Batman / Superman: World's Finest #3 Review

Great Writing + Great Action = Great Comic

Written by: Mark Waid

Art by: Dan Mora

Colors by: Tamra Bonvillain

Letters by: Aditya Bidikar

Cover art by: Dan Mora

Cover price: $3.99

Release date: May 17, 2022

Batman / Superman: World's Finest #3 sees Batman and Superman confront the loathsome demons of Hell to stop Lord Nezha from taking over the world. Meanwhile, Robin and Supergirl search for answers in the ancient past, if they can survive.

Was It Good?

Batman / Superman: World's Finest #3 is good. Very good. No, scratch that. It's excellent. The issue would be perfect if not for a minor quibble which we'll get to in a minute.

When last we left Batman, Superman, and a mouthless Billy Batson, they were transported to Hell courtesy of a powered-up Felix Faust. The demons quickly overtake Batman and Billy, showing them the sights and sounds of their worst nightmares. When Batman spots Superman and calls for help, Superman quickly grabs Batman's Batarang and throws it at one of the demons, revealing a wounded Felix Faust and dispelling the illusion of Hell all around them.

The opening fight scene is as dramatic and pristine pure super-heroics as you could wish for in a comic of this type. The art by Mora is next-level, the dialog is pitch-perfect, and the outcome captures the Bronze Age spirit responsible for so many lifelong comics fans.

Meanwhile, Supergirl and Robin try to defend themselves against the attacking Warriors of Ji, and the Doom Patrol pays a visit to General Immortus in his mountaintop fortress.

The Doom Patrol scene contains an exciting mix of team battle action and exposition as Immortus is found to be a shell of his former self (thanks to Lord Nezha). The outcome puts the diverse hero team on the next leg of their investigation.

The Supergirl / Robin scene is equally thrilling. Warriors of Ji use their elemental powers to stop the visitors from the future, thinking Robin and Supergirl are agents of Lord Nezha. Eventually, both sides come to a truce just in time for more exposition detailing how the Warriors of Ji captured Lord Nezha in the past.

Waid is giving you everything you want in this issue, including a last-page shocker that instantly raises the story's stakes. The minor quibble is the volume of Easter Eggs, name drops, and overall stuff assailing you on every page. If you want a hero cameo or villain reference on nearly every panel, you will LOVE this comic. However, others may find the non-stop barrage of references and cameos creates a layer of noisy clutter.

Bits and Pieces:

Batman / Superman: World's Finest #3 has everything you'll ever want in a DC team comic (and more) with fantastic art, non-stop story progress, cameos galore, and a shocking last-page twist. Waid expertly gives you a ton of exposition but rewards you by giving you incredible battles first. Mora's art is beyond reproach. This story is a little too busy at times with the sheer volume of cameos and references it tries to stuff in.

9/10