman who killed the Joker and was exposed to a devastating toxin that fused both entities together, the world was not ready for a psychopathic mastermind with no regard for human life. In writer Joshua Williamson's hands now lies a brand-new series where two of the greatest heroes of all time join forces to stop an evil plot that will put some of their dearest allies in danger.
What is Batman/Superman: Who Are the Secret Six? about? Following up on the events that took place in The Batman Who Laughs, this story sends Batman and Superman looking into the sudden appearance of a mutated Joker virus. With the Batman Who Laughs having wreaked havoc on the DC universe ever since he surged out of the dark multiverse, the safety of the world has never been this much of a fragile concept. Despite knowing what this new virus could do, their hunt leaves them wondering who might be the next target and when will it happen. It's up to the World's Finest duo to figure this out before the maniacal plans of the Batman Who Laughs cause any more trouble than necessary.
I think a villain with a name like “Batman Who Laughs” should never have their name said out loud during dialogues. It's near impossible to take it seriously, even if he remains one of writer Scott Snyder's creations that will have you quaking in your boots at the mere thought of him. It's also a bit difficult for this series to really take off and remain pertinent when the whole narrative is based on this idea that a defeated villain is still able to somehow pull strings and make everyone's lives so much more complicated from "behind bars", especially when he continuously anticipates countless yet-to-be-made decisions by Batman and Superman.
At best, this story remains action-packed and relies heavily on the premise that you'll want to know who are the unlucky six characters who are bound to be infected to ultimately form the Secret Six. Other than the suspense on that matter, there isn't much more being cleverly developed besides writer Joshua Williamson's attempt at genuine chemistry between Batman and Superman as well as a quickly skimmed over attempt at introducing regret in these two heroes who thought hiding the truth from other heroes would prevent a disaster.
The main attraction here remains the artwork, penciled by David Marquez and coloured by Alejandro Sanchez. With zero reproaches in terms of consistency, this creative team developed excellent character designs, fantastic transitions, and brilliant action sequences that quickly reminds the reader that this story features beings with extraordinary powers and magical abilities that are beyond the understanding of science. The colouring is also impressive, managing to strangely balance both the vibrant colours of daylight and the flashy hues of classic suits but also the darker shades with an accent on shadows and the eeriness of the night time. It can be argued that this attempt at featuring both tones takes away a certain horror-full atmosphere that could've been prioritized throughout this story.
Batman/Superman: Who Are the Secret Six? is an action-packed and entertaining story featuring the Batman Who Laughs's evil shenanigans and the cost of secrecy.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
February 13, 2021
I picked this up primarily because of Williamson. While his Flash series has strayed and probably gone for too long, for the most part I like his writing. It's not necessarily deep, but usually fun and entertaining.
And that's pretty much what this was. It didn't do an outstanding job of filling me in on what went before though. There was a previous conflict with the Batman Who Laughs which drives all of this and you just have to accept the predicament they are in. Unfortunately, Bats and Supes fall into the same trap that has happened many times over the DC years: they kept secrets and that results in something bad occurring as well as a lost of trust between them and the other heroes. As a long time reader, it's become a tired trope.
I am a sucker for the World's Finest though. Any time they are together and the writer has the two of them analyzing each other, internally respecting the other and both longing to have some of the other's characteristics, all that, I really like and Williamson does that throughout.
A big surprise was the art by Marquez. I've never really seen his stuff before and it was outstanding.
And that's pretty much what this was. It didn't do an outstanding job of filling me in on what went before though. There was a previous conflict with the Batman Who Laughs which drives all of this and you just have to accept the predicament they are in. Unfortunately, Bats and Supes fall into the same trap that has happened many times over the DC years: they kept secrets and that results in something bad occurring as well as a lost of trust between them and the other heroes. As a long time reader, it's become a tired trope.
I am a sucker for the World's Finest though. Any time they are together and the writer has the two of them analyzing each other, internally respecting the other and both longing to have some of the other's characteristics, all that, I really like and Williamson does that throughout.
A big surprise was the art by Marquez. I've never really seen his stuff before and it was outstanding.
