REVIEW: Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #14

In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #14, the murder of Simon Stagg not only goes down a rabbit hole of a bigger conspiracy but comes full circle. The whole how and why is revealed here as Batman, Robin, Superman, and Metamorpho crack the case and face an all too familiar threat. 

Dan Mora illustrates Mark Waid’s decision to not drag the mystery out further with his “Who Killed Simon Stagg?” cover. While it’s nothing visually spectacular, the bold yellow background is sure to make it drop from the comic book shelves. The color scheme may suggest that this World’s Finest adventure is tonally a Batman story, which it pretty much has been with the setting of Gotham City and the inclusion of Outsider Metamorpho.

Serg Acuna’s stylised variant looks like it can go on the back of a skateboard. The supporting character collage background divided into both Batman’s and Superman’s sides with their bust shots is as bold as the linework. Allies and enemies can be made out with their respective insignias transparently overlaid. What’s cool is that Acuna may have used Mora’s series designs as references for Batman and Superman. This is one of those covers that transcend the series and works as a great piece on its own. 

Meanwhile, Simone Di Meo’s variant also transcends the World’s Finest series as a great Superman cover on its own. Especially stylized when it comes to his face and likeness, this Man of Steel-centric cover feels like it’s been plucked out of the sun with its hue and tone. You have Superman over Metropolis, catching a bullet with his fingertip, a train with his hand, and a small POV of him heading, or rather flying, to work on the Planet. There also seems to be a subtle glow from his chest insignia in one shot which is a nice touch. This one is more than a nice surprise as a cover coming from the World’s Finest series. 

There are also two other variants by Hayden Sherman and Nikola Cizmesija.

Bruce Wayne has become the main suspect in Simon Stagg’s death after his arrest and bail. While Clark doesn’t regret the Planet running the story which led to his arrest, he still knows that Bruce didn’t do it. What has been confirmed is that someone is using Metamorpho-like abilities to target billionaires. By now, the quest has become to prove that Metamorpho and Bruce didn’t do it. So, Superman and Robin go on the case with the help of the shapeshifting hero. 

The plot thickens when Bruce is visited by Oliver Queen who says that he wants to invest in a controversial new Wayne biotech product, something that Queen Industries and Oliver himself are heavily against. When Simon Stagg’s funeral comes around, Bruce and Clark makes a startling discovery that changes the direction of the mystery along with the gravity of the whole situation. 

Even though the big surprise ending of the last issue doesn’t go anywhere beyond the first couple of pages of this issue with Bruce not being put in jail or prison, there is plenty of action divided both between Batman and Superman as the mystery moves speedily forward. The first half is a Superman and Robin adventure as they help Metamorpho fight off giant robots in El Matanzas and foil the plans of a want-to-be dictator. The second half features more hard-boiled detective efforts to find the new suspect. 

Writer Mark Waid, lettered by Steve Wands made the right decision to not drag this mystery out for many issues and uses the DC lexicon he has been using for this entire series to pick an unsuspecting culprit, one that comic readers may have not seen for a long time. Another lesser-known super team also makes an appearance in the second act and may play a significant role in the coming issues. Young Dick Grayson continues to be the Robin we all know and love as he too shows that he can be a good partner with Superman.

Artist Dan Mora continues to give us a lot of great panels in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #14. Robin on a flying Superman tracking Metamorpho is great and keeps up with that loveable theme of how those who can’t fly get around with those that do – usual members of the Super Family and Bat Family. Some panels, won’t name them to avoid ruining the mystery, subtly foreshadowing the new suspect and possible answer to who’s been behind the murder. Max Fleischer would be proud as we get phenomenal illustrations of Superman beating the scrap out of big robots, all-cap onamnapoeia, and all. Fans will want to see more of his art and Waid’s writing in their upcoming SHAZAM! series. Tamra Bonvillain continues to give these great moments their textures and there are plenty of diverse sense-based moments in this issue to add color to. 

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #14 takes the murder of Simon Stagg to the next level with a colossal break in the case and some small twists leading up to it. There was never any intention to drag it out and the Man of Steel and Dark Knight are doing nothing but sitting around and trying to figure out who had done it.

Star Rating: ★★★★☆/★★★★★