Batman / Superman: World's Finest #5 is one of the finest (*heh*) comics DC is producing at the moment, and this issue precisely underscores why. From the dialog, pacing, plotting, art, and emphasis on fun, action-packed adventure, there's nary a flaw to be found.
Picking up from the last issue's bombshell cliffhanger, Supergirl explained that Nezha can be sealed in his tomb, but only if somebody goes in with him to apply the magic seal on the inside. It's an eternal sacrifice, and in true, proper superhero fashion, every hero present is quick to volunteer. Strange as it may sound, it's somewhat surprising and refreshing to see heroes acting like heroes again, and Waid's characterizations alone are enough to elevate this issue into something special.
Nezha, not one to sit idly by, figures out he may have an easier time if he possesses an omega-level hero like Superman. When the fighting starts, the pacing builds into a ticking clock as the team fights among themselves (the possessed versus the unpossessed) while they fight to get Nezha into his tomb before he returns to full strength. This issue's sheer energy and pacing are off the charts, and you'll feel yourself on the edge of your seat watching the battle play out.
Suddenly, one of the heroes (we're not spoiling this one) makes the ultimate sacrifice. Waid wisely lets the moment sit with the characters to let the weight of that sacrifice sink in before revealing the team's adventures aren't over yet. The ending is somber and heartfelt while wholly satisfying.
If you've been keeping up on solicits, the outcomes play directly into the upcoming Robin vs. Batman series. However, World's Finest isn't over because the survivors have another Robin to save somewhere in time.
We've spent a lot of time in this review praising Waid, but enough can't be said for Mora's spectacular art. Every panel is dramatic, energetic, and brimming with aspirational hero action. Mora draws superhero comics that get your blood pumping, and DC would do well to put him on more titles in the future.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Batman / Superman: World's Finest #5 is a superhero comic lover's dream. The remaining heroes face off against Nezha (and each other) in a fight full of wow moments and heroic determination. The pacing, energy, drama, and excitement are firing on all cylinders while the art is practically perfect.
Definitely got Bob Haney vibes from this story over all. Now the question is are they going to take another 5 issues to rescue Robin? I hope not this was a good storyline but there's no reason to drag it out anymore.
ReplyDeletethe robin story seems like it might be one issue and then the start of a bigger next arc
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