REVIEW: Batman/Superman: World’s Finest,’ Issue #2

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #2 is a team-up comic published by DC Comics, written by Mark Waid, with art by Dan Mora, colors by Tamra Bonvillain, and letters by Aditya Bidikar. In the last issue, Superman was injected in the heart with red Kryptonite irradiating him, and Batman called on the Doom Patrol to assist. But to save the Kryptonian’s life, Caulder needs to operate on him.

In this issue, the surgery on Superman begins. But even after that, Caulder has a favor to ask from the World’s Finest. The structure and concept of this plot are fantastic. The first part of this comic is centered around saving Superman’s life. It is stationary in its movement, all taking place in one location. The tension is high, and the single location does not slow the pace down in the slightest. The sense of urgency is prevalent for the entire time, even if this is set in a flashback. Waid instills an unpredictability to the story that keeps us guessing. But then the second half of the issue is a completely different comic. There is a new mission set up that is full of adventure and brings several other characters into the comic. I initially believed that Batman and Superman would move between events quickly from the comic’s setup, but happily was proven wrong. It suggests that there is longevity to this series.

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #2 displays a brilliantly new aspect of these age-old characters. There is vulnerability inside both of them. For Superman, this is physical as he goes through an excruciating ordeal. His being completely helpless and in pain is incredibly investing as it is so rare to see. As for Bruce, the worry he has for his friend is very poignant. He stands like a statue in front of the table, but the turmoil is happening within himself. The closeness between the men is expertly crafted. 

The other characters involved are all well written. The Doom Patrol has not just been used for the purpose of a cameo; many of them have had a direct and important role in the story. Both Caulder and Negative Man are crucial to Superman’s survival. Robin is a source of humor in the issue, and his relationship with another character later on in the issue is hilarious and implies some trouble in the past. The second half of the comic showcases the potential for some superb additions to the cast list.

The art is superb in both segments of this issue. The operating room is dark, focusing on the character inside. Mora masterfully captures the suspense in the room. His faces aren’t immaculately detailed, but the lines are clean enough so that the expressions are clear and effective. The consequences of the red Kryptonite are that the interior of Superman’s body can be visible at times, like an x-ray. Each time this happens, it is shocking and dynamic. But there are also glimpses of previous adventures as Batman reminisces on their partnership. These are exciting and impressive single panels that denote an entire story. After this event, the Chief tells a legendary tale, which is illustrated to describe it. 

The art style completely changes, showing an impressive versatility from the artist. Especially when interspersed with the usual style. The second half of the issue is a fantastic fight scene, with some creative uses of magic and a really disturbing image.

The colors are stunning. As the first segment is shrouded in darkness, the shades used in the center of the panels appear more intense. Bonvillain includes powerful tones of either green or deep red that heightens the sense of danger. This use of rather unnatural tones is done throughout the interior scenes of the comic and is very eye-catching. The lettering is always easy to read, and the SFX is excellent.

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #2 is phenomenal. This is very much like two comics in one, as the first issue’s story bleeds into this one before the real plot takes over. This overlapping of the stories between issues creates a longing to keep reading. Waid’s script is amazing as he explores the characters’ vulnerabilities and shows how much they help each other. The difference in the two tales is an example of the potential for diversity this comic has.

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.