In the finale of the short prelude to an upcoming Action Comics story set to release in 2024, Mark Waid and Travis Moore wrap up the new first team-up for the World’s Finest with an action-packed issue. This brief arc doesn’t do a lot to the series as a whole, but it does help re-cement what the origin of the World’s Finest meeting was like. It also reimagines Jax-Ur in the mainline universe, while taking cues from prior designs. Similarly, it plants some important seeds to be picked up at a later date.
The issue begins with The World’s Greatest Detective and The Man of Steel separated after Jax-Ur got the upper hand in the last issue. While Superman is in for a rough fight, Batman is stuck somewhere rather unexpected: the Phantom Zone! This issue offers a fun role reversal of the two. While Batman is in an unfamiliar setting that’s forced him to adapt rather quickly, Superman has been put on the defensive. Mark Waid has continuously used the World’s Finest series to take ideas and themes from the past and give them a new exciting twist, and this issue is no different. By today’s standards, the story is a little easy to follow since there is a fair bit of work put in that showcases how these two new heroes can rise to a new challenge. But the strength of the story is better found in the pure fun the issue offers. Despite the basic concept, the story ends up being very fun and engaging by seeing how Batman and Superman are forced to think and act outside their comfort zone.
Artist Travis Moore partners with colorist Tamra Bonvillain again, and the pair delivers another fine entry. Travis Moore has bounced around recent DC titles to fill in as a temporary artist and usually does a spectacular job. However, this issue, similar to the last, isn’t as engaging as recent work Specifically, the softness of characters comes across as a little inexpressive. The lack of emphasis on body subtleties like facial expressions and body language leaves the issue appearing a bit static. That said, Bonvillain does a great job making the as vibrant as possible. Overall, the art in this issue is good but is overall a little off-beat.
The ending to the brief arc, Phantom Riddles, ends on an intriguing cliffhanger. Although it won’t be continued in the pages of World’s Finest, it will be in a comic series near you! However, the issue is a good prelude that lays the groundwork for what’s to come.
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