Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #14: Silver Age Horror

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest is a book everyone should read. Issue #14 continues the new arc where Simon Stagg dies, Bruce Wayne is the primary suspect, and Metamorpho is on the run. Mark Waid is such a fantastic writer, and his entire career has proven that he has a deep respect for both Batman and Superman. He is a perfect match for a book like this. On top of that, the rest of the creative team has been outstanding for the entire series. Dan Mora and Tamra Bonvillain’s collaborations have produced some of the most visually striking comics in recent years. Mora’s pencils and Bonvillain’s colors blend seamlessly, creating a unique and distinctive visual experience for readers. Bonvillain does things with color that you can’t find in many books. Her use of vibrant hues of purples, greens, and magentas are standouts from other books.

As always, Mora includes a lot of fun little moments in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #14, like Superman drinking out of a Batman mug and Robin casually using Superman as a magic carpet as they fly through the sky. What is impressive is how well Mora balances lighthearted moments like this while providing some straight-up horror without skipping a beat. Mora’s mess reminds readers that World’s Finest isn’t a relic from the silver age. The concept of Metamorpho is quite horrifying and has been explored in more recent books. Still, with Mark Waid’s take on the character, he finds a good balance of an intriguing story that highlights the truly terrifying nature of his powers while still leaning into what made his early appearances in the silver age so enjoyable. Dan Mora and Tamra Bonvillain’s artwork complements Waid’s storytelling perfectly, bringing the character to life in a way that reminds readers just how disturbing he can be.

Issue #14 includes a lot of Superman working with Robin, which is always welcomed. The two discover that Professor Ivo is swapping out billionaires, including Oliver Queen and Ted Kord, with androids that look just like them. The idea is pretty run-of-the-mill for a criminal plot, but the catch is that Ivo has replicated his own Metamorpho with the ability to create kryptonite. By the end of the issue, it seems like Superman will be busy battling Ivo’s Metamorpho, leaving Robin alone to fend for himself. Waid certainly knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats! Some really stellar moments like Superman and Robin shrouded in purple darkness as Ivo’s androids approach them, which look like complete nightmare fuel.