BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD'S FINEST 2025 ANNUAL #1 (DC COMICS)

What is old is new again. That is the early indication of events circling the Justice League. Gorilla Grodd has been revealed as the catalyst of their latest problems.

His manipulations of Air Wave led to a breakdown in the JL’s latest initiative. This became the tip of an evil iceberg. Grodd’s allies in this endeavor have been revealed to be the Legion of Doom!

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD'S FINEST 2025 ANNUAL #1 by Mark Waid, Christopher Cantwell, Dan McDaid, John Kalisz, Morgan Hampton, Clayton Henry, Neeraj Menon, and Steve Wands breaks down how their involvement spans more time than one may think.

Let’s continue to break down the “We Are Yesterday” crossover!

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD'S FINEST 2025 ANNUAL #1 by Mark Waid, Christopher Cantwell, Dan McDaid, John Kalisz, Morgan Hampton, Clayton Henry, Neeraj Menon, and Steve Wands (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The writing bring out the most unlikely of scenarios. Readers watch as Grodd breaks down each member with pin-point accuracy. Grodd’s insulting of the fellow villains leads to entertaining exchanges. The back and forth between Grodd and Luthor fully illustrates the egos involved. Once cooler heads prevail, the story starts taking its’ final form.

Seeing the classic Legion vs. JL lineups match-up becomes a true treat for fans. The writing indicates how combustible this team truly is. Grodd’s quarterbacking attempts to keep others in check. This ultimately leads into a strong finish. Readers watch as the picture becomes into focus as to how two time periods mesh. It also tips off a new wrinkle in Grodd’s plans. Events are capped off with a solid cliffhanger as a result. This is textbook superhero storytelling.

McDaid and Kalisz kick off events with Grodd’s analyzing the Legion at hand. The full page grid image reveals much and one character’s steals the scene. A two page spread illustrates a frightening picture to the legion. Their reactions are priceless leading into their fight against the league.

The fight at the Flash Museum starts with a strong near full shot of Superman and Bizzaro. Pacing keeps events moving right along into another classic fight. Joker on fear toxin warrants a wild full page image. Other members get their page time in before leading back to Grodd. His scheming comes to fruition and showcases his overconfidence. Events conclude with a very mysterious final panel. Even with prep time, Batman is gonna have a tough time explaining this image.

Hampton, Henry, and Menon construct a superb story about John Stewart. The flashback sequences reinforce his drive into becoming a hero. Turning tragedy into triumph rings through each page. Events conclude with the full emergence of a legendary hero. It ends events in the past by building towards a bright future.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.8

The Legion of Doom’s venture into the future starts with a chaotic & entertaining start. Seeing Grodd’s schemes come into light shines in the writing. McDaid and company craft classic superhero confrontations with the art. The final panel tips off more paradoxes in the mix which is never a bad thing in this crossover.

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD'S FINEST 2025 ANNUAL #1. Thanks for reading!

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #6 (DC COMICS)

The Legion of Doom has returned! Gorilla Grodd revealed himself as part of the Inferno group. Their attacks have rocked the Justice League.

In “Batman/Superman:World Finest”, readers witnessed the early seeds of this onslaught. Now it’s time to see the fruits of that labor take shape.

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #6 by Mark Waid, Travis Moore, Tamra Bonvillain, and Dave Sharpe continues the “We Are Yesterday” storyline.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the DC Comics Crossover event.

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #6 by Mark Waid, Travis Moore, Tamra Bonvillain, and Dave Sharpe (DC Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Waid reveals many secrets that have been building since the first chapter of JLU. The synergy with “Absolute Power” fallout cannot be denied throughout the DCU. In this case, the explanation behind Grodd’s attack comes into focus. It leads into a terrifying start for the famous Flash rogue. Readers see a glimpse of what Grodd can do with his new powers. The result is devastating for the unknowing pawn in his game.

The storyline with Air Wave has been such a mystery since emerging in “Absolute Power”. Waid plays the long game with setting up the drama. Seeing how Grodd manipulates the young hero is brutal and tragic. It is equally intense with how he manipulates his partners as well. Readers can’t help but be blown away once all the smoke clears. The fallout brings down the house as drastic measures are taken. This leads into a solid cliffhanger. With so many moving parts, nothing is lost in shuffle. As far as heroes and time, that’s another story.

Moore steps in for art duties with Bonvillain. The opening pages of Grodd’s prison escape light an explosive start. The full page shot of the League in action with Grodd narration foreshadows much. Seeing Grodd use his new powers shows the scary reach he now has. This pushes towards the slow burn build on a young hero’s mind.

