“Even an artifical man has a heart…”
A lot has happened in comics since the previous installments of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, with Mora’s departure from the series for Joshua Williamson’s Superman and for Waid and Mora’s next grand project of Justice League Unlimited. Since Mora’s departure, the question of who would become the new main series artist until Mora’s eventual return has been brought up, and with this week’s installment being the start of a brand new arc for the series, it appears that the question has finally been answered with the new arc ‘Shadows Fall’ being drawn by former Blue Beetle artist Adrian Gutierrez.
Starting off, the strongest aspect of this new arc is Gutierrez’s art, he presents a strong and sleek style that fits with the title’s high action atmosphere and he keeps up brilliantly. Gutierrez is an underappreciated artist in the larger pantheon of artists over at DC, and he keeps finding a way to steal the show when he is on a title, and this was no exception.
Gutierrez’s designs for The World’s Finest and the Justice League are especially striking as he experiments with a multitude of subtle differences in body types, with the best example being the differences between his Batman and Robin with Batman having a more brute-focused build and Robin being more slimmer due to his acrobatics. Paired with Tamra Bovillain’s skillful colors, the two craft a heavily stylized issue that uplifts what the story has to offer.
Credit: DC Comics
As for Waid’s scripting this installment, it is a vast improvement from the last as Waid leans into the artistic change of the book and plays with the the artistic capabilities of Gutierrez and Bonvillain throughout. Story wise, Waid feels as if he is channeling his days as writer on JLA alongside Grant Morrison and Howard Porter as he leans into crafting a mystery with Eclispo and the Justice League. Waid’s best strengths are seen in World’s Finest and JLA so Waid leaning into that energy for his newer titles is a welcomed sight as Waid feels like he’s overall returning to his element.
Waid’s usage of Eclispo’s complicated history is handled well as we see our titular heroes become victim to Eclispo’s return and possession of Dr. Bruce Gordon, the first host of Eclispo. As an arc that reintroduces Eclispo to newer audiences, Waid and Gutierrez stuck the landing with how the script and art takes a darker tone with each panel to show the slow takeover of Eclispo as the fear of an apocalyptic takeover fills the pages. As mentioned above, it all feels like Waid is back in his JLA days with the premise and action, however, it can be said that Gutierrez feels inspired by Howard Porter’s action and style as the chaos of the issue begins building up.
Credit: DC Comics
Much like with previous arcs in the series it feels very obvious that this arc is also a way for Waid to help set up what is to come in titles such as Justice League Unlimited as Waid’s focus on the Justice League has been at an all-time high since the Kingdom Come revival he tackled in the series prior to this and this is only pushed forward with Waid focusing on the Justice League and Bruce Gordon more than the titular duo themselves. Not to mention, Waid’s usage of JSA concepts and characters adds to this knowing that Jeff Lemire’s JSA will play a major role in the stories to come.
In the end, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #31 is a strong return to form and plays off of Waid’s past work to help set up an exciting future for this series whether its for Justice League Unlimted, JSA, or simply World’s Finest. I truly hope Gutierrez stays with this title for awhile as I can really feel a strong sense of passion as he draws these heroes and the actions they commit. I can’t think of a more exciting trio than Waid, Gutierrez, and Bonvillain.
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