Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: The World’s Finest
Written by: Jeph Loeb
Penciled by: Ed McGuinness
Inked by: Dexter Vines
Colored by: Dave Stewart
Lettered by: Richard Starkings
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Publisher: DC Comics
It appears that DC can’t do anything wrong right now. Ever since Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee took on BATMAN, the string of success has been unending. Critical acclaim for titles like TEEN TITANS, BIRDS OF PREY, EMPIRE, OUTSIDERS, and ARROWSMITH have been followed by quick sellouts of DC’s entire print runs. The first issue of DC’s newest launch SUPERMAN/BATMAN bears the story title “World’s Finestâ€. It’s a fitting title for not only the two heroes involved, but also the creative talent as well. Loeb teams once again with Ed McGuinness, his partner from an excellent run on the flagship SUPERMAN title, to work on DC’s two biggest stars.
To start, let me say that the opening of the book is perfect. The first six pages serve to introduce the series leads. While just about everyone knows the origins of quite possibly the two most famous comic characters on the planet, this seemed the fitting tribute to begin this momentous book. While Superman and Batman are the 1 and 1a of the DC Universe, they couldn’t be more different. They are both the epitome of good, but are diametric opposites of the heroic side of the equation. The dueling origins of light and dark, happiness and sadness set a clear message. With this opening, it’s clear this essential difference is something that Mr. Loeb will explore and exploit as the series progresses.
Jeph Loeb has stated that the stories will be told in a series of arcs. This is by far the best way to tell stories concerning the meetings of two characters whose paths shouldn’t cross all that much. For the first storyline Loeb is pulling out all the stops. Metallo poses a major problem for Superman in Metropolis, eventually leading the Man of Steel to Gotham in pursuit of his enemy. Batman and Superman first meet up on page twelve and a downright creepy graveyard battle between the two and Metallo ensues. Of course these two titans will not die in these pages, but the writing leads us to a stunning predicament for the pair.
Beyond Metallo’s involvement Lex Luthor joins in on the fun. As if Superman wasn’t in enough trouble already, a huge threat is brought to light as the issue wraps up. While not blatant since Crisis, Luthor is the #1 villain in the DC Universe. The storyline of the last few years, that has seen him as the President of the United States, has given the writers a new spin with the character. Yet, like many fans of the classic days prior to John Byrne’s reboot of the Superman franchise, I long for the time of more overt villainy from the character. Loeb is one of the men who put Luthor into office, and this storyline will severely tax the presidency of the incumbent, as he launches his reelection campaign.
Ed McGuinness was born to tell the larger than life adventures of Superman and Batman. His strong-jawed characters fit perfectly into the wonderful stories that Jeph Loeb presents. With the help of inker Dexter Vines and colorist Dave Stewart, McGuinness captures these classic characters in all their glory. Each is rendered with the proper attention to detail, letting their true natures come out not just in the writing but the art as well. Until this issue hit, I didn’t realize how much I missed the collaboration of Loeb and McGuinness.
Overlooking everything else, DC has put together a fantastic creative team. I’m confident the high quality of the debut issue is indicative of what will follow. Be patient if the first issue is sold out at your local retailer. DC has prepared a second printing that will be rushed to stores for Aug. 27, several weeks before the second issue hits. Even if you’re not reading any of the Superman or Batman titles, and gimmicks aside, the content alone is more than enough reason to give it a look.
Shameless plug: This past week my colleagues John Babos, Nick Piers, and myself launched a rotating column entitled, Near Mint Memories. If you haven’t already read it, check out John’s inaugural column, which recounts the JSA’s storied history. Then later this week read Nick’s piece on the World’s Finest duo. I guess the plug isn’t so shameless, as it actually does have some bearing on my review!