July 7, 2021
They’ve once again rebooted Batman/Superman, but it’s still alternate universe bad guys all the way down. This was better than the previous incarnation from a few years ago, but that’s hardly saying much. The good stuff Williamson brings here is that Batman and Superman do actually trust each other, and they both lose repeatedly when their plans go south. Aside from that it doesn’t feel like there will be any real changes here. Once again the art is spectacular. It’d be nice if David Marquez weren’t wasted on these inconsequential stories. It’d be cool if Superman were really allowed to cut loose for a change. Even in Injustice he’s always holding back.
It *is* interesting how so many of these DC books over the past few years — most of them written and published well before 2020 — are all about disease. DCeased, Earth 2, Batman/Superman, Action Comics… it’s like they sensed something was coming.
It *is* interesting how so many of these DC books over the past few years — most of them written and published well before 2020 — are all about disease. DCeased, Earth 2, Batman/Superman, Action Comics… it’s like they sensed something was coming.
July 31, 2024
3.25
the best random comic ive read . im actually interested in picking up the whole series
the best random comic ive read . im actually interested in picking up the whole series
October 30, 2020
Who Are The Secret Six? The Batman Who Laughs isn't content with being the only Dark Multiverse twisted freak, and wants a team of his own. And the only ones standing in his way are Batman and Superman!
I mean, it's a bit of a moot question because DC announced who they all were before the series launched, but details. The story's great fun regardless. There are a lot of rumbles about the Secret Six in other DC books, but this is where we really get to dig into the nitty gritty of why, and how, they're assembled. Batman and Superman's links to at least two of them are really well used by writer Joshua Williamson, and the fight scenes get bigger and badder as the series goes on. There's definitely a sense of to-be-continued which doesn't get resolved here since this is just part of a bigger storyline, but it's good ol' superhero fun right from the beginning. We've had a lot of hero-vs-hero stories over the years, but this is a nice twist on the usual formula.
Artwise, every issue is pencilled by David Marquez. The colours from Alejandro Sanchez give the book a far different feel from other Marquez outings that were coloured by Justin Ponsor (RIP), but it helps separate Marquez's Marvel and DC works.
Batman/Superman has existed in a few different iterations across the years, but this new series puts the friendship between the two characters, their differences, their similiarties, and their villains as the Year Of The Villain smashes headfirst into the pair of them.
I mean, it's a bit of a moot question because DC announced who they all were before the series launched, but details. The story's great fun regardless. There are a lot of rumbles about the Secret Six in other DC books, but this is where we really get to dig into the nitty gritty of why, and how, they're assembled. Batman and Superman's links to at least two of them are really well used by writer Joshua Williamson, and the fight scenes get bigger and badder as the series goes on. There's definitely a sense of to-be-continued which doesn't get resolved here since this is just part of a bigger storyline, but it's good ol' superhero fun right from the beginning. We've had a lot of hero-vs-hero stories over the years, but this is a nice twist on the usual formula.
Artwise, every issue is pencilled by David Marquez. The colours from Alejandro Sanchez give the book a far different feel from other Marquez outings that were coloured by Justin Ponsor (RIP), but it helps separate Marquez's Marvel and DC works.
Batman/Superman has existed in a few different iterations across the years, but this new series puts the friendship between the two characters, their differences, their similiarties, and their villains as the Year Of The Villain smashes headfirst into the pair of them.
June 12, 2021
Basic Plot: Batman and Superman fight against the Batman Who Laughs as he infects heroes of our Earth.
I feel like I'm reading a lot of books all out of order. Thankfully, I'm still able to follow the stories, so that's good. This book is a major tie in to various ongoing storylines in the DCU: Metal, Year of the Villain, and more. The story actually does help tie together a lot of threads in my head that seemed to be dangling loose in other books. I enjoyed this story quite a bit. The characters pulled in as infected were unexpected, and I liked that. The art was not consistent, but it was consistently good. Except the panel that showed Wonder Woman's boobs as perfectly spherical. That artist needs to be slapped upside the head.
