Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #49

Batman/Superman World's Finest #49 came out last week, the finale of a quick two-parter sending our heroes to Earth-3. The first part really threw out a lot of ideas that I thought could be mined. But this one came and went quickly setting up next issue's anniversary fiftieth issue.

Mark Waid is joined by writer Mark Russell on this story. I wonder why that happened. Waid has been writing a lot of titles and took over Flash during DCKO. So perhaps he needed a little script help? The other thought I had was that this was some sort of backdoor pilot for Russell. I can imagine a Earth-3 mini-series by him with villains as heroes and heroes as villains. Regardless, this is a bit of a sprint to the finish which sort of left me feeling a little bit empty after the full joy of part one.

Marcus To is on art and gets to play in the sandbox, bringing in a bunch of characters from the DCU into the story including a team of 'heroes', classic DC villains flipped on Earth 3. I had to grab this variant by Nathan Szerdy with Kara and Dick out for burgers and perhaps dishing a bit about the other date we see in the shadows.

I loved the last issue as we got to see the other 'syndicates' on Earth-3. So I hope that Waid (and/or Russell) gets to explore this world again some time.

On to the book.

Supergirl 2021: A Year In Review & Best Of Comic Moments #5 - #1

For many reasons I can say that I am thankful that 2021 is coming to an end. This has been a more trying year in my life.

I can also say as a fan of Supergirl, this has been a trying year for me as well. I have not always agreed with the creative directions that DC has chosen for the characters. In fact, looking back at 2020, I'm not sure I liked the creative directions then. At some point will I no longer be able to say I am a current Supergirl fan?

Yesterday, I began my 2021 Year in Review for the character, including the back end of my top ten comic moments. Today I will finish that list.

One thing that I didn't mention specifically yesterday is the double edged sword of Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow. Writer Tom King is a hot commodity these days. His work on Batman, Rorschach, and Mister Miracle have been lauded. I haven't heard as much praise for Strange Adventures and Batman/Catwoman. But he is a top name in the industry right now and his books sell well. So having his name attached to Supergirl is a good thing in that he will bring new readers to the character. Of course, the downside to that this vision of Kara as a complete emotional wreck whose life is one of eternal spiritual turmoil will probably 'stick' for a bit. If you like that, great. If like me you don't, it means some harm has been done to the character.

On to the top moments of 2021.

Bullet Review: Crime Syndicate #6

Crime Syndicate #6 came out last week, the end of a very interesting and new take on Earth 3. I came to this mini-series on the recommendations of friends. I leave this mini-series greatly saddened.

Why?

Because it seems that Supergirl fans can't really catch a break.

You might remember that last issue, Ultragirl was introduced. I was thrilled because this was a heroic Supergirl analogue, fierce and almost overly exuberant in her pursuit of goodness. In fact, I found it odd that she would be so good on a world where the heroes were evil. Did that mean something? (Writer Andy Schmidt said it didn't.)

In a world where the main Supergirl became a pawn of the Batman Who Laughs, then disappeared, and now is sullen, drunk, and sleepy as the supporting character in her own book, I was delighted to see a heroic Supergirl somewhere, even if it was Earth 3.

But Supergirl aren't supposed to be happy it seems. Because all that comes to an end rather abruptly.

I really liked this mini-series. I did. Schmidt created a world that wasn't as simple as 'evil is good and good is evil'. This was a place where the entire world seems gray, most people being closer to the evil side of the midline. And Kieran McKeown definitely put a great artistic feel to the place. Heck, even the overall story is great ...

Except for the Ultragirl part.

Read on...

Andy Schmidt On Ultragirl

In my review of Crime Syndicate #5 earlier this week, I wondered if Supergirl appearing to be a hero on the backwards morality driven Earth 3 was some sort of commentary by DC Comics on how they think of Kara.

I freely admit that I sometimes overthink things regarding Supergirl given my passionate fandom. 

I also know that I am probably still reeling from a Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow #1 issue which did not work for me at all. 

I posted the review and sent out the tweet link, including writer Andy Schmidt on the tweet. And amazingly, I got a response about my concerns.

Bullet Review: Crime Syndicate #5

Crime Syndicate #5 came out last week continuing a fun and entertaining look at the new Earth 3. Writer Andy Schmidt and artist Kieron McKeown continue to weave a story where the heroes and villains we are accustomed to have switched roles.

As I have said before, what I like about this book is that there is sly humor woven into the story of evil triumphant. Yes the Justice League analogs are murdering scum. But the book isn't an incessant trip deeper into darkness. I don't think I have seen one person have their hands cut off. Not one blood soaked brawl. Instead we have silly editorial notes and a ragtag group of heroes trying to save the day.

Not to say this is a happy book. We do get a barn full of dead people. It just doesn't feel like it is titillated by the evil. The tone is just right.

And I shouldn't bury the lede. Kara is in this book too. But more on that in the main review.

The art is done by McKeown who brings a crisp feeling to the action. The figures are lovely and the action dynamic.

On to the book.

Bullet Review: Crime Syndicate #4

One of the best things about this site has been how it has connected me to a truly excellent circle of comic folks on line. If you have been on here for a while you know I have become pretty great friends with Mart Gray of the Too Dangerous For a Girl comic review site. 

Mart has great taste and when he gushed about the Crime Syndicate mini-series, I knew I had to pick it up. It is a complete hoot. 

Yes, this is Earth 3 and these are villainous versions of our heroes. But unlike other recent takes on these characters which has been unrelentingly dark and vicious, this series doesn't sink that deep. Instead there is almost a sly, black humor to the proceedings. 

From silly nonsensical editorial boxes asking us to look for nonexistent back issues to the villains conniving to conquer even as they unwittingly become 'good guys' saving the world from Starro, I have loved this. You can have a villain book that is fun not horrific torture. So judos to writer Andy Schmidt and artist Kieran McKeown.

But this is a Supergirl blog and we know from upcoming solicits that Ultragirl shows up in this series in the final issue. I think we got a peek at her here.