Login | Register
| MEDIA-COW.NET | Map |
Login | Register
|
This is one of the most complex fics I’ve read in a while, and I wanted to give myself time to fully digest it before I wrote it up. It’s a long future fic, by one of my favorite authors in the fandom. The focus is on Lex, Clark/Superman, and Bruce/Batman. In case you were wondering- all 3 men have issues with secrets, trust and obsession, and I’ve rarely seen it expressed as clearly as it is in this dark and twisty story.
If Superman and Luthor were more than simple nemeses, Batman would have to be aware of that. Obsession, especially reciprocated obsession, was more dangerous than any rational villainy or heroism.
If you’re going to read it, do so unspoiled- and I’m getting into the nitty gritty on this one, so you’ve been warned. [READ MORE]
The story is broken down into 3 parts and 3 PoVs: Metropolis- Bruce pov; Gotham- Clark pov; Smallville- Lex pov. We start with Bruce, who’s enjoying a casual ‘encounter’ with reporter Clark Kent. It’s a nice break from partners with secret identities and multiple agendas (snerk). Of course, if Bruce has any interest in continuing such encounters, he’s going to have to do a little research into the background of young Mr. Kent. As soon as he does, he’s warned off in no uncertain terms by business rival Lex Luthor.
Do you think this tweaks the Bat’s interest? Damn straight it does. Well, lord knows, Bruce can obsess with the best of them, and the rest of ‘Metropolis’ follows him as he tries to unravel the secret of Lex, Clark and Superman. ‘Gotham’ picks up from Clark’s PoV, and it skips ahead a bit in time- just enough to leave you wondering what the hell is going on. I like that- I enjoy playing ‘catch up’ with a writer and being forced to figure things out on the fly. What you figure out is that a new and devious threat has arisen in Gotham, and the only clues suggest Luthor might be involved. Given that Lex is apparently dead, this is problematic. But Supes and the Bat team up, and when they do, they discover a tortured Lex in the ‘care’ of some of the Joker’s goons. The conclusion of the story is set partly in Smallville, as Lex heals up and deals with both Bruce and Clark- oh, and a bunch of government special ops who aren’t too comfortable with the idea of super-powered aliens running around. Given the supplies of kryptonite that became available while Lex was dead, they’ve decided to do something about it. Since Lex doesn’t particularly like sharing his kryptonite, he decides not to let them.
Um- yea. I did mention this was a complex story! Now, I’ll admit, this isn’t my favorite RivkaT story, but it probably ranks as one of her best. It’s not my favorite because I’m her bitch based largely on her Lex. Her characterization of him (both in general and in this story) is how I view him. He’s flawed, he’s dark, he’s dangerous and he’s so wrapped up in Clark that there is very little he wouldn’t sacrifice for him. Thus I am jealous of Lex’s PoV when written by RivkaT and I hate to see it shared with Bruce and Clark. What can I say- I have Lex issues.
Now, ‘Lex issues’ aside, I do think the fic is about perfect. The three PoV’s WORK. The story would not be as good if only viewed through Lex’s eyes. In fact, much of my enjoyment in the ‘Metropolis’ section was getting Bruce’s perspective on Lex, Clark and Superman. Not only did I enjoy the characterization of Bruce, but I loved what was revealed about Clark and Lex. There’s this bit where Bruce goes to see Lex, and the two end up boxing- circling around each other like a couple of alpha dogs going at it. Of course, a lot of their animosity centers around Clark- I swear, if the boy had been standing there, they’d have been competing to see who got to piss on him! When Bruce lands a blow that cracks ribs, Superman comes busting through the windows and gives him a Pa Kent style dressing down. It’s brilliant- Lex and Supes all hating each other and being protective of each other and poor Bruce standing there wondering WTF is up. HEE!
Of course, my favorite section was the ‘Smallville’ section, because it is pure, unadulterated ‘Sexy’. Damn, Lex is at his best as both the ‘guy who’s going to conquer the world’ and as a woobie who has totally gotten his ass whipped by the Joker and who then has to deal with Clark’s rather nefarious AI at the Fortress of Solitude. He’s everything I love about RivkaT’s version of Lex, and the multiple climaxes at the end of the story really kept me guessing. [HIDE]
To sum- a seriously kick-ass story with an interesting and complicated plot and compelling characterizations. The way the story was woven together was different and showed a real mastery of the art of storytelling. All three of these guys really are batshit insane, and I love reading about it!
Tell-a-Friend Report error Link Click-thrus: 432