I feel like I'm reading a lot of books all out of order. Thankfully, I'm still able to follow the stories, so that's good. This book is a major tie in to various ongoing storylines in the DCU: Metal, Year of the Villain, and more. The story actually does help tie together a lot of threads in my head that seemed to be dangling loose in other books. I enjoyed this story quite a bit. The characters pulled in as infected were unexpected, and I liked that. The art was not consistent, but it was consistently good. Except the panel that showed Wonder Woman's boobs as perfectly spherical. That artist needs to be slapped upside the head.
January 6, 2026
4/5🌟
As someone who hasn’t read The Batman Who Laughs yet but familiar with the concept, I actually really enjoyed this. Superman and Batman are a great duo despite their constant tension and arguing. Despite being a little confusing at times, this was a fun story especially with the multiverse aspect being utilized. I however did not anticipate the Duo being lured to an infected version of Shazam out of every character in the league. I loved how we were under the impression that this was just a kidnapping of a child, a possible hostage being infected until it shows up as an infected Robin, who reveals himself as Billy, therefore his appearance as Shazam.
I’d love to read the next volume in this to uncover the ‘secrets’ and maybe I will.
As someone who hasn’t read The Batman Who Laughs yet but familiar with the concept, I actually really enjoyed this. Superman and Batman are a great duo despite their constant tension and arguing. Despite being a little confusing at times, this was a fun story especially with the multiverse aspect being utilized. I however did not anticipate the Duo being lured to an infected version of Shazam out of every character in the league. I loved how we were under the impression that this was just a kidnapping of a child, a possible hostage being infected until it shows up as an infected Robin, who reveals himself as Billy, therefore his appearance as Shazam.
I’d love to read the next volume in this to uncover the ‘secrets’ and maybe I will.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2021
I don’t know why I expected this to be a self-contained story. If I knew it wasn’t, I probably would’ve passed from reading it.
Now that I have… Well, it’s an ok story. I want to find out what happens next but really I’m not satisfied. I feel like there was nothing special, not the problem, not the consequences, not the posible solutions.
The best things about this volume were the art and the letters. The sketches and the colors were amazing, the cover is actually a great display of what you should expect in each of the panels. The lettering was great too, sometimes even artistic.
Now that I have… Well, it’s an ok story. I want to find out what happens next but really I’m not satisfied. I feel like there was nothing special, not the problem, not the consequences, not the posible solutions.
The best things about this volume were the art and the letters. The sketches and the colors were amazing, the cover is actually a great display of what you should expect in each of the panels. The lettering was great too, sometimes even artistic.
July 27, 2022
English/Spanish review:
Hey this is cool,yeah,tho is another fucking comic related to Batman Who Laughs,this was hugely cool:
This is my introduction to World's Finest and I'm glad to be here for it. There's lots of fun about this: when they're fighting it almost seems like they're having fun,the League gossipping,WW getting mad as she's left behind,old Gordon's batsuit showing up,mad Superman,the gorgeous art. I'm all for it.
What I didn't like,as always is the whole BWL plot. The infected characters were stupid. There's "noo this ain't you" dialogue,the infected actually shout out loud "you won't win,world's finest" a few times and the character elections are strange,did they pick up the least succesful characters they have? Also,why Gordon? He barely can shoot that gun,he smokes too much.
Recommended if you want an introduction to World's Finest.
Español:
Che,esto es genial,sí,otro puto cómic relacionado con Batman Who Laughs,pero la pasé bien:
Esta es mi introducción a World's Finest y estoy feliz de estar acá. Hay mucha diversión en esto: cuando pelean casi parece que se están divirtiendo,la forma en la que interactuan a pesar de sus diferencias para hacer planes,los chismes de la Liga,WW enojándose cuando la dejan atrás,aparece el traje de murciélago del viejo Gordon,Superman enojado,el hermoso arte. Estoy totalmente adentro.
Lo que no me gustó,como siempre,es toda la trama de BWL. Los personajes infectados eran estúpidos. Hay diálogos de "noo,este no sos vos",los infectados literalmente gritan en voz alta "no ganarán,World's Finest" unas cuantas veces ¿qué es esto,los 70? Las elecciones de personajes son raras ¿eligieron los personajes menos exitosos que tienen? Además ¿por qué Gordon? Apenas puede disparar esa pistola,fuma mucho.
