Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42 Review

Writer: Mark Waid

Art: Adrian Gutierrez, Tamra Bonvillain, Steve Wands, Dan Mora

Publisher: DC Comics

Price:$3.99

Reviewed by: Anonymous 

Release Date: August 20th, 2025

“Escape from Bizarro World” continues! Superman, Batman, and Robin—tracing a mysterious plague that is sweeping the planet—have found Patient Zero! The only cure for the Bizarros is to eradicate him—so how will the World’s Finest Trio save an entire race without murdering a sentient being?

If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42 Review.

THE DISPATCH

“Escape from Bizarro World” picks up its intensity in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42, as Mark Waid continues to show why this title has remained one of DC’s most consistently engaging series. The issue throws Superman, Batman, and Robin into an ethical and emotional crucible when they discover Patient Zero, the source of a devastating plague ravaging the Bizarros. The moral dilemma at the heart of this chapter—whether to destroy a life to save a world—elevates the story beyond a typical superhero adventure, giving it the weight of classic World’s Finest storytelling. Waid balances the philosophical questions with a brisk, propulsive plot, ensuring the tension never wanes.

The characterization remains top-tier, with Superman’s empathy, Batman’s pragmatism, and Robin’s youthful idealism clashing and complementing one another in meaningful ways. This dynamic has been the hallmark of the series, and here it feels especially sharp. Dan Mora’s artwork once again dazzles, capturing the warped beauty and eerie melancholy of Bizarro World. His kinetic action sequences give the book momentum, while his expressive character work sells the emotional stakes. Coupled with Tamra Bonvillain’s vibrant coloring, the visuals make the bizarre and tragic setting feel alive.

What makes this installment stand out is its ability to frame the bizarre with genuine heart. Patient Zero isn’t just a plot device but a reflection of what makes Superman and Batman such compelling figures—their refusal to accept a cruel solution as the only solution. By the final page, readers are left both anxious and eager for how the heroes will thread the needle between justice and mercy.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42 is another stellar entry in a run that has rarely faltered. It blends action, heart, and a thorny ethical dilemma into a package that reminds readers why this team-up book continues to feel timeless.

9/10

Leave a Reply