REVIEW: Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44
The nice little canon that Mark Waid has going on for Robin and Supergirl continues in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44. For their next misadventure, they infiltrate a hidden Lexcorp subsidiary for Batman and Superman while they’re away –all the while trying to prove to everyone that they are not dating. If they weren’t, then why would they need to say otherwise?
Dan Mora lets us know that they are going to be awkward with each other this whole issue with his cover as Robin gets them lost in the desert. The Batmobile and the rest of Batman’s vehicle arsenal are so often flexed but we seldom see what Robin gets –and everything Batman has; he has but simpler. We also have an interesting Supergirl suit going with it being a combination of her Action Comics suit and standard one.
Jorge Fornes’ variant cover has a couple of unique things. The retro comic art style is very appealing with the dotted background to boot –which brings us to that. Most backgrounds would be their respective cities, but Fornes made it their respective emblems. Very appealing in its simplicity, and the only variant to feature Batman and Superman.
Adrian Gutierrez’s variant cover has that movie poster-like appeal. In fact, it looks like it could be a superhero action-comedy road trip movie. Once again, setting the awkwardness that has been present with the two since their unfortunate date. The white and blue art in the background could be an art print on its own.
Another great variant featuring Robin and Supergirl is available from Lucas Meyer.
Batman and Superman are facing off against Toyman and the Mad Hatter in Bolivia. The Hatter had been brainwashing locals to build weapons and maintain Toyman’s mechs of destruction. At the same time, they got a tip about a secret weapons lab by Sedona, which Robin was sent to investigate undercover. Still, the two feel they should send someone as backup just in case. Unfortunately, the only one available is Supergirl. She initially is able to keep her distance as Robin infiltrates the Adora Industries lab, posing as an inspector. But when his cover his blown, she is forced to reveal herself. The two also discover that one of the weapons the lab is in fact working on is Kryptonite offshoots, and they aren’t far off from the real thing. Robin and Supergirl must put aside their awkward differences and put a stop to it, as well as escape.
Explaining the story like that, it’s nothing special. In fact, it’s the most generic plot summary of any comic I’ve described on here. But that’s not what this issue’s strength or point is. It’s all about the relationship between Dick and Kara, the context of which only this series has built up. Mark Waid has help from Mark Russel, who enhances the humor greatly. It’s almost as if the previous Robin and Supergirl one-shot in this series was the setup and this issue was the punchline. The moments between them are what makes this issue what it is and has that appeal of readers not being clued into the main DC happenings to thoroughly enjoy. We get a lot of censored speech here –the timing of some is chuckle worthy. Letters are by Steve Wands.
Lucas Meyer, with colors by Rain Beredo, brings us some very expressive panels that also help the delivery of Russel’s jokes. Action scenes are pretty stock when compared to other issues in the series, but they fill the quota. Though, one cool scene is watching Robin and Supergirl take on a squad of thugs while subdued. Dave, who guards them, is also a fun character in the same sense as a human character in James Gunn’s DC Universe would be.
(8/10) Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44 is good, humorous energy set to a normal day in the life of superheroes. Call it a canon or head canon, whatever Robin and Supergirl have going on here is very appealing.
