When it comes to fun and bonkers superhero comics stories, nothing beats Mark Waid’s Batman/Superman: World’s Finest. Nearing its 50th issue, the series wrapped up a fun two-parter with amalgam Joker/Lex Luthor and Batman/Superman, and things only get wackier with a heavy dose of edginess in a news story arc launching today. Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #48 takes us to Earth 3, featuring one of the darkest takes on Batman and Superman, known as Ultraman and Owlman, respectively.
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #48 opens on a familiar family of three exiting a theater playing Zorro. Enter a thug with a gun who wants the woman’s pearls, but quickly we see things aren’t as they seem as the father brandishes a gun of his own. The tragedy features another twist before we realize a young Bruce Wayne is already as evil as they come.
From there, the issue makes it quite clear Earth-3 Superman is as evil as Owlman, who blasts Metropolis with laser eyes seemingly for fun. Waid does a great job making this universe’s version of Superman and Batman as evil as they come. They’re capable of terrible things and enjoy lording over civilians. Soon, a new goal to rule the world is established, setting in motion a few house calls to familiar, super-smart characters.
That’s pretty twisted, Bruce.
Credit: DC
Most of these issues focus on Ultraman and Owlman, and it’s downright delicious to see all the evil things they’re up to. From Owlman’s cage of potential Robins to how they deliver supervillain weapons in a deal, these two have not a smidge of ethics or morality. The issue provides clear evidence that Ultraman and Owlman are capable of terrible acts and are also adept at getting out of dangerous situations. That said, the fact that they almost lose more than once shows they’re also capable of being beaten. That gives the next issue plenty of hope for our headlining heroes.
Art by Marcus To is great, who is always good for detailed art and dynamic action. The opening retread of Bruce Wayne’s origin features plenty of iconic homage angles, stupendous splash pages, and a wide range of characters. Tamra Bonvillain’s colors add a bright sheen that keeps this series fun and vibrant, with a touch of shadow that leans into the darkness of the main characters for much of this issue.
Being an Elseworlds tale, the stakes to continuity may seem light, although that’s nearly always been the case with this series. If you’re looking for over-the-top superhero storytelling, this story continues the trend for the series, plus it’s allowed to take bigger swings since characters can die.
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #48 thrives on excess, giving Ultraman and Owlman room to be as vicious and calculating as possible while setting the stage for an explosive clash ahead. Mark Waid embraces the freedom of Earth 3 to deliver sharp twists and over-the-top villainy, elevated by Marcus To and Tamra Bonvillain’s dynamic visuals. It is dark, energetic, and wickedly fun from start to finish.
You must be logged in to post a comment.