BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLDS FINEST #55 (DC COMICS)
Ra's al Ghul has always had a distorted view of of survival.
The “Survival of the Fittest” methods have always pushed Batman to his breaking point. Now, The Demon’s Head has forged a deadlier way to get this done.
Beware the Harbingers of the Apocalypse!
BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #55 by Mark Waid, Adrián Gutiérrez. Vicente Cifuentes, Luis Guerrero & Steve Wands (DC COMICS) begins “Extinction Event”
Let’s see how the story kicks off.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #55 by Mark Waid, Adrián Gutiérrez, Vicente Cifuentes, Luis Guerrero & Steve Wands (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Waid heads back into comfortable territory bringing The Deomn’s Head into the series. After teasing an off world event where the Justice League needs to rebuild, Superman returns to Earth. The tone is very light as he leaves the team behind. Once events move to Gotham City, the focus is on why Poison Ivy was freed from Arkham Asylum. As the story progresses, it becomes clear what the madman is doing. The banter is swift and direct. It applies pressure without a single move made towards the Finest.
Once the ball starts rolling, the writing brings another wild-card into the scene. Talia’s discussion with Batman is short but reflective of ulterior motives. It becomes passe as a grave action strikes a hero. The dialogue begins to unlock what has just transpired. It sends Superman into action with classic motives behind his attack. This knocks over a greater domino as Batman starts piecing together the play. It builds towards a startling realization in the final act. Ra’s is ready to unleash his attack and not even the Finest look like they can handle what’s next. Great opener.
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Gutiérrez & the art team open with a great full shot of the League cleaning up Rann. It’s a light-hearted shot which echoes a timeless era. As events transition to Gotham City, panel set-up builds the escape of Ivy with much mystery. This leads into a stellar two page image of the Harbingers waiting to add one more to their ranks. The image speaks volumes while ushering in a new phase of evil.
Readers watch as a quick run-in with Killer Moth ends fast with help from the Man Of Tomorrow. Wands’ lettering jumps off panels while the action goes big. This spirals into the shocking turn of events. There’s a quiet homage to Frank Miller’ work with one panel. The moment leads into Superman taking the fight to a Harbinger. It concludes with a stunning full shot of Big Blue flying into victory. The win is bittersweet as more problems arise. Panels push the closing act into a scary reality as Ra’s plans seem to be taking hold of momentum. Excellent work here.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
The Finest meet the Harbingers in a great opening round of the latest arc! Waid crafts the dangerous plans of Al Ghul with a magnificent start. Gutiérrez & the team deliver a thrilling journey into the fight for survival. World’s Finest is always a safe bet to deliver each time out!
Let me know your thoughts on BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #55 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
