Batman/Superman: World's Finest

Last updated
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
ScheduleMonthly
Format Ongoing series
GenreSuperhero, action
Publication date2022
No. of issues44
Creative team
Written byMark Waid
ArtistDan Mora
Letterer Steve Wands
Colorist Tamra Bonvillain
EditorPaul Kaminski

Batman/Superman: World's Finest is an ongoing American comic book series published by DC Comics. Written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Dan Mora, the series began publication in March 2022. It centers on the partnership between Batman and Superman and is set in a timeless, continuity-light version of the DC Universe. The title revives the spirit of the classic World's Finest Comics (1941–1986) series while introducing new storylines and characters for a modern audience.

Contents

Publication history

The series was first announced in December 2021 as part of DC's 2022 lineup, marking writer Mark Waid's return to the publisher after more than a decade. [1] Batman/Superman: World's Finest #1 was released on March 15, 2022, with colors by Tamra Bonvillain and letters by Steve Wands. Editor Paul Kaminski described the series as "a place where Mark and Dan can tell stories that celebrate DC's icons without being confined by continuity." [2] Following strong sales and critical acclaim, DC launched multiple spinoffs written by Waid, including World's Finest: Teen Titans (2023) and World's Finest: Green Lantern (2024). [3]

Plot overview

The series is set in an undefined early era of Batman and Superman's partnership, depicting the two heroes as friends and colleagues who regularly collaborate on world-saving missions. The first arc, "The Devil Nezha," introduces an ancient warlord whose demonic powers threaten the modern world. To combat him, Batman and Superman enlist the help of Doom Patrol and Supergirl. Later arcs include "Strange Visitor," focusing on the mysterious alien David Sikela, and "Return to Kingdom Come," which revisits the universe of the 1996 Kingdom Come miniseries. [4] By late 2024, the series incorporated time travel, alternate realities, and reimaginings of iconic DC storylines, while maintaining a light, optimistic tone reminiscent of the Silver Age.

Themes and style

Critics have described the series as a "modern Silver Age revival," combining Waid's traditional superhero storytelling with Mora's dynamic, cinematic artwork. [5] The series emphasizes friendship, heroism, and optimism, contrasting with the darker tone of many contemporary DC titles. Waid has noted that he intends World's Finest to represent "the best version of Batman and Superman — competent, moral, and inspiring." [2]

Reception

Batman/Superman: World's Finest has received widespread critical acclaim. Review aggregator ComicBookRoundup reports an average critic score of 9.0/10 across its first ten issues. [4] IGN called the debut issue "a love letter to DC's greatest heroes, executed with joyful precision." [5] ComicBook.com praised the series as "the definitive modern interpretation of the Batman/Superman friendship." [6] In 2023, the series won the Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series. [7]

Collected editions

References

  1. "Mark Waid Returns to DC for Batman/Superman: World's Finest". DC.com. December 16, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Mark Waid on Building a Modern World's Finest". GamesRadar. March 2022. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  3. "Mark Waid Expands the World's Finest Line with Teen Titans and Green Lantern". Screen Rant. July 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  4. 1 2 "Batman/Superman: World's Finest Series Summary". ComicBookRoundup. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  5. 1 2 "Batman/Superman: World's Finest #1 Review". IGN. March 15, 2022. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  6. "Batman/Superman: World's Finest #5 Review". ComicBook.com. July 2022. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  7. "Eisner Awards 2023 Winners Announced". The Beat. July 22, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2025.