Recomendado si buscas una introducción a World's Finest.
Hey this is cool,yeah,tho is another fucking comic related to Batman Who Laughs,this was hugely cool:
This is my introduction to World's Finest and I'm glad to be here for it. There's lots of fun about this: when they're fighting it almost seems like they're having fun,the League gossipping,WW getting mad as she's left behind,old Gordon's batsuit showing up,mad Superman,the gorgeous art. I'm all for it.
What I didn't like,as always is the whole BWL plot. The infected characters were stupid. There's "noo this ain't you" dialogue,the infected actually shout out loud "you won't win,world's finest" a few times and the character elections are strange,did they pick up the least succesful characters they have? Also,why Gordon? He barely can shoot that gun,he smokes too much.
Recommended if you want an introduction to World's Finest.
Español:
Che,esto es genial,sí,otro puto cómic relacionado con Batman Who Laughs,pero la pasé bien:
Esta es mi introducción a World's Finest y estoy feliz de estar acá. Hay mucha diversión en esto: cuando pelean casi parece que se están divirtiendo,la forma en la que interactuan a pesar de sus diferencias para hacer planes,los chismes de la Liga,WW enojándose cuando la dejan atrás,aparece el traje de murciélago del viejo Gordon,Superman enojado,el hermoso arte. Estoy totalmente adentro.
Lo que no me gustó,como siempre,es toda la trama de BWL. Los personajes infectados eran estúpidos. Hay diálogos de "noo,este no sos vos",los infectados literalmente gritan en voz alta "no ganarán,World's Finest" unas cuantas veces ¿qué es esto,los 70? Las elecciones de personajes son raras ¿eligieron los personajes menos exitosos que tienen? Además ¿por qué Gordon? Apenas puede disparar esa pistola,fuma mucho.
Recomendado si buscas una introducción a World's Finest.
June 4, 2021
Batman/Superman chronicles the adventures of Bruce Wayne as Batman and Clark Kent as Superman. Batman/Superman: Who are the Secret Six? collects the first six chapters of the 2019 series and consists of three interconnected stories: "Who are the Secret Six?", "The Secret Six Strikes!" and "Infection Aftermath".
"Who are the Secret Six?" is a four-issue storyline (Batman/Superman#1–4), "The Secret Six Strikes!" and "Infection Aftermath" are one-issue storylines (Batman/Superman #5 and 6 respectively) has Bruce Wayne as Batman and Clark Kent as Superman teaming up against The Batman Who Laughs of Earth -22 and his team of infected superhero: James Gordon as The Commissioner, Donna Troy as Deathbringer, Billy Batson as King Shazam, Jamie Reyes as Scarab, Carter Hall as Sky Tyrant of Earth 3, and Kara Zor-El as Supergirl.
Joshua Williamson penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written moderately well. Williamson continues and preserves the dual narration inherent to these Batman/Superman series. The Batman side's contribution is notable but small, bringing Superman into the aftermath of the Batman Who Laughs miniseries. The Superman side's contribution is far more significant, though seemingly tacked on. However, the good characterization does not extend to this book's titular Secret Six. Three of these – Shazam, Blue Beetle Jaime Reyes, and Supergirl and are written more like bratty, slang-spewing teenagers.
David Marquez penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the only penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, Marquez's penciling does a good job in depicting the narrative.
All in all, Batman/Superman: Who are the Secret Six? is a satisfactory, but promising beginning to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
"Who are the Secret Six?" is a four-issue storyline (Batman/Superman#1–4), "The Secret Six Strikes!" and "Infection Aftermath" are one-issue storylines (Batman/Superman #5 and 6 respectively) has Bruce Wayne as Batman and Clark Kent as Superman teaming up against The Batman Who Laughs of Earth -22 and his team of infected superhero: James Gordon as The Commissioner, Donna Troy as Deathbringer, Billy Batson as King Shazam, Jamie Reyes as Scarab, Carter Hall as Sky Tyrant of Earth 3, and Kara Zor-El as Supergirl.
