Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness didn't just write a comic book when they launched the first arc of Superman/Batman in 2003. They basically created a blueprint for how the modern DC Universe operates. It’s called Superman and Batman Public Enemies, and honestly, it’s a chaotic, high-octane masterpiece that somehow balances a grounded political thriller with the kind of over-the-top action that usually feels reserved for Saturday morning cartoons.
You’ve got a sitting United States President who also happens to be a bald, power-mad billionaire. You’ve got a massive kryptonite meteor hurtling toward Earth. And then there are the two most iconic heroes in history, suddenly branded as fugitives. It’s a wild ride.
The premise is straightforward but effective. Lex Luthor, having won the presidency (which is still one of the boldest moves in DC history), uses a global crisis to frame the Man of Steel. He claims Superman is responsible for the incoming asteroid. Before long, he’s put a $1 billion bounty on their heads. This isn't just a fight against a few villains; it's Superman and Batman against the entire world.
The Political Nightmare of President Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor as President of the United States wasn't a new concept in 2003, but Superman and Batman Public Enemies took the idea to its logical, terrifying conclusion. Usually, Lex is a guy hiding in a boardroom. Here, he’s got the full weight of the American military and the superhero community—many of whom actually believe his lies—at his disposal.
It’s kinda fascinating to see how Loeb writes the contrast between the two leads during this era. Clark Kent is fundamentally an optimist, right? He wants to believe in the system. Bruce Wayne, on the other hand, never trusted Luthor for a second. Seeing Superman forced to realize that his country has turned against him is the emotional core of the story. It’s messy. It’s painful.
Luthor’s genius in this arc isn't just his intellect; it’s his ability to weaponize public perception. By labeling them "Public Enemies," he shifts the narrative from a hero saving the day to a dangerous vigilante and an alien menace. It feels surprisingly modern. The way misinformation spreads in the story mirrors how real-world narratives are shaped, though with more giant robots and energy blasts.
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Why the "Public Enemies" Art Style Changed Everything
We have to talk about Ed McGuinness. His art is polarizing for some people because it’s so chunky and stylized. Everyone looks like they’re carved out of granite. But for a story like Superman and Batman Public Enemies, it works perfectly. It’s kinetic. It’s loud.
When you see the splash pages of the "Super-Bat" villains—major hitters like Metallo, Major Force, and Gorilla Grodd—the scale is just massive. McGuinness gives the characters a weight that makes the fights feel impactful. You can almost feel the ground shake when Captain Marvel (Shazam) and Hawkman show up to try and arrest the duo.
Actually, that fight is one of the highlights. It’s not just a brawl; it’s a clash of ideologies. You have heroes like John Stewart and Starfire who think they’re doing the right thing by following the President’s orders. It raises a question that DC explores a lot: where does loyalty to the law end and loyalty to justice begin?
The Narrative Brilliance of Dual Monologues
One thing Loeb did that people still talk about is the dual internal monologues. Blue boxes for Superman, gray/black boxes for Batman. It’s a simple trick, but it’s brilliant. You see exactly how they view each other.
Superman thinks about Batman’s darkness but respects his discipline. Batman thinks about Superman’s naive hope but envies his humanity. They’re like two sides of the same coin, and Superman and Batman Public Enemies highlights that better than almost any other story from that decade.
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- Superman's POV: Focused on the people, the "big picture," and the hope that they can clear their names without hurting anyone.
- Batman's POV: Focused on the tactical reality, the 50 steps ahead, and the cynical realization that they might have to get their hands dirty.
It’s this dynamic that keeps the story from becoming just another mindless action flick. You’re inside their heads. You’re feeling the pressure of being hunted by your friends. It’s lonely at the top, especially when the guy at the very top wants you dead.
The 2009 Animated Adaptation: What Stayed and What Changed
If you aren't a comic reader, you probably know Superman and Batman Public Enemies from the DC Universe Animated Original Movie. It came out in 2009 and, honestly, it’s one of the most faithful adaptations they’ve ever done. They kept the McGuinness art style—or at least a version of it that was easier to animate—and they brought back the legendary voice duo: Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy.
The movie trims some of the fat. The comic has a bit of a "villain of the week" feel in the middle sections, whereas the movie moves at a breakneck pace. One major change was the role of Captain Atom. In the comics, his fate is a bit more complicated during the climax involving the "Composite Superman/Batman" rocket ship (yes, that’s a real thing, and yes, it’s as ridiculous as it sounds).
The rocket is actually a huge plot point. It was designed by a teenage Japanese genius named Hiro Okamura, also known as Toyman. In the movie, the stakes feel a bit more immediate, but the comic gives you more time to breathe with the characters. Both versions are essential for any DC fan, though.
Lessons from the Public Enemies Arc
So, what’s the takeaway here? Why does this story still matter twenty years later?
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Basically, it’s about the vulnerability of icons. We think of Superman and Batman as untouchable. But when the law itself is corrupted, even the most powerful being on Earth becomes a target. It’s a reminder that "good" and "legal" aren't always the same thing.
The story also solidified the "World's Finest" partnership for a new generation. Before this, Superman and Batman were often portrayed as being at odds (think The Dark Knight Returns). Loeb and McGuinness showed that they are at their best when they’re working together against impossible odds. It’s the ultimate "us against the world" scenario.
How to Revisit the Story Today
If you want to dive back into this world, there are a few specific ways to get the most out of it.
- Read the First Six Issues: The "Public Enemies" arc covers Superman/Batman #1-6. It’s available in trade paperback and on most digital comic platforms.
- Watch for the Easter Eggs: Look for the cameos. This arc features dozens of DC characters, from obscure villains like Nightshade to heavy hitters like Power Girl.
- Compare the Ending: The way Luthor is finally taken down is a classic "Batman had a plan all along" moment. Pay attention to how they bait him into a confession; it's a trope now, but it was executed perfectly here.
- Check out the Sequel: If you like this, the next arc, "The Supergirl from Krypton," is just as famous and introduces the modern version of Kara Zor-El.
Ultimately, Superman and Batman Public Enemies is just pure fun. It doesn't try to be a deconstruction of the genre or a dark, gritty reimagining. It’s a celebration of what makes these characters great: their friendship, their resilience, and their refusal to back down, even when the entire United States government says they’re the bad guys.
To understand the modern DC landscape, start here. Look at how Luthor’s presidency crumbled and how it affected the Justice League’s standing with the public. It set the stage for years of stories, including Infinite Crisis. It’s not just a comic; it’s a cornerstone of DC history.
Grab the trade paperback or fire up the movie on a weekend. It's the kind of story that reminds you why you liked superheroes in the first place. No complex multiversal reboots required—just a man in a cape, a man in a cowl, and a billionaire who finally overstepped his bounds.