Forget Earth 0, it’s a different World showcasing its Finest this issue as the Batman and Superman of Earth 3, Owlman and Ultraman, take centre stage.
Not that we’d call them finest, this being the parallel world where Evil reigns supreme. Like all World’s Finest stories, it’s set several years ago, so the protagonists aren’t in the same place they are in the excellent Crime Syndicate series of a few years ago. We join the World’s Foulest duo as a plan is born.
So much for this Earth 3 Robin, Owlman wants the information, he’s not fussed about trying to save the kid. Maybe that’s because he has back-ups.
The expired Talon’s last words point them to this world’s version of Niles Caulder, who we know as The Chief, head of the Doom Patrol.
The visit to the Doom Syndicate, it’s fair to say, ends messily for the World’s Strangest Villains, as Ultraman and Owlman get their next lead – the mystery payload is with Dr Will Magnus and his Metal Menaces.
By the end of this chapter – I assume this is a two-parter as #50 has been announced as an extra-sized story – we learn what S.T.A.R. Labs had found. And I should have seen it coming…
Writer Mark Waid has a reputation for fun superhero tales, modern spins on Silver or Bronze Age plots. It’s easy to forget that he also wrote the distinctly dour likes of Kingdom Come and Empire. Here he’s having great fun flexing different muscles, with page after page of gleeful mayhem. The quieter moments are fun too.
The DC Universe reflected through a glass darkly is a compelling place to visit for a short while, as it’s mainly a matter or vile people doing vile things to other vile people (we do see Ultraman terrorising Metropolis citizens with heat vision, but he seems to be scaring more than hurting them). I certainly wouldn’t wish to live there.
Waid also gives us a prologue set two decades before the main action showing the beginnings of Owlman. It’s terrific, and hopefully we’ll have an equivalent Ultraman origin next time.
Marcus To provides the best art I’ve seen from him, with his always strong compositions and confident finishes showing extra zip. The whole issue is superb, with the Doom Syndicate scene especially effective. I can’t wait to see what he gets to draw next issue, and hopefully excellent colour artist Tamra Bonvillain and steady Eddie letterer Steve Wands will be along for the ride.
Artist Dan Mora, who’s coming back to this series for the aforementioned #50, provides this issue’s intense cover.
I had a ball with this comic. I think you will too.
Too Dangerous For a Girl 2 
It was fun but I still dislike Lois as Super Woman. Super Woman should be the greatest warrior from an island of barbaric warriors empowered by magic and ultra science. At least we don’t get Lois cheating with Owl Man so there’s that.
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