Batman and Superman Join Forces in Kevin J. Anderson's "Enemies & Allies"

The first meeting between the world's finest team of Batman and Superman is depicted during the Cold War era in Enemies & Allies (It Books) by Kevin J. Anderson. The paperback edition of the book was recently released and features two parallel storylines centering around Bruce Wayne/Batman's struggle to regain control of Wayne Enterprises and Clark Kent/Superman's struggle to find his humanity and fend off the ongoing threats from Lex Luthor. In fact, Luthor plays a role in both stories, as he has his eye on Wayne Enterprises and is using his vast influence to obtain technological secrets that play into his scheme to control the escalating arms race, with world domination as his end game. 

The initial encounter between The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel does not go well, but the common threat from Lex Luthor, his Soviet allies, and the discovery of kryptonite eventually places them on a collision course and forces them to work together peacefully. In addition, Clark Kent and Jimmy Olsen travel to Area 51, where Clark hopes to discover if there are other aliens that may be inhabiting earth. Apparently, Superman is having difficulty fitting in with the human race and wants to find someone more like himself. Meanwhile, Lois Lane and Perry White assume supporting roles, with the intrepid Lane once again throwing caution to the wind, especially where Luthor is concerned. Back in Gotham City, Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne's majordomo, tackles various roles, as he helps Bruce in his ongoing quest to fight crime, while also using his influence on Wayne board members who may be in league with Luthor. As usual, Alfred helps to keep Bruce/Batman in check by telling him the truth at all times, no matter how unpleasant it may be. 

Enemies & Allies features many references to the Cold War era of the 1950s and drops many familiar historical names along the way. Of course, this is a work of fiction, so liberties are taken with certain events and famous figures. Kevin J. Anderson taps into the "aw-shucks" demeanor of the times, which fits well with Jimmy and Clark's personalities. As readers might expect, Batman is more uptight and serious. Both of the principal characters receive about equal time, but there are more well known characters from Superman's world represented. Much of Batman's time is spent alone, which is appropriate and expected. 

The author captures the feel of the 1950s and appears to have a solid understanding of Superman and Batman. Fans of the iconic heroes and their exploits will likely enjoy reading about their adventures in another time, when some things were simpler, but serious dangers were still in abundance. Of course, without today's 24-hour news cycle, viewers were not subjected to the constant feed, so there was a detachment of sorts. History enthusiasts may be intrigued with Anderson's spin on world affairs and some of the major players of that time period, too. While reading Enemies & Allies, I could not help but remember the old World's Finest comic book, from DC Comics, which featured monthly team-ups between The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel. I suppose that makes this effort a retro treat times two.