Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #47

Batman/Superman World's Finest #47 came out this last week, the finale of the Absorbascon storyline pitting the Batman/Superman Fusion against the Lex/Joker Merger. And boy, it ends ... quickly, neatly, and semi-easily.

Writer Mark Waid is almost always a fun and entertaining read and this title has been a revelation in the four years it has been out. This story seems to have some elements that fit the quality of this book. Seeing how the fused heroes work together while the meshed villain minds sometimes are fighting each other is a good insight into the characters. Seeing how our heroes deal with their secret identities revealed also has some meat on the bone to delve into. (Indeed, the Lois scene in this book is my favorite.) And perhaps this characterization deep dive was the impetus for this story. But the plot, with the Absorbascon as a deus ex machina becoming both a receiver and a transmitter that needs to be shut down then saved then reverted seemed too big to wrap up. This was a three parter! But honestly, I don't know if a longer version of this story would make the ending more palatable.

Adrian Gutierrez gets to really stretch in this arc with crazy action, a large cast of cameos, and some emotional beats. It is a rapid fire book going from magical battles to quiet apartment conversations to fistfights. That is a lot for one tiny issue. It must be hard to step into Dan Mora's shoes but I have come to really like Gutierrez's style on this book. There is an energy here that works. 

On to the book.

Review: Superman Unlimited #9

Superman Unlimited #9 came out this week, starting a new story involving an updated Prankster. Throw in a crime boss in Metropolis and a Jon Kent subplot and this issue isn't just telling a story, it is setting up future plotlines. One thing that really isn't new or moved forward is the 'Kryptonite Everywhere' arc. Yes, we see a large chunk of Kryptonite in the story and Superman 'go gold'. I'll have a lot to comment on that within the body of the review.

Writer Dan Slott does a good job showing us the MO of the Prankster. This is a cold-blooded killer who murders in such silly ways that the death is all that people remember. To paraphrase the Bard, 'The evil done to men lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.' It is silly in its own way, something Slott excels at. There is a sort of vanity in this new villain that makes him interesting.

But the Kryptonite story is still lingering and is, for me, the least interesting part of this title. 

Mike Norton is on art here, with Dave Johnson on the cover, which makes me wonder if Rafael Albuequerque's time on the title is over. Norton has a solid, straightforward style which might not be the best fit for a gag-filled killing spree. His Superman feels solid and sort of Bronze-Agey. 

I actually think this is a fun issue for this book. But the K-Everywhere element in this story pulled me out of the precedings. I realize this is something I am sort of saying in every review of this book. Apologies. 

On to the book.

Review: Action Comics #1094

 Action Comics #1094  came out last week, another chapter in Mark Waid's exploration of the introduction of Superboy to the DCU. I have been very pleased with this run of stories and this issue is no exception as Waid answers questions I think have been in the back of my mind as a reader. Why would the military not try to control or co-opt Superman when he first revealed himself?

The bulk of the issue is Superboy doing what he does best, trying to save lives and do what is right. But this time that is by helping the US military extract men from a foreign nation. It is Superboy entering war, being given orders, and still assisting because that is what is needed. But appropriately questioning his role afterwards. I think we are just scratching the surface of this confrontation with General Lane. 

But surrounding the main title is that exploration of Clark's feelings and dealing with this. He is still just a kid. He is still crushing on Lana. He is still doing silly little Smallville tasks. But now he has seen things that most people won't ever see, the horror of war, and has to find a way to deal with it. That is a story worth telling.

The art on the issue is done by Patricio Delpeche, whose work is new to me. There is a raw feeling here. There is as sort of Sean Phillips feel to the work too. Given the darker tone for most of this issue, the pencils and shadow work all works wonderfully here.

Lastly, the ending of the book synchs up a favorite Silver Age moment with these modern times. I smiled. Kudos to Waid for his usual walking the tightrope of honoring the old while refreshing it for today.

On to the details.

Review: Supergirl #9(v8)

Supergirl #9 came out last week, the third issue in a row focused on character building and leaning into some sorrow and angst. Writer Sophie Campbell is here with artist Joe Quinones showing us New Year's Eve, Midvale style. 

Campbell has definitely been focusing this series on Kara figuring out this next chapter of her life back in Midvale. Campbell has also done something I have been asking for in a Supergirl comic for about 15 years, added a supporting cast. In many ways, this book has been an ensemble cast with Supergirl the axle they spin around. Moreover, it is all young women trying to figure out who they are in a new place, all with different backgrounds and responses. Lesla from Kandor, reeling from unloving parents and a feeling of emptiness. Lena, walking away from Lex but still acting, now and then, like a Luthor. And Kara herself, out of Superman's shadow and trying to hold her life and her friends lives together.

This issue shows us how easily strained these relationships can be. A fun night unravels and suddenly Linda, Lena, and Lesla are not the bosom buddies they were. There was a bright feeling to the early issues of this book, an optimism and joy around Kara. These last three issues - Nightflame, the dying robot, and this issue's tumults - are a little darker. I am hoping this darkening is from my Chaos Stream theory.

