Batman/Superman: World's Finest #15

ComicBook.com

To the shock of a few, the best superhero book in DC Comics' roster continues to be just that. Waid and Mora are on a hot streak with this run that is sure to make it a legendary one for all the heroes involved. With this particular issue, readers are given the identity of the puppet master pulling the strings in this Metamorpho-centric adventure. Where the writer and artist of World's Finest are able to really show off their skills is with the "weirder" side of the DC Universe. The likes of the Challengers of the Unknown, the Metal Men, and Doom Patrol are all front and center and they might have never been cooler. World's Finest is able to take on the monumental task of not just combining the Superman and Batman families, but exploring the DCU at large and Waid and Mora do so seamlessly.

Lyles Movie Files

Mark Waid is basically a DC historian at this point and giving him unfettered access to the DC sandbox has helped to make this title one of DC’s best books. Batman, Superman, Metamorpho and Robin finally learn who’s behind the plot to replace prominent citizens with robot duplicates and it’s a doozy. First, they’ve got to get past the Ultra-Morpho, a robot capable of tapping into the elemental chart. Waid comes up with a clever way to implement some other characters that have already been featured in this arc, a cameo from the Doom Patrol and a deep dive character from the pages of the All-Star Squadron. Waid’s ability to tap the DC well for characters that make sense in various arcs is unrivaled. And as usual, Waid’s skill in making all of the characters sound accurately makes for a smooth easy read for readers who’ve been following them for decades or a newcomer only familiar with cartoon and movie takes on the Big Two (and Robin). Then there’s Dan Mora’s outstanding artwork. Mora has such a flair for his panels that the heroes have a truly heroic portrayal with an appropriate larger than life perspective. Each page looks fantastic thanks to the heart and personality Mora gives each character. Tamra Bonvillain’s colorwork and letterer Steve Wands complete the winning package. Batman Superman: World’s Finest is simply DC Comics at its best with a creative team that is so fully dialed in crafting essential must-read classic-style stories each month.

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary

Writer Mark Waid is clearly having a ball here. I have been reading DC for over 40 years and I think I have a comprehensive fund of knowledge on the era this book takes place in. But when you start pulling out the weird villains of the 70's Titans and Challengers of the Unknown, I am at a loss. But here they are! But these little flourishes and Easter Eggs only work if the main story is engaging. Things are becoming clearer here. We have moved from a 'Who killed Simon Stagg?' murder mystery to an all out robot rebellion on Earth. Waid went there in his Threeboot Legion but this time we get to see some familiar faces joining the fray. Throw in 2 new villains and the writing crackles. Dan Mora gets to have just as much fun. The book is Batman/Superman but Mora gets to bring his style to a ton of the DCU here. The Titans, Supergirl, Robin, the Doom Patrol, the Challenger of the Unknown, and Red Tornado are all in this book. This reads more like a Legends of the DCU book and Mora is sizzling. As I have said before, every character he draws makes me want to have Mora on that character's book. Heck, I'd read his Red Tornado! Whoa!

AIPT

Picking up shortly where the last issue left off, it seems things are turning for the worse for Batman, Robin, and Superman. But more than that, something seems to also be wrong with Red Tornado. Throughout the issue, readers see more of something they have likely grown accustomed to world-building. When Mark Waid is behind it, that’s always a great sign too. Now, continue to partner him with Dan Mora and that sounds like a dynamic duo right there. In this installment of the series, there is an overall suspenseful tone that helps push the story forward as the walls seem to close in on its main characters. (...) Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #15 is another strong entry in the series. Throughout the story, there are a lot of world-building and character introductions that are all done to help further the story. It may seem overcrowded but is successfully done and shows what a team-up can look like without detracting from the overall plot. But the true success in this story is in the small moments, of characters shining and taking charge. The weight of the story is further complemented by the continuously electric work of Dan Mora and Tamra Bonvillain. By the time the issue is over, there is another jaw-dropping cliffhanger that will leave readers curious to find out what happens next.

Batman-News

Once again, Waid, Mora and Bonvillain deliver strong sequential storytelling. The art absolutely rocks and Waid writes a tight script that’s well-paced and has strong characterization, where Dick Grayson is a highlight. This continues to be DC’s best comic, and I can’t recommend it enough!

