Batman/Superman: World's Finest #19

Lyles Movie Files

This title just doesn’t have off months and is about as consistently a great read as I’d hope for with each issue. Next month, the team travels to the world of Kingdom Come, which sounds very appealing.

Geek Dad

Superman/Batman team-ups are a little tricky to write when they’re in the same battle, because how do you make Batman keep up? Waid finds some very clever ways to keep the two on different levels of the same fight, and keeps the stakes high throughout. I noticed that this was a much more intense version of the first Batman/Superman meeting than we usually see—in the past, they spent their first team-up fighting Magpie, not a deranged Kryptonian terrorist. But it does a very good job at exploring how the trust between these two formed so quickly. There’s also a fascinating subplot involving a new alien villain lurking in the background—and when his motivation is revealed, it becomes one of the most unique motivations for a new villain I’ve seen in a long time. This subplot also potentially reveals Waid’s next big project, and based on how good this series is, it instantly shoots up my anticipation list.

Comic Watch

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #19 concludes a really fun arc that reveals Batman and Superman’s first adventure. Waid is clearly having a blast writing this series which in turn gives its artists so much to work with.

Nerd Initiative

The first meeting between two of DC Comics and pop culture’s most beloved heroes concludes with an unforgettable issue. Waid’s excellent writing is brought to life with Moore and Bonvillian’s art to present the catching throwback tale for the modern audience. This is Superhero comics at its’ finest….world’s finest.

The Super Powered Fancast

The Story: An intense, satisfying and action-packed conclusion to this arc. Waid delivers some fantastic moments for Superman in the issue and the story has some great moments between Superman and Batman. I really enjoyed this part of the story and how the characters work together to overcome a common enemy. I also really enjoy how the series sprinkles in threats that will pay off later. The Art: Moore delivers great art throughout the issue. I love the beautifully detailed panels and pages as well as the visual Easter eggs in places like the fortress of solitude.

The Comicbook Dispatch

Batman/ Superman: World’s Finest #19 is a vintage trip into the past of two icons within the DC Comic Universe. It retroactively concludes their first meeting in a fun, almost lighthearted way that resembles a nice, classic comic book feel. Sure, everything gets wrapped up rather quickly, easily, and matter-of-fact, but it still conveyed an entertaining nostalgic vibe thanks to the entire creative team. Readers just joining in won’t be too confused and very well might be able to follow along well. However, the story would most certainly be easier to understand if you snag issue 18 along with this. I highly recommend grabbing both Batman/ Superman: World’s Finest #18 and #19 if you’re interested in an all-ages trip down memory lane and a short compact story reminiscent of the classics as well as some good old-fashioned Saturday Morning Cartoons.

Weird Science DC Comics

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #19 concludes Jax-Ur's escape from the Phantom Zone with plenty of high-flying heroics, clever twists, and cool art. That said, retelling (again) Superman and Batman's first meeting felt like a quick excuse to set up a deep-cut villain, prepping to make a splash later in the year.

AIPT

The ending to the brief arc, Phantom Riddles, ends on an intriguing cliffhanger. Although it won’t be continued in the pages of World’s Finest, it will be in a comic series near you! However, the issue is a good prelude that lays the groundwork for what’s to come.

Batman-News

This is a very fun comic, albeit a bit of a standard approach to superheroes. I like how, in the end, Waid somewhat subverts the trope of “solving everything with a good punch” and has Batman and Superman come up with a plan to defeat Jax-Ur, but since most of this issue gives us a lengthy brawl, that solution doesn’t pay off like it should. That said, it’s great seeing our heroes bond through this experience, earning each other’s trust, and the artwork is excellent. All things considered, I definitely recommend this comic.

ComicBook.com

The conclusion of the latest flashback arc feels like the series' weakest to date, but that doesn't stop it from still being one of the best books that DC Comics is printing in the superhero world today. Jax-Ur's monologue tends to fall flat though the chemistry between the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel still shines bright here. The conclusion also sets the stage for a future storyline arriving next year, which takes some of the bite from the current arc. The latest arc doesn't quite stick the landing in comparison to what has come before, but it was simply an exceptionally high bar to cross and the series remains some of the best of what the superhero genre has to offer.

Dark Knight News

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #19 is a decent entry, but it doesn’t soar to the series’ usual heights. Waid’s narrative remains engaging, even if it’s not groundbreaking. Moore’s art, while proficient, doesn’t quite capture the emotional gravitas the story demands. However, filler arcs present unique challenges for creators due to their transitional nature, so it’s understandable if not every issue is a home run. We’re undoubtedly in a brief lull before the next major arc erupts, and knowing the series’ history, it promises to be a thrilling ride. Final Verdict: A solid issue, but not a standout.

The Batman Universe

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #19 has a few moments of excitement, but overall, it’s a flat fill-in story that rests in the shadows of an otherwise impeccable run.

Superman Homepage

Not that I need ANOTHER Superman Batman fight (we've had plenty), but perhaps it could have felt a bit more impactful in terms of what it means to the two. It seems like they just mostly bond on being good people and having dead parents. I would have appreciated more of a "Batman learning to work with others" vibe, since he seems to adapt to it far too easily.