Joshua Williamson penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written moderately well. Williamson continues and preserves the dual narration inherent to these Batman/Superman series. The Batman side's contribution is notable but small, bringing Superman into the aftermath of the Batman Who Laughs miniseries. The Superman side's contribution is far more significant, though seemingly tacked on. However, the good characterization does not extend to this book's titular Secret Six. Three of these – Shazam, Blue Beetle Jaime Reyes, and Supergirl and are written more like bratty, slang-spewing teenagers.
David Marquez penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the only penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, Marquez's penciling does a good job in depicting the narrative.
All in all, Batman/Superman: Who are the Secret Six? is a satisfactory, but promising beginning to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
October 6, 2020
Hace unos días un amigo describió este tomo como el "Fear itself" de DC Comics y realmente le dio el clavo.
Tenemos versiones malvadas de héroes.
Tenemos a un Dios tratando de enfrentarlas.
El protagonista se ve obligado a ir más allá de sus límites.
Están tratando de invocar un armatoste gigante de otra dimensión.
Es más fan service que nada.
De todos los cómics que actualemente utilizan el concepto post Batman Metal, o al Batman que ríe, este es el único que fue bastante legible. Y es el que no escribe Snyder, lo que no es impactante es más bien triste.
La trama del tomo es sencilla, tras los sucesos de la mini serie del batman que ríe, vemos que el plan de aquel antagonista continúa y que ahora planeaba infectar a otros personajes, este tomo arranca con aquella infección y con Batman y Superman haciendo equipo para poder descubrir quienes son los infectados.
Nuevamente el Batman que ríe los supera en todo y va un paso adelante de ellos. Aparentemente al final, el verdadero peso de la historia son las mentiras que guardan los héroes, específicamente Batman y Superman. Lamentablemente eso no tiene un peso real al final de la historia, no vemos las consecuencias de esas mentiras. Recuerdo que Snyder usó una técnica parecida al final de su tercer arco en Batman "Death of the Family", al final resultó que Bruce había guardado un secreto muy peligroso para la bati familia, y el final del cómic es corto pero doloroso: la bati familia no asiste al desayuno que les invitó Bruce, enviando el mensaje que ahora estaba solo y que efectivamente la familia había muerto. En el resto de tomos vemos menos apariciones de los miembros de la familia e incluso los tie ins que normalmente se combinaban con el arco de Batman desaparecieron.
Aquí no vemos verdaderas consecuencias, y aunque es obvio que esta historia se conecta con la Justice League de Snyder, Año del villano (obviamente) y con Death Metal, este cómic carece de consecuencias reales. El final es bastante abierto en ese caso y muchas cosas quedan al aire que parece serán retomadas en otras historias, pero, ¿Cuál es el sentido de leer una historia que tienes que comprar otras historias para ver cómo acaba? Esta bien que algunos elementos sean retomados en otros arcos, pero que de plano no haya un final en este tomo para esta historia, no me gustó nada.
Los infectados es un poco de fan service, vemos a algunos personajes en sus versiones oscuras y está bien, pero me gustan más las versiones del multiverso oscuro. Hay una diferencia entre los batmen malvados que vimos en Metal, que eran universos donde algo distinto le pasó a Bruce Wayne que terminaba amalgmándose con otro héroe de manera malvada. Aquí solo vemos a algunos personajes ser infectados por la toxina Joker y el noveno metal, el diseño está interesante pero no los acompaña una historia de origen perturbadora como otros personajes de este estilo.
Cuando empujan a Superman al límite me gustó. Eso fue lo que más me gustó del tomo y por qué le di tres estrellas y no dos. Esa escena cuando Superman entra al Observatorio Oscuro, wow. Batman que ríe a veces es un villano muy interesante, la mayoría de las veces Snyder lo hace demasiado poderoso y caótico que no tiene impacto. Me gustó que en ese momento se siente un impacto real.
