Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44 review

Batman and Superman are on a case, but there’s something else that needs superhero attention, so the Caped Crusader has dispatched Robin to look into it.

It seems that like me, Superman remembers that Ardora is the name of Lex Luthor’s space wife – long story – so that’s obviously a Lex link, meaning the danger level for Dick is higher than was assumed. Superman suggests back-up, but who?

And so it is that while Dick goes undercover at Ardora as Mr Robinson from head office on a surprise inspection, Kara hovers above him, listening for trouble.

And of course, it soon arrives, as Luthor’s staff prove to be less stupid than Dick assumes.

All of which leads to the team-up neither hero wants, following their disastrous date back in the twelfth issue of this always enjoyable series. Regular writer Mark Waid is joined by Mark Russell for this sequel, possibly a late decision given Dan Mora’s sharp, fun cover has a very specific content that’s got nothing to do with the story here. Waid is ever busier, Russell loves Lex… it makes sense to me.

Whatever happened to bring this issue together, I’m glad it did as it’s another excellent breather between big storylines. I’m not keen on Supergirl being quite so grumpy and dismissive towards Dick as she is here, but that was set up in the aforementioned #12 as a way to kick off the comedy. Does her mood pick up? Well, her reaction to a Dick kick shows there’s hope, but I won’t say more than that – either you’re reading this or you should be, as it’s superb entertainment from beginning to end. The story is a satisfying done-in-one, well plotted with top action and character beats a-plenty. Kara and Dick both shine as heroes, tying in with a bit of in-story podcast business about the usefulness of ‘second bananas’.

As for the art, it is stunning. Lucas Meyer draws a gorgeous Supergirl and Robin, the former displaying a spunky intelligence, the latter a confidence that’s merited by his level of skill. The body language is great, and the heroes look excellent in action; while Dick doesn’t don his Robin duds until the end – an unnecessary move, really, but maybe it speaks to Supergirl’s character – his choice of civvies tells the tale.

Supergirl looks terrific in her single panel of street clothes, dig those Silver Age pigtails! I’m still not a fan of Linda in specs, it’s too Clarky, but someone at DC seems to have sent a memo insisting that that’s how she is these days. I blame Linda Lang!

And watch out for the ‘You are now leaving Gotham…’ sign, it’s a hoot!

The colours by Rain Beredo complement the illos perfectly, helping to create a fully realised world, while the letters of Steve Wands modulate the dialogue with style.

The issue ends with the promise of another Robin/Supergirl adventure. Bring it on!