Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #11: The Dawn of DC Begins

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest was easily a favorite book of 2022, and as long as it keeps going, there’s a good chance it will be a favorite book of this year. The new year is off to a great start and DC has me genuinely excited for what’s to come as Lazarus Planet has just started ushering readers into the Dawn of DC. It’s a comfort knowing that Mark Waid is heavily involved. Waid is easily one of the quintessential Superman writers. Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #11 is a fantastic issue on all fronts and a strong conclusion to this arc. 

Along with Mark Waid, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #11 features art by Dan Mora, colors by Tamra Bonvillain, and letters by Steve Wands. I praised the art in every issue I’ve read and reviewed, but I was especially taken by this issue. The synergy between Mora, Bonvillain, and Wands on this issue blew me away. Early in the issue, there is an incredible page that depicts the Key getting into David’s mind to extract the location of the Fortress of Solitude. The art on the page is incredible and really impressive. The best way I can describe it is trippy and warped. What I was really blown away by is just how Mora and Bonvillain did it. Whatever they did, I’m all about it. Bonvillain’s colors are amazing throughout the entire issue. The color pallet works incredibly well with Mora’s pencils.

A highlight of the issue was the emotion Mora was able to show in the characters, especially Superman and David. This is a pretty heavy issue, and the emotional connection between Superman and David is front and center. Knowing that David eventually becomes Magog makes it feel even more significant. Mora and Bonvillain did an incredible job depicting the vibration of David and the ship as they are sent to another Earth. The cherry on top was Wands adding a similar effect to the speech bubbles. They did an excellent job capturing the intensity of the moment. Setting something in the recent past can be tricky. For the most part, we know everything is going to be okay. In the end, Superman always saves the day, but Waid really captured a helplessness that not many Superman writers can achieve. We know David will survive, though what happens to him after this issue is a mystery. There is a hint, but it raises more questions than answers. I wasn’t crazy about the reveal that David goes on to be Magog. I was worried that it would change how I view Magog in Kingdom Come, but I don’t think it does. Waid has put great care into this arc and the development of David’s character. As always, I can’t wait to see what comes next.