And I have to admit I wouldn't mind an issue of someone like Reactron being a jerk and our hero pounding him. After all the personal drama, I wouldn't mind a supervillain coming around. I am not complaining too much. I love the book. And this is lightyears away from drunken, living in pain, witnessing stoning executions, etc.

I have been a fan of Joe Quinones for a looooong time and have always loved his art, getting a commission from him in 2010. His style fits the vibe of this series wonderfully and I wouldn't mind him being the official pinch-hitter here for issues Campbell can't do herself. 

On to the book! 

Bullet Review: DC KO #3

DC KO #3, written by Scott Snyder with art by Javi Fernandez, came out this week and was another bonkers, high energy brawl of a book as our heroes and villains vie to see who will win the title King Omega and take on Darkseid to reinvent the universe.

It feels intentionally over the top with the fate of the universe at hand, the winner being able to scrawl their idea of what reality should be. 

Round one was a battle royale style race for immunity totems (magical items).

Round two was a two out of three solo match.

Round three is a tag-team match with each entrant able to pick their partner.

It is silly in a good way with high stakes and I have mostly enjoyed it. But two things have detracted my enjoyment from the title.

The first is a bit meta, the promotion of the event. I will talk about that at the end.

The second, how Supergirl was treated in this particular issue hence the bullet review.

They are, overall, small distractions to the insanity of the book. It is fun in an 'over the top' way.

But let's dive into Supergirl's part in this issue.

The rules of engagement are clear. The Elite Eight are allowed to pick a partner, any partner, got the tag team battle. If they don't choose a partner, one will be chosen for them.

Superman chooses last. The omnipotent voice almost chooses for him but then Clark makes up his mind.

Is the crumbling Supergirl statue supposed to mean she is who was almost chosen for him? Does it mean he contemplated picking her but picked someone else?

Either way, at least she was near the top. 

But then ...

Back Issue Box: Adventure Comics #404

One of the things that I have truly appreciated about the current Supergirl title is how writer/artist Sophie Campbell has really done a deep deep dive into Supergirl's history, incorporating elements of all of Supergirl's lore and iterations into the book. 

Recently, the March 2026 DC solicits came out promoting a 'Reign of the Superboys' arc running through all the super-titles. In a related article talking about the titles, this nugget was dropped.

That same week, Supergirl #11 drops Kara into Kandor, strips her powers, and gives her a cybernetic upgrade as she leads a revolution alongside Conner Kent and a legion of Boy Thunder clones.

A powerless Supergirl in Kandor getting a cybernetic upgrade?

It sounds like Campbell is revisiting a storyline from the early 70's where Supergirl's powers would blip on and off. To compensate, she went to Kandor and had was given an exoskeleton to boost her abilities when she was suddenly powerless. 

Now to be honest, I am not a fan of storylines where characters' powers can suddenly disappear. The story always seems stretched and forced. And that is true for this classic one. But how great to see it updated. So why not revisit Adventure Comics #404, with that Kandorian exoskeleton revealed.

The brief story? A mob leader named Starfire (no ... not that Starfire or the other Starfire) comes to town to take over. To do that, she needs to get Supergirl off the board. So she has a lothario slip Supergirl a pill designed to depower her permanently. But it only works some of the time. Check out the awesome cover! Starfire beating up our here while a group of odd clowns watches on! Inticing!

To put in context, this book came out in May 1971, in the middle of the Kryptonite Nevermore arc in Superman, an arc seriously depowering the Man of Steel. Perhaps DC couldn't have Supergirl be the strongest character in the universe? 

On to the book!

Review: Absolute Superman #15

Just a couple of weeks ago, I reviewed Absolute Superman #14, the ending of a long, world-building arc for our hero. I thought perhaps the ending seemed a little too quick with Ra's Al Ghul almost laying down after a gruesome battle. But that was that, the opening arc teaching about this Kal and his fight against the Lazarus Corporation was over.

Last week, Absolute Superman #15 came out, a 'new story' trumpeted on the cover, complete with a new artist Juan Ferreyra. This new direction has been earned by writer Jason Aaron whose deliberate pace gave us wonderful world-building here. With Ra's defeated and the existence of the Superman a bit more public, it is time for our hero to come into the sunlight.

And that is what this issue is about. Superman is a public hero now, trying to do everything he can to help people, perhaps overdoing it. He is an inspiration in action all over the world. But he also is trying to be an inspiration to the defeated Ra's. What I really like is how while trying to do what's right, it is clear this Superman is a little uncomfortable in this role, a little taxed. 

All that said, this is an issue filled with hope, something I haven't seen much of in the absolute universe.

You can tell immediately the change in tone and direction by comparing the covers by Rafa Sandoval.

Issue #1, black-garbed Superman, face looking down, in shadows walking through a parched field.

Issue #15, blue-garbed, flying upwards, face in the sun, birds flying around him, angelic.

A new story indeed.

Part of that new feel is artist Juan Ferreyra. His style is strong and energetic in the heroic scenes. It is quiet enough in the smaller moments to convey emotion. I hope he is on the book for a long time.

On to the book.