WITH ALL the big comic book crossovers and relaunches, and with the high quality of most of the books currently being published, it was difficult for me to decide which title to highlight this week.

Then, I read "Superman/Batman No. 26" and the decision became quite easy.

In a word: Wow.

"Superman/Batman," a showcase for the world’s two most popular heroes, has been a sales success since its inception. But this issue is special.

The plot is by Sam Loeb, son of fan-favorite writer Jeph Loeb, who has written "Superman/Batman" since it was launched. Sam Loeb was originally slated to write the issue, and Pat Lee would draw it.

But Sam Loeb died of cancer a year ago, on June 17, at the age of 17. DC decided to honor him by having his plot come to life in a Very Special Issue featuring 26 of the top creators in comics today, including Jeph Loeb, Geoff Johns, Allan Heinberg, Pat Lee, Jim Lee, Joss Whedon, John Cassaday and Michael Turner.

Often, a collaboration of this magnitude has problems: the writers’ and artists’ voices are so different, the project may look and sound haphazard.

That’s not the case here. The tale of the friendship between Robin and the now-deceased Superboy is told seamlessly; the energy and joy the collaborators put into their work is reflected in the characters.

When you realize that this fun tale, involving a character who was soon to meet his demise, was conceived by a young man who knew that in all likelihood he was going to die soon, it simply sends chills.

The tale is bookended by two pages, written by Jeph Loeb, of Robin talking about how much he misses his friend. It hits you that this is basically a father talking about how much he misses his son.

As if that weren’t enough, the book also includes a six-page story written by Jeph Loeb, "Sam’s Story" in which we’re introduced to Clark’s friend Sam, their relationship and Clark’s reaction to losing him. Jeph Loeb is at the top of his game here; it’s clear he is writing from the heart, and Clark and Sam are a metaphor for him and his son.

If this book doesn’t pack an emotional wallop when you read it, you need to check your pulse.

The last line of the book reads: "I’d like to think it’s Superman’s way of honoring Sam, because the world is a little less special without him.

"Without the boy who could make Clark laugh."

Well, it is clear from this book that the world is a little less special without Sam Loeb, a young man who could write a fun, joyful tale while facing death. Who could inspire some of the most talented people on earth to do their best work. Who could make his father laugh.