Leí este tomo porque estoy leyendo año del villano y me estoy preparando para leer Death Metal (ya sé, no sé porque planeo someterme a esa tortura, pero lo haré por ustedes lectores de reseñas de good reads) y esta es parte importante de la cronología del evento (que es bastante enredada en si) ahora a leer JL Doom.
Tenemos versiones malvadas de héroes.
Tenemos a un Dios tratando de enfrentarlas.
El protagonista se ve obligado a ir más allá de sus límites.
Están tratando de invocar un armatoste gigante de otra dimensión.
Es más fan service que nada.
De todos los cómics que actualemente utilizan el concepto post Batman Metal, o al Batman que ríe, este es el único que fue bastante legible. Y es el que no escribe Snyder, lo que no es impactante es más bien triste.
La trama del tomo es sencilla, tras los sucesos de la mini serie del batman que ríe, vemos que el plan de aquel antagonista continúa y que ahora planeaba infectar a otros personajes, este tomo arranca con aquella infección y con Batman y Superman haciendo equipo para poder descubrir quienes son los infectados.
Nuevamente el Batman que ríe los supera en todo y va un paso adelante de ellos. Aparentemente al final, el verdadero peso de la historia son las mentiras que guardan los héroes, específicamente Batman y Superman. Lamentablemente eso no tiene un peso real al final de la historia, no vemos las consecuencias de esas mentiras. Recuerdo que Snyder usó una técnica parecida al final de su tercer arco en Batman "Death of the Family", al final resultó que Bruce había guardado un secreto muy peligroso para la bati familia, y el final del cómic es corto pero doloroso: la bati familia no asiste al desayuno que les invitó Bruce, enviando el mensaje que ahora estaba solo y que efectivamente la familia había muerto. En el resto de tomos vemos menos apariciones de los miembros de la familia e incluso los tie ins que normalmente se combinaban con el arco de Batman desaparecieron.
Aquí no vemos verdaderas consecuencias, y aunque es obvio que esta historia se conecta con la Justice League de Snyder, Año del villano (obviamente) y con Death Metal, este cómic carece de consecuencias reales. El final es bastante abierto en ese caso y muchas cosas quedan al aire que parece serán retomadas en otras historias, pero, ¿Cuál es el sentido de leer una historia que tienes que comprar otras historias para ver cómo acaba? Esta bien que algunos elementos sean retomados en otros arcos, pero que de plano no haya un final en este tomo para esta historia, no me gustó nada.
Los infectados es un poco de fan service, vemos a algunos personajes en sus versiones oscuras y está bien, pero me gustan más las versiones del multiverso oscuro. Hay una diferencia entre los batmen malvados que vimos en Metal, que eran universos donde algo distinto le pasó a Bruce Wayne que terminaba amalgmándose con otro héroe de manera malvada. Aquí solo vemos a algunos personajes ser infectados por la toxina Joker y el noveno metal, el diseño está interesante pero no los acompaña una historia de origen perturbadora como otros personajes de este estilo.
Cuando empujan a Superman al límite me gustó. Eso fue lo que más me gustó del tomo y por qué le di tres estrellas y no dos. Esa escena cuando Superman entra al Observatorio Oscuro, wow. Batman que ríe a veces es un villano muy interesante, la mayoría de las veces Snyder lo hace demasiado poderoso y caótico que no tiene impacto. Me gustó que en ese momento se siente un impacto real.
Leí este tomo porque estoy leyendo año del villano y me estoy preparando para leer Death Metal (ya sé, no sé porque planeo someterme a esa tortura, pero lo haré por ustedes lectores de reseñas de good reads) y esta es parte importante de la cronología del evento (que es bastante enredada en si) ahora a leer JL Doom.
August 24, 2020
3
Joshua Williamson continues his writing at DC but this time he has landed the two big characters. I had been super pumped to read this series but I feel I've now left it too late. The Batman who Laughs has been used too much lately and it's a shame. The character is brilliant and one of the best things to come out of Dark Nights Metal. Who are the secret six is the central question and this cat is let out of the bag quite early on. Batman/Superman have their work cut out for them and some of the secret six were a solid twist.
