REVIEW: Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #45
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #45 has left a lot to be desired in a Lex Luthor and Joker adventure, this scratches that itch by giving them much more to do in the main antagonist role— and their plans are a doozy as well, and it feels as if it has been in the making since this series began.
We’ve had countless Batman/Superman and Gotham/Metropolis juxtaposition covers, and now Dan Mora gives us one featuring their archenemies. It’s honestly a little ironic that Lex Luthor has the same green and purple color association as The Joker. Meanwhile, Gotham City has that black and yellow Batman scheme happening for it. The backgrounds also nicely reflect their utter contempt for their rivals.
Jorge Fornes does a cool, unique spin on the aforementioned juxtaposition covers. The Superman flying over the Earth and Batman swinging through the night sky of Gotham both occupy the same space but are separated by the stripe stylization of their own images. It almost feels like television static as the images can be out. Again, a very unique way to juxtapose two images.
Series artist Adrian Gutierrez’s variant cover brings back the classic pre-New 52 era Batman and Superman insignia and lets readers know that their arch enemies are going to be a problem for them. Gutierrez’s Joker looks like one right out of the animated series— I think it’s because most artists tend to give him sunken eyes instead of the eye shadow. It’s very cinematic with the lighting like a movie poster as well.
Another great and unique variant is available by Dani.
Superman and Batman were about to thwart Lex Luthor at S.T.A.R. Labs in Gotham from stealing a neuroenhancer that would enhance brainpower, when suddenly he is dematerialized and appears in the subway system. Surprisingly, it’s The Joker who got his hands on tech from the Silver Age villain Dr. X. While our heroes are at a loss, Joker has a proposition for Lex, and his eyes are set on a bigger prize— speaking of ultimate knowledge that Luthor desires.
The Absorbascon is an ancient crown-like artifact that bestows infinite knowledge and possible other advanced mental abilities. The Joker doesn’t just ask anyone for help, so it’s obvious he’s using Lex to get the artifact. But help he does need as the Absorbascon is displayed in the Midway City Museum— and the curator, Carter Hall, is working late that night. It’s no time for bickering as the two villains must deal with the savage Hawkman with Batman and Superman on the way. But the question remains, who really gets the Absorbascon? Lex Luthor, Joker, or both?
Because this story is set in the past, Mark Waid can afford to write Lex Luthor and Joker in his way that makes them timeless, with Luthor as an insecure but highly formidable super genius, and The Joker actually more of a clown than grounded and gritty, but after the laugh is had, true horror awaits. In contrast to their last adventure, there is a lot more action, and Batman and Superman are directly involved. Letters are by Steve Wands.
Adrian Gutierrez puts Lex in his classic green and purple suit with that retro futuristic tech and aesthetic. Again, referencing the Silver Age. His Joker is more cartoony as a result, with all the funny tropes like a house in the shape of his head. The animated expressions are all in the eye shadow. Hawkman vs. Lex Luthor is a match-up we hope can happen in the next Injustice game. Luthor makes a fair point— he fights Superman, so why not? Colors are by Tamra Bonvillain. Norm Rapmund also helps with inks and finishes.
(9/10) Batman Superman World’s Finest #45 finally gives us the Lex Luthor and Joker story arc we were teased way back in #25. This time, they’re coming for the Man of Steel and Dark Knight in a way that only this series could pull off.