Opening with Superman talking with Air Wave, the art teases optimism. After some brief action, Grodd makes his entrance. The reactions of both speak volumes to the readers. Grodd’s deceptive caring & Raid’s unknowing possession makes for a dire combination. Moore throws in a full page breakdown of where events are heading. This leads into the show-stopping close. Readers watch as Wave makes a valiant stand. It spirals into a larger fight and more surprising response. A final full page sends events into the unknown which fans won’t want to escape.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.4

The saga of Air Wave comes front and center with “We Are Yesterday” taking shape. Waid’s writing guides readers through the dark masquerade. Moore and Bonvillain construct the misleading maze a young hero walks. The results push events into a past readers won’t want to forget!

Let me know your thoughts on JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #6 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

SUPERMAN: THE LAST DAYS OF LEX LUTHOR #3 (DC COMICS)

A hero’s greatest strength is also a great weakness. Living up to the standards that every life matters, Superman is at a crossroads. Lex Luthor is dying. His greatest enemy now comes to him for help. Even with great reluctancy, the Man of Steel attempts the unthinkable. He’s trying to save the dying life of his greatest enemy.

In their travels, the pair has exposed many skeletons buried amongst them. No matter where the journey has taken them, Superman and Luthor have been pushed to their limits. Unfortunately, there is no time to pause. Brainiac has arrived with his own plans. Who will be left standing when the dust settles here is anyone’s guess.

Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #3 by Mark Waid, Bryan Hitch, Kevin Nowlan, David Baron, Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith (Comcraft) concludes the Black Label saga of the long-standing “frienemies”.

We have waited long enough for this conclusion. After waiting since 2023 for its’ return, let’s see how this all ends for Mr. Luthor and company.

Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #3 by Mark Waid, Bryan Hitch, Kevin Nowlan, David Baron, Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith (Comcraft) - DC COMICS

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Throughout this series, the complex connection between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor has been examined. When a new threat enters the field, Waid switches the focus to their need of the other. The set-up is brilliant as the conflict makes Lex a pawn. This doesn’t sit well with someone who carries himself higher than others. What transpires next is a true definition of “What If”.

Knowing he’s dying, Luthor pushes forward with a heroic sensibility. Seeing how Superman reacts is justified. The symbol of hope refuses to lose it. He forces Lex’s hand with a fun twist. Waid lets the pair showcase their skills as time slips further away. This leads into their ultimate confrontation. The writing allows for Luthor to demonstrate his way of saving humanity. It hits with a bittersweet ending. The fallout gives a somber gravity to their complicated history. It also provides a lasting legacy fitting for two friends who lost their way.

Hitch and the art team go big for the finale. The two page introduction of Brainiac instantly sets the grave mood. Luthor’s reactions bounce off Brainaic’s unemotional responses. Even when Superman thinks he has back-up, a solid half panel shows how much the last Kryptonian is not in control. This pushes everything towards a doomed final play with the world at stake. Another two page splash shows Superman and Lex fighting their way into an escape. This gives way to a “parting” moment between old friends.

Once Luthor has a plan to stop Brainiac, the art shows how both know this is the end. Each facial response lets this inevitability sink further in. A Half page panel shows readers how both are rocked by Luthor’s attempts. This leads into an unlikely assault onto Brainiac’s ship. All of the action here feels straight out of a Hollywood film. The emotions start giving way as Luthor makes a final play. The fallout teases one possibility while setting up a shocking move. A parting two page image shows readers the rippling effect of what has happened. It leads to a well-placed final panel. In dealing with tragedy, the memories of the past provide comfort to compliment their legacy.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.7

As time runs out, Lex Luthor denies fate with a spectacular finale. Waid’s writing presents the final stand with a strong level of emotion. Hitch and the art team make the last stand of Superman & Luthor into a major event. This series crashes the list of “greatest Superman stories” with much for fans to enjoy.

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #3. Thanks for reading!

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD'S FINEST #38 (DC COMICS)

A major crossover event starts here for the DCU. Spiraling out of the pages of Justice League Unlimited, Gorilla Grodd has been revealed in connection to Inferno. The mysterious group has handled the expanded JL with ease. With Grodd’s reveal, the attention shifts to how did this happen. The answer lies in the past.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #38 by Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, Tamra Bonvillain & Steve Wands kickstarts the “We Are Yesterday” event!

Let’s not wait another minute and dive into the drama!

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #38 by Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, Tamra Bonvillain & Steve Wands (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Waid sets events in motion with a superb superhero story. The dialogue between Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent is playful from old friends. Even with Hal Jordan’s interjections, nothing feels ajar. It is as one would think when the longtime friends interact in their alter egos. Once Grodd makes his first move, the tone swings dramatically. Readers watch as this is the first run-in with the Worlds’ Finest and the dangerous foe.