Why the 3?
I really have to stop reading everything that comes out of DC. I wasn't super eager to read this but when it had the characters and the Batman who Laughs, I thought maybe this will connect to Dark Nights Death Metal. DC has essentially ran The Batman who Laughs into the ground. He has been saved in Dark Nights Death Metal but after the introduction in Dark Nights Metal, DC have used him at every single chance. This volume had its moments but in the end it's the same and offers very little. Joshua Williamson is the writer of one of my favourite series of all time, Nailbiter. I only wish he was able to avoid these side quest storylines at DC. Sadly bills need to be paid.
Joshua Williamson continues his writing at DC but this time he has landed the two big characters. I had been super pumped to read this series but I feel I've now left it too late. The Batman who Laughs has been used too much lately and it's a shame. The character is brilliant and one of the best things to come out of Dark Nights Metal. Who are the secret six is the central question and this cat is let out of the bag quite early on. Batman/Superman have their work cut out for them and some of the secret six were a solid twist.
Why the 3?
I really have to stop reading everything that comes out of DC. I wasn't super eager to read this but when it had the characters and the Batman who Laughs, I thought maybe this will connect to Dark Nights Death Metal. DC has essentially ran The Batman who Laughs into the ground. He has been saved in Dark Nights Death Metal but after the introduction in Dark Nights Metal, DC have used him at every single chance. This volume had its moments but in the end it's the same and offers very little. Joshua Williamson is the writer of one of my favourite series of all time, Nailbiter. I only wish he was able to avoid these side quest storylines at DC. Sadly bills need to be paid.
May 15, 2021
Batman/Superman Vol. 1 Who Are the Secret Six? collects issues 1-6 of the series written by Joshua Williams with art by David Marquez.
This book is a follow up the The Batman Who Laughs miniseries. TBWL is locked away under the Hall of Justuce but has set a plan in motion to turn six allies against Batman and Superman using Joker Gas to unleash a weapon that will turn whole planets evil. Now Batman and Superman must race against the clock to save their friends and the multiverse, all the while keeping it a secret from the Justice League.
Not nearly as convoluted as some of Snyder's TBWL stories. Some of the twisted versions of heroes looked really cool. The art was also pretty strong throughout the book with classic poses that could have come straight from the Golden Age. I really like the concept of TBWL but I wish we would get some smaller scale stories that aren't effecting the whole planet/multiverse.
This book is a follow up the The Batman Who Laughs miniseries. TBWL is locked away under the Hall of Justuce but has set a plan in motion to turn six allies against Batman and Superman using Joker Gas to unleash a weapon that will turn whole planets evil. Now Batman and Superman must race against the clock to save their friends and the multiverse, all the while keeping it a secret from the Justice League.
Not nearly as convoluted as some of Snyder's TBWL stories. Some of the twisted versions of heroes looked really cool. The art was also pretty strong throughout the book with classic poses that could have come straight from the Golden Age. I really like the concept of TBWL but I wish we would get some smaller scale stories that aren't effecting the whole planet/multiverse.
May 30, 2020
Oh man that was terrible. You take the most classic comic book heroes, Batman and Superman, with a slight difference in how to get a win for the good guys. Now that is good and fun and previous Batman Superman team up and books have been great. But then you add this horrible and sign of being a lazy writer to use this villain the Batman Who Laughs. It is just Batman doing Batman things, but he giggles and since there are already a Batman and a Joker in the main DC world he can't be the "good" Batman. Stealing a Joker idea, the Batman Who Laughs, tries to win with an idea that always fails. But since this is Batman he wins...
So lame, everyone is angry at Superman and Batman for trying to save the day. I might as well be reading an X-Man comic, if I wanted angsty whiny teen drama I would just read X-Men (wait the X-Men are all like 100 now right?). So disappointed in this comic.
So lame, everyone is angry at Superman and Batman for trying to save the day. I might as well be reading an X-Man comic, if I wanted angsty whiny teen drama I would just read X-Men (wait the X-Men are all like 100 now right?). So disappointed in this comic.
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