At first, it seemed that Batman/Superman: World’s Finest would be a notable team-up book with fantastic eye candy. We’ve seen various heroes of the DC Universe appear, which is perfect, as Dan Mora can draw anyone and make them look iconic. Mark Waid is crafting some fantastic story so well that the first arc leads to Batman vs. Robin, which leads to the new event, Lazarus Planet. This World’s Finest series is the go-to book right now as it has blockbuster visuals with fantastic stories and is the genesis for great things at DC Comics.
Starting with the main cover, Dan Mora is channeling so much raw emotional energy that this will catch your eye. You’re witnessing a merged Batman and Superman screaming, Boy Thunder unleashing his powers, and if you look in the background, all of this with a laughing smile surrounding them. So much happening, and the cover does a great job of letting you know that you will be in for a suspenseful comic thriller. I’m guessing that Tamra Bonvillain is the colorist for the cover, and she is picking up just the right energy to make these comics pop with the hot whites showcasing Boy Thunder’s tormenting powers.
Mark Waid is an insane talent. As I mentioned in my opening, the first arc of this series led to two events, and I am hoping this second arc will lead to something. That hope is reassured as the issue teases “not the end” in Kingdom Come font. Yes! Of course, you’re probably thinking that all the features that the Kingdom Come story is getting here will be what most will want to watch for, and it will be, but I’m also looking forward to the Key. Waid did such an intense job with the Key by way of his actions and origin that you can’t help but wonder what the character will do next. Waid gives the character such potential and builds him to a menacing stature, mainly when phrases like Multiverse start getting used.
Dan Mora and Tamra Bonvillain are also taking the issue to new heights. They help Waid with his building up of the Key by helping him look like such a monster. With a lean frame and sinister smile, this is not someone you want to run into. On the second page, when Key uses his psychedelic powers, it is a wild trip of a page where you can only imagine the torment of Boy Thunder. Most readers blame Joker for this kid becoming Magog, but there is a strong argument for the Key being part of that mess. Mora and Bonvillain have fun taking the story to the Fortress of Solitude and showcasing all the wild items Superman keeps. Mora gets to cut loose with the lost creatures and Key’s powered accomplices, and those henchmen make for some great fight scenes. Bonvillain plays the electric colors perfectly against the stiff background of the Fortress.
Now to talk about the mega part of this issue. SPOILER ALERT!
That last page! If you thought the reveal that Boy Thunder, David Sikela, growing up to become Earth 22’s Magog was huge, wait. Sadly, David finds redemption and clarity, but it is way too late as his ship has reactivated, causing him to enter the Multiverse. With that, it could make sense that he ends up on, or even came from, Earth 22 as all we know is he is from a different Gotham City and travels with a ship that has a Hypertime Drive. Now that ship has taken David to another alternate reality, which puts him face to face with the version of Gog from Justice Society of America’s Thy Kingdom Come. So we are up to a couple of Magogs and Gogs in the DC Multiverse, and this is just hyping me up. So, what will Waid do next?
This arc ends with such a bang, hyping us up for what’s coming next for DC Comics. Mark Waid, Dan Mora, and Tamra Bonvillain are delivering another blockbuster after the Magog reveal. Don’t miss this issue, as it propels DC into a fantastic 2023!
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.