Batman / Superman: World's Finest 2024 Annual
Kevin Rossi
Recap
A WORLD TOUR OF THE WORLD'S FINEST! It's the world's finest annual! As the battle against Magog rages on Earth-22, Batman and Superman discover a surprising secret by way of the 5th dimension! Meanwhile, Metamorpho's story picks up after the events of the Elementary arc as our hero journeys deep within an ancient tomb that may have a hidden, deadly connection to his secret origin! Plus, Batman recruits the Challengers of the Unknown for a top-secret mission, and a special, sizzling story stars the Teen Titans' most buzzworthy member, Bumblebee! It's a world tour of the World's Finest in this first-ever series annual, curated by World's Finest architect Mark Waid!
Review
Batman / Superman: World’s Finest was and continues to be one of the best series to be released in recent memory from DC Comics. Helmed by Mark Waid, the series is his love letter to the history of World’s Finest and especially that of Batman and Superman. With Batman / Superman: World’s Finest 2024 Annual, readers get a glimpse at the rest of this world in four stories from a series of talented creative teams.
The first story is titled “IMPeriled” and written by Cullen Bunn and Mark Waid. Out of the four stories, “IMPeriled” is the only one directly linked to the current arc of Batman / Superman: World’s Finest, though it does not seem to be required reading. The rest of the creative team includes Edwin Galmon on art duties with Lee Loughridge coloring the latter half and lettering by Steve Wands. The story follows the Imps of the fifth dimension including Mister Mxyzptlk, Bat-Mite, and various Imp versions of your favorite heroes. The art is a lot of fun and lighthearted for the most part. Readers will even be treated to seeing some Imps as classic villains. Both Galmon and Loughridge’s colors do a great job of grounding themselves in the style found in the main book, which is good because the beings of this dimension are anything but grounded.
While “IMPeriled” will continue in Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #25, the other three stories work more as standalone one-offs, though there is room for continuation if they are given the opportunity. “The Ties That Bind” is a Metamorpho story written by Dennis Culver, illustrated by Travis Mercer, colored by Andrew Dalhouse, and lettered by Steve Wands. “Sting Like a Bee” follows Bumblebee before her appearance in World’s Finest: Teen Titans and is written by Stephanie Williams, illustrated by Rosi Kämpe, colored by Jordie Bellaire, and lettered by Steve Wands. The last story is a Challengers of the Unknown story titled “Time Check” which was written by Christopher Cantwell, illustrated by Jorge Fornés, colored by Lee Loughridge, and lettered by Steve Wands. The art styles are all different and great fits for the stories the writers are telling and Steve Wands’ lettering brilliantly works with them all.
Final Thoughts
Overall, all four stories in Batman / Superman: World's Finest 2024 Annual are a lot of fun and a great opportunity to flesh out the world. Readers are lucky to get more of this universe but the lack of the Mark Waid and Dan Mora pairing from the main series is missed and a major selling point. Content-wise, other than a small glimpse in “IMPeriled” and minor references, Batman / Superman: World's Finest 2024 Annual is Batman and Superman free. However, the lack of Batman and Superman does not take away from the fine quality of these stories. They were all incredibly enjoyable with fantastic art and a great opportunity to build this world up and out.
Batman / Superman: World’s Finest 2024 Annual: Around The World
- Writing - 8/108/10
- Storyline - 8/108/10
- Art - 8/108/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10
