REVIEW: Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #53
With both Superman and Batman under the control of Tyrant Rex, it’s up to Robin and Warlord to save them and beat the power-hungry villain in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #53. Did I mention there is always saurian lizard people, each one with one of Superman’s powers. Everything here is improved from the last issue – the scene choreography, character panel time, and finally more Superman.
Honestly, Dan Mora’s cover isn’t too discernible from last issue’s-minus the exclusion of Tyrant Rex. We have our main cast with Warlord pretty much like the last -and also Batman has powers here. The primal-like suits made from prehistoric creature bones complete with their modified respective emblems are figure worthy. As this arc ends, this may also be the last time in a while we see Travis Morgan on a mainline DC cover. Like this cover implies, Robin takes centerstage in this story.
Ratcha Lin’s variant cover is smooth, manga-inspired goodness with all the hallmarks of a Batman and Superman cover –light and dark, bats and doves, and the heroes themselves. A cool touch here is that Batman has a ghost-like aura and Superman has an angel-like one. The bloody cut on Batman’s face, is also a really cool touch.
Adrian Gutierrez gives Warlord his true cover farewell with his variant. Travis Morgan stands for battle with his new allies reflected in his sword –no background here needed. Interesting hilt too, more cutlass-like than a barbarian sword.
Robin, Warlord, and Warlord’s allies are on the trail toward Tyrant Rex’s lair and are attacked by his empowered minions, each one with a power that belonged to Superman. Robin uses his knowledge of them to help guide the heroes of Skartaris against them. Meanwhile, Shakira has been captured by Tyrant Rex as seeks the power of the hidden computer of Skartaris to boost his army’s power to conquer the land and then the world. A mind-controlled Superman and Batman also give them a run for their money. As Tyrant Rex raises his armies, Robin must find a way to free them from his control and turn this situation around. At the same time, the people of Skartaris have a permanent way of dealing with problems. Can Robin teach them about mercy, too?
Mark Waid must’ve been looking at Bronze Age comics between writing issues because this issue does action right. Like a Mike Grell Green Arrow book, at least four panels on each page show a near-frame-by-frame sequence. Last issue, there would be a page turn every three panels and leaving a lot more time between panels. There isn’t even any dialogue during these sequences –just following the characters and their movements. When there is dialogue, Waid makes it count here –with Robin taking the helm as the strategist and voice of mercy to Warlord and the people of Skartaris. Letters are by Steve Wands.
Adrian Gutierrez sets ogre-like beasts with superpowers upon our heroes, and they are real problems. He also gives probably some of the best Dick Grayson Robin moments in recent years. When Batman once told him he was going to lead the Justice League, this was the Robin he was talking to. From the moment the comic begins with his silent, or rather loud, takedown of the saurian with super hearing, you know he’s in charge.
(8/10) The swords and sorcery in Skartaris comes to an end in Batman Superman World’s Finest #53 and by turning this Dark Knight and Man of Steel adventure into a Boy Wonder one. Any gripes with the previous issue have been completely done away here.
