Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #35
Scheduled to arrive in stores: January 15, 2025
Cover date: March 2025
“20,000 Leagues” – Part One
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Adrian Gutierrez
Cover: Dan Mora
Variant Covers: Frank Cho & Sabine Rich; Chris Samnee & Matheus Lopes; Ethan Young
Reviewed by: Tony Parker
At the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, therein lies our tale. A tale of twin cites, lost to earth and sea: Poseidonis and Tritonis, The Lost Continent of Atlantis. The citizens of said cities (The merpeople of Tritonis and the Quad-Limed Poseidonians) lived in a sort of peace, until something went wrong. Specifically, a strange kelp based disease has struck the Tritonians, turning them into blood thirsty monsters. This trouble is so great, that Mera, Queen of Atlantis, calls on not just her husband, Aquaman, but also on the Justice League.
On land, however, Arthur Curry (The Aquaman) is unaware