Weird Science DC Comics

Batman / Superman: World's Finest #15 escalates the Simon Stagg murder mystery into a world-ending robot revolution without a single hero strong enough to stop it. The pacing is lightning quick to a fault, the laundry list of character cameos (some recent, others ancient) is astounding, and the art is perfect.

The Batman Universe

This story has mystery and action. It includes a major worldwide threat that encompasses all the heroes. It is a standard but enjoyable superhero story.

The Super Powered Fancast

The Story: Waid delivers some great action and non-stop thrills throughout the issue. The arc is getting more intense and I love its energy, twists and surprises. Waid brings in new characters throughout the issue, but it never feels overblown. It all feels organic and fun. The story has some great character moments throughout and I am excited to see where it goes next. The Art: Mora’s art is stunning. From the brilliant designed and detailed characters to the blistering action, the issue has some intense and beautiful art on every page.

Comic Watch

It is safe to say that Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #15 is pure fun from cover to cover. It’s apparent that the entire creative team seems to be in sync and playing off of each other’s strengths. It is this arc especially that feels like everyone has found their footing. The tone Mark Waid has set throughout the series is consistent through all fifteen issues without anything feeling like filler. Even the one-off issues in between arcs where other artists stepped in for Mora and Bonvillain were excellent highlights of the series. Issue #15 picks up right where issue #14 left off with Superman and Robin facing Ultra-Morpho while Batman and Metamorpho pay a visit to the Metal Men. If you thought Batman and Superman fusing together in the first arc was cool, wait until you see Batman wearing a suit comprised of the Metal Men. If that isn’t cool enough, wait until you see them detach and restore themselves to attack Ultra-Morpho all at once. As a bonus, Superman gets the last punch in wearing a suit made by (and of) Metamorpho. Dan Mora’s art is simply fantastic and handles all of this action so well. Tamra Bonvillain’s colors are a near-perfect companion to the inks and pencils. In addition to the Metal Men pitching in, we see the Doom Patrol as well as the Teen Titans, which is always fun. The Doom Patrol and the Titans both played pivotal roles in previous arcs, and it doesn’t hurt that there is a new Doom Patrol book coming out as well as a World’s Finest spin-off featuring the Teen Titans and penned by Waid. With so many characters, things move fast with a lot happening at once but Waid’s pacing balances it out and gives also gives Mora and Bonvillain the opportunity to give readers some amazing visuals. Even the onomatopoeia lettered by Steve Wands fits perfectly with the action. There is something so fantastic about how well the red bold letters pair with the vibrant yellows and greens. Overall, Batman/Superman: World's Finest #15 moves fast but Waid’s pacing paired with Mora’s art orchestrates it all perfectly. The series as a whole continues to be a versatile book for all readers with really no bad time to jump in.

Dark Knight News

In typical fashion, World’s Finest #15 is a hard pivot into a different genre. This arc started as a “who-done-it?”, and now it’s become a Sci-Fi techno-apocalypse. Please, don’t forget, this is only issue number three in the arc. By the end of this story, Batman and Superman could be riding a giant space dragon while jousting with the Balrog, but that’s the fun of World’s Finest. Does the book move too fast? At times, yes, but it’s never boring. Final Verdict: Did I mention there’s an army of Killer Robots?

Superman Homepage

What a great cliffhanger and continuation! Just when you think it can't get crazier, we learn that actually Ivo isn't the mastermind, but rather that he and Magnus have created Newmazo, who's leading a massive robot revolution! It's an old idea, perhaps, but a good one. Usually it's just one robot that goes rogue. Seeing all the robots in the DC universe, good and bad, not to mention now machines seeing as the Batmobile has gone rogue, is just a thrilling concept, as is the imprisonment of heroes and villains known for their work in the field! The fight scenes were really great, as were the big drama moments, like between Robin and Metamorpho and Batman entering with the Metal Men as his armor! Some seriously awesome scenes and visuals! This could easily have been an episode of the old Justice League cartoon, and for that it gets a lot of praise from me. A seriously great issue! Plus, Batman saying Superman is his friend is always wonderful to see! Excited for the next issue, this arc keeps improving!