Magical imps Mr Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite felt impelled to flee to Earth after a sinister figure, powerful even by their reality-altering standards, killed off a bunch of Justice League fans. They’ve implored Superman, Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder to get ready because ‘something’s coming’. The heroes aren’t impressed as Bat-Mite bids to get everyone in the mood.
I think we just got World’s Finest: The Movie. This dramatically silly shot is the first thing we see on opening this issue. The next is a handy expositional word balloon from an unseen Mxy on what is normally a very dull, space-wasting credits and recap spread. An issue I expected to be less fun than the usual World’s Finest – the prologues were full of DOOM – is declaring that, nope, this is going to be fun. And while we do get the odd snivelling kiddie as various villains enjoy a shot of extra power, the arrival of the good guys soon cheers them up.
Villains? Yup, the mystery master of ceremonies is lending lookalike evil imps to the likes of Sinestro, Parasite and…
… a strangely sexy Abra Kadabra.
The big one, I mean.
Anyway, writer Mark Waid and artist Dan Mora’s latest tale is typically entertaining, laced with guest stars galore from both sides of the law. It’s good to see Mxy firmly on the side of Right, along with the ever eager-to-please Bat-Mite, and especially great to see the former teamed with Batman, the latter with Superman – swapping the expected combos is one superhero story schtick that never fails. And Waid’s script mines the possibilities of an especially mad story set-up, with extra value coming as Robin gets something of a promotion.
Isn’t that a great costume? It’s basically the Earth 2 Robin outfit designed by Neal Adams with a Super-sized R-emblem courtesy of Mora. Is there any way we can persuade modern-day Dick to wear this instead of those drab Nightwing numbers?
‘Super-Robin’ is my favourite page of the issue, but every one of the 22 sides is as attractive as all get-out. The personality Mora puts into our stars is wonderful, with a particularly great close-up of Batman. Is Dan Mora winning awards? Dan Mora should be winning awards.
So who’s the big villain? They’re not named, but we get a look at them without the robes they’ve been seen in to date, and they present as a grinning old bald chap. I’m sure we’ll learn more next time. We do, at least, find out why they’re siccing lethal leprechauns on JLA members.
Meanwhile, this issue has a zippy, amusing script, excellent action and the two best magical menaces in comics. It also has gorgeous, intense colours from Tamra Bonvillain and characterful letters from Steve Wands, especially on that opening spread.
As for the cover, it’s drawn and coloured by Mora and is, you will have noticed, totally joyous.
The story continues next month, and the fabulously Silver Age situation in which we leave our heroes will almost certainly have everyone coming back. Waid, Mora and pals are bringing us the freshest Mxyzptlk/Bat-Mite story in years and I couldn’t find fault with it. How about you?
Too Dangerous For a Girl 2 
It looked good and had some cool moments, but I’m a Superman fan; I bleed blue, yellow, and red, and this is the umpteenth issue where Superman has been marginalized and hasn’t done anything dynamic. Superman is regularly hit with Kryptonie, magic, or the inability to be intelligent (that’s Batman’s thing; guys from Kansas ain’t that smart). He hasn’t done a bloody thing that’s been dynamic since issue #15. If it Waid’s name wasn’t on the cover, I would think the book was written by Frank Miller.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s interesting, Anon, I hadn’t noticed a lack of impressiveness in Superman – I’m either a Big Picture Guy or dim… don’t answer that! I shall have to go back and take a look. Hopefully Waid’s Superman will thrill you soon.
LikeLike