Director: Sam Liu
Writers: Jeph Loeb (comic book), Ed McGuinness (comic book)
Stars: Clancy Brown, Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, Xander Berkeley, John C. McGinley

“I’m currently knee-deep in my epic DC Animated Universe binge, and I have to admit, it’s been an absolute thrill. Revisiting some of the most iconic animated action and discovering gems I missed the first time around has been a true delight. Take, for instance, ‘Superman/Batman: Public Enemies,’ a film that slipped through my fingers for almost a decade. As a self-proclaimed die-hard Superman and Batman fan, I’m genuinely ashamed to have missed out on this cinematic treasure. I’m at a loss for words, and all I can do is offer my sincerest apologies for such an oversight.

But enough about my regrets, let’s dive into this cinematic gem. In ‘Superman/Batman: Public Enemies,’ when Lex Luthor, voiced with sinister charm by Clancy Brown, ascends to the presidency of the United States, he concocts a devious plan. He manipulates the looming threat of a kryptonite meteor set to collide with Earth to frame Superman, voiced by the iconic Tim Daly. The mere thought of Luthor as the Commander-in-Chief sends shivers down my spine, yet, strangely, it’s a concept that quickly captivates as the film opens with a vintage newsreel narrative. We’re introduced to a nation teetering on the brink of collapse and chaos. Crime runs rampant, poverty is pervasive, and while the film doesn’t delve into the nitty-gritty of how the U.S. reached this dire state, the society, desperate for salvation, turns to Luthor, who remarkably manages to revive the nation.

Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, a sneaky thought niggles—did Luthor orchestrate this crisis? After all, it’s precisely the kind of audacious plot one would expect from Lex Luthor. Nonetheless, with the menacing kryptonite meteor hurtling toward Earth, it’s up to Luthor to coax Superman into a reluctant partnership to save the planet. In truth, it’s a clever ruse by Lex, a setup to vilify Superman and Batman, masterfully voiced by Kevin Conroy, and turn the entire nation against its beloved superheroes. Make no mistake; the meteor threat is real, revealing the twisted mindset of a megalomaniac scheming to exploit the crisis. With Superman and Batman dubbed ‘Public Enemies,’ it’s up to our heroic duo to clear their names, face off against Luthor and his super-villain allies, and prevent the impending doom from the celestial rock hurtling toward their home.

What truly dazzles in ‘Superman/Batman: Public Enemies’ is the dynamic between DC’s two most iconic figures. Long before ‘Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016), we witness these legendary heroes teaming up in an unconventional scenario. Their differing ideologies and methods create a compelling dynamic, shifting between camaraderie and conflict. Director Sam Liu, in tandem with writers Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness, deftly navigate this intricate relationship without compromising the essence of each character. The dialogue crackles with excellence, and the exceptional vocal talents of Daly and Conroy transport you into the world of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight, thanks to the tone and depth of the screenplay.

The inclusion of lesser-known heroes and villains like Captain Atom, Captain Marvel, Solomon Grundy, Major Force, Power Girl, Metallo, Black Lightning, and Toyman is a masterstroke. It not only enriches the tapestry of the DC universe but also invites casual fans to explore these captivating characters in the comic books.

In summary, ‘Superman/Batman: Public Enemies’ is a film that’s as enjoyable as it is frustratingly short. I could have easily devoured another hour of this cinematic feast, but perhaps that’s part of its charm—leaving the audience craving more. Sam Liu weaves an emotionally charged narrative that satisfies and entertains in equal measure. The stellar cast, featuring the likes of Clancy Brown, Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, Xander Berkeley, John C. McGinley, and more, is a testament to why these DC Animated films are revered by both hardcore and casual fans. If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching ‘Superman/Batman: Public Enemies’ yet, what are you waiting for? It comes highly recommended.”

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