Description:

It was a time of international tensions, a time of hope and fear—when Elvis, Howdy Doody, UFOs, and the Communist menace preoccupied America.

It was the first time in history when human beings had the power to destroy their world.

A time when heroes were needed more than ever.

Evil is loose in the world. As the United States and the Soviet Union race to build their nuclear stockpiles, two extraordinary men are called upon to form an uneasy alliance. Studies in opposites—shadow and light—a Dark Knight and a Man of Steel must overcome their mutual distrust to battle a darkness that threatens humankind. And when the paths of these titans cross, a bold and exciting new chapter of history will be written . . . and nothing will ever be the same.

From Publishers Weekly

Anderson's latest is a hokey, contrived imagining of the first meeting between Batman and Superman, set during the thick of the cold war and hobbled by flat characters and flatter dialogue (My source was murdered shortly after she spoke with me. That tells me that Luthor must not have wanted her talking). The two superheroes are initially introduced when Clark Kent interviews Bruce Wayne for a feature in the Daily Planet, and their alter egos cross paths again as Batman and Superman are drawn into Lex Luthor's dastardly scheme for world domination. (It involves the Soviets and Death-ray transmitters.) To stop it, Batman and Superman embark on a ludicrous globe-trotting mission that's equal parts camp and Forrest Gump. A schlocky mediocrity for die-hard fans only. (May)
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Review

Positioning all the superpowered heroics squarely between the era’s futuristic optimism and postwar paranoia, this is a refreshing diversion from the grimness of The Dark Knight or the tedious Superman Returns. Injects a welcome dose of retro exuberance into the capes-and-tights routine. (Kirkus Reviews )

“Anderson keeps us guessing throughout with cleverplot twists and some intriguing alternate cold war history.” (Booklist )

“The X-Files is a true masterpiece. There’s no more challenging series on television, and as a bonus, it’s also brainy fun.” (Los Angeles Times )