Weird Science DC Comics: Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #36 Review

Is Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #36 Good?

Plot Synopsis

In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #36, we begin with Batman and Robin trapped in aquatic vines at the bottom of the sea by the Floronic Man. Batman correctly deduces that the plague affecting the Atlantean cities of Poseidon and Triton was created by Floronic Man for his own gains. Why? If he can convince the cities to blame each other for the plague, war would break out and decimate their populations, giving the Floronic Man dominion over the underwater realm and the rich plant life it contains.

Batman breaks free of the vines, frees Robin, and attacks Floronic Man, but the villain escapes. Elsewhere, Superman remains trapped in an underwater ravine by magical chains. Lori the Mer-Woman tries to free him, but the chains are too strong. Superman fears war is about to break out, so he destroys the rock wall where the chains are mounted at the moment Batman and Robin arrive to help.

Meanwhile, the people of Poseidon form a mob out of panic from the plague. King Aquaman orders them to remain calm and focused. When Ronal arrives on the outskirts of the city with an army, Aquaman orders his people to take up arms and prepare for battle.

King Aquaman leads his army to confront Ronal. Batman and Robin seek out Floronic Man to stop him, calling on Swamp Thing to join the fight. Superman steps between King Aquaman and Ronal to stop the war, but King Aquaman tells Superman to leave so the matter can be settled between forces not subject to Superman’s jurisdiction.

The issue ends with an unexpected kiss that pisses everyone off.

First Impressions

Mark Waid has a unique talent for telling weird, wild stories that take the subject matter seriously, and that talent is on full display in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #36. Only in World’s Finest will you get an entertaining Aquaman story mixed with a Swamp Thing story and have it all make sense.

How’s the Art?

Mark Waid’s combination of characters that you wouldn’t expect to work well together is the kind of fun Imagineering we need more of at DC. The story is large in scale, with a fast pace and tons of unexpected developments.

What’s not great about Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #36?

The minor drawback is the pacing. Specifically, so many things happen so quickly that they don’t breathe or take on weight. Yes, sure, you could argue there are too many comics stuffing the shelves that take decompression to the extreme, but moderation is always the target.