Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #44

Batman/Superman World's Finest #44 came out this week and was a rollicking good time, bringing together the oddball team of Robin and Supergirl again. I have been waiting to read a story with these two on an adventure since the first time Mark Waid teamed them up in World's Finest #12.

One thing I have liked about this title as a whole is that Waid gives himself a 'done in one' issue between big arcs, a sort of breathing space. He has taken advantage of these side adventures to explore our characters a little deeper and have a little fun. And trust me, this issue is a lot of fun.

It builds on the characterization from the earlier stories. In those early arcs and that other solo issue, Kara is a more mature late teen dealing with the razzle-dazzle, overly eager, almost too self-assured Dick. You can feel her eye-rolling at his circus showmanship. But over the course of this story that softens as she gets to understand him more, appreciate him more. And both recognize their status as 'seconds' in their family. Whenever you put two people in a high pressure, high stress situation, emotions will run hot ... and we even get a little bit of that here.

The art here is done by Lucas Meyer who brings a significant polish to the proceedings. There is a little Lupacchino in there, a little Sook, a little Rags Morales. It is all beautiful.

This is a truly a laugh out loud issue. Everyone should be reading this title and, in particular, this issue.

It is important to remember that this World's Finest is an 'elsewhen', set somewhere back in time of the New History of the DC Universe. It certainly feels pre-Crisis. 

So when Batman sends Dick to investigate a company called 'Ardora Industries', Superman says it is a subsidary of LexCorp. Dick might need a hand, so Supergirl is recruited. And Supergirl is less than pleased given the icy nature of her relationship with Dick.

A lot to unpack in the best way.

Ardora was Lex's wife on Lexor, something Superman would know.

But check out the look of Supergirl in her secret identity. She looks old enough to be living on her own and her carrying all those groceries makes it seem like she is that old. But pigtails and glasses? Is she Linda Lee (after all she joked about being put in an orphanage in this very book)? Is she the bespectacled Linda Lang?

Love her response, so ticked she dropped the eggs.

Dick heads to Ardora to pose as an inspector. He is supposed to be undercover, Batman reminding him to wear civilian clothes. 

Look at what he is wearing? Basically a low-key cosplay of his Robin outfit. Too funny!

I love Supergirl's response. Remember, he wore his Robin outfit on their date!

While confident, Dick hasn't thought it through, saying stupid things which out him pretty quickly.

From a distance, even Supergirl is impressed. 

The ice might be thawing.

When things get out of control, Supergirl thinks it is time to fly in for the rescue. But it turns out that Ardora Industries is making synthetic Green K - strong enough to weaken but not kill our hero. 

Supergirl and Robin are overcome and tied together.

I love how Supergirl prays she isn't tied to Robin as she comes to only to discover her worst nightmare is true. 

The artwork my Meyer is spot on, especially his expressive work with Supergirl. It is perfect.

And Waid takes advantage of this predicament, having the two remain tied for most of the rest of the issue, having to work together to defeat the bad guys.

But first, some conversation.

Dick explains how he gets through life. He has complete confidence That attitude gets him through 90% of life. The other 10% is embracing the risk and improving. 

I love it.

He is a circus performer, a trapeze artist without a net. He would need confidence. He would need to be able to improv. And it does work for him. Waid just gets it.

And as they needle each other ... all while tied up as hostages ... even the henchman guarding them can feel the tension. 

Their response is even funnier, both shouting how they aren't dating.

They protesteth too much?

Again, great expressive work by Meyer. 

After several pages of the two flipping around on those chairs, beating up inept Ardora workers, they finally free themselves.

Remember, Supergirl is basically powerless here. So she is impressed with how Dick has been able to work his magic. She has to admit they make a great team. Perhaps the bad taste of that blighted date has been washed away?

His quips even work well. Sun Tzu talking about touching a big red button. Hilarious.

Time to fly the coop. 

As I said, high stress situations with people shoved into life and death situations will make emotions run hot.

As Ardora explodes behind them, the two kiss.

I love it.

Like, I love it.

It didn't feel rushed. It felt earned. They are different but they vibe well with each other. And Meyer's art is brilliant.

This would have been a fine ending to the issue. 

But Waid puts the cherry on the sundae.

The following morning (!!!), we hear Dick and Kara talking from inside a car.

Batman and Superman break in ... to discover the two in mid-embrace??? Both again denying they are dating but in a very different context! Love the shocked look on Kara's face!

Did Batman assume something bad happened when they didn't return that night? What did they do that whole night? Hmmmm .... 

Think good thoughts chum!

I seriously laughed out loud at this final scene, the perfect ending to a near perfect issue!

Waid writes a great Robin and Supergirl, especially these younger versions. And Meyer just shines! DC ... put him on more books!

Overall grade: A+