Adding Flash into the mix is a natural move. Who better to assist in fighting the foe than his old nemesis? Waid throws in some great swerves as the heroes adapt to dealing with Grodd’s army. Pacing never stops escalating. Readers still back and watch as the heroes take some drastic measures. The writing shows Grodd as defiant as ever. It hits all the marks for what a superhero story should be. The fallout seems standard until the end. Once here, events shift to the present where Grodd makes another move. An excellent start to a high-octane saga between the JL eras.

Henry steps in for art duties in this initial start. The conversation between Clark and Bruce brings out their lighter sides. This especially works with Bruce Wayne. His facial reactions are a stark contrast to his Batman persona. The mood changes when Grodd enters the scene. A full page image starts off the frantic action. The art brings out the classic team-up themes before a swerve is poured in.

Once that reveal is played, it is greeted with a half page panel. Henry and Bonvillain showcase the turn of events with high drama. Readers watch as a worst case scenario happens. It doesn’t take long for the heroes to try a desperate play. The conclusion shows how luck was on their side this day. Its’ fallout leads to some stunning final panels. If there was any indication of how dire Grodd’s attack is going to be, this is it.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.1

“We Are Yesterday” throws a very unique challenge at the Justice League. Waid sets the stage with excellent writing. Henry, Bonvillain and Wands craft the vintage story with impressive art. Where things go form the last page is literally anyone’s guess.

Let me know your thoughts on Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #38 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

SUMMER OF SUPERMAN SPECIAL #1 (DC COMICS)

The summer of 2025 is going to be a super one! James Gunn is unveiling the long anticipated “Superman” film in July. Movies aren’t the only fandom affected by the Man Of Steel. DC Comics has their Superman line primed and ready to maintain the excitement. It all starts with a wedding of super proportions!

SUMMER OF SUPERMAN SPECIAL #1 by Mark Waid, Dan Slott,
Joshua Williamson, Jorge Jiménez, Belén Ortega, Dan Mora & Dave Sharpe kicks off the next phase of Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow!

Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming up!

SUMMER OF SUPERMAN SPECIAL #1 by Mark Waid, Dan Slott,
Joshua Williamson, Jorge Jiménez, Belén Ortega, Dan Mora & Dave Sharpe (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

With a wedding between John Henry Irons and Lana Lang taking place, Clark Kent is thrown a few challenges. This comes via three chapters. Waid takes the lead and throwsback to young Clark and Lana. It gives readers a sense of Clark’s feelings towards his first love. The writing keeps this theme going while he deals with a threat. Seeing young Clark rationalize these emotions only strengthens what’s yet to come.

Slott makes his Superman entrance with a balanced helping of action and drama. The present day brings John and Lana’s wedding. In typical fashion, if something can go wrong, it will. For this day, it’s a threat from the past. The writing lends itself to establish two conflicts. Superman handles the rematch of the past. The “Super Family” deals with some (un)natural disasters. All points drive towards a strong conclusion. Its’ fallout sets a key direction in motion. Fans also get a happy ending before the final chapter upsets everything.

Williamson comes in for the definitive close. The opening of his chapter is all wedding bliss. Clark’s feeling of joy come to the spotlight. It is a solid place to end the happy moments before investigating his recent problems. The writhing breaks down his recurring foe is a very presentable fashion. Nothing is tipped off too much for the audience. This leads to a few easter eggs before the shocking ending. At this stage, another voice emerges from the shadows. Everything fans might have thought is flipped. Once the reveal of the voice is shown, all bets are off from what’s coming next.

Jiménez takes the wheel for the majority of the book. The opening captures the innocence of the young teens. Clark’s awkwardness bounces off Lana’s genuine demeanor. This rolls into a young Superboy in action via a full page shot. The action travels into a sequence of time displaced full pages. Each carry visions of what’s to come. One in particular shakes up the young hero. It leads events back to his present time with a different path taken. The art bridges the gap from past to present with a looming feel on uncertainity.

Once in the present, Jiménez lets round two start with a bang. The future threat gets a half page welcome. It is countered with a new full page image of Clark and Lois leading the charge into action. Readers watch as the two page splashes take hold. They ramp up the excitement before coming back down to Earth in its’ close.

Chapter three (with Ortega finishing) focuses more on the Wedding reactions before speeding into the final conflict. It transitions magnificently to the final showdown. A full page image passes the Epilogue duties to Dan Mora. Once here, readers have a monster secret revealed in an intense final full page. After witnessing that, readers had better prepare for an even greater storm on the horizon.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.3

Two timelines bring together two hearts as the Summer of Superman begins with an excellent start. The writing takes readers into the past, present and future of Clark Kent with can’t miss chapters. Jiménez constructs lights out panels with the art. Mora’s Epilogue will be the talk of NCBD so make sure you don’t miss what’s unfolding here!

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Summer of Superman Special #1. Thanks for reading!