Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #38: Prime Mates

This isn’t the first time Batman/Superman: World’s Finest has overlapped with the current continuity, but it is the first time there is an official crossover. From its launch, World’s Finest has mostly played it safe when it came to continuity. Mark Waid used the series to show the early adventures of Batman and Superman, even showing how they met. The series has always worn its Silver Age influences on its sleeve, acting mostly as its own continuity, but there have been nods here and there and even planted seeds for the Batman vs. Robin series and Lazarus Planet event. With Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #38, there is the use of time travel that links things with Justice League Unlimited, also written by Mark Waid. That isn’t the only overlap, though, because both series share many of the same creatives. The creative team’s Justice League Unlimited features Dan Mora, who was the main artist for World’s Finest in the first twenty or so issues. Mora’s art often feels massive in scope and cinematic with some of the best visuals coming from Mora and colorist Tamra Bonvillain. The frequent collaborators achieved something similar for the initial arcs of World’s Finest. 

Though it is a crossover with a major title, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #38 feels back to basics in a few ways. For one, it is essentially Batman, Superman, and The Flash versus Gorilla Grodd and other apes. Another reason is the introduction of artist Clayton Henry, who’s style shares many similarities with Mora’s. Henry’s style pairs well with Waid’s writing and humor especially. With characters front and center, there is some fun action, but Bonvillain’s unique coloring doesn’t have room to shine in many places. However, the simpler layouts give Steve Wands more room to play around with the lettering. In terms of where this leads, time will tell. Waid has always done an excellent job juggling large casts and events, so a crossover between two series that he is writing will be interesting. Readers previously revisited the Kingdom Come universe, and it was relatively enjoyable, but this will be the first time World’s Finest will interact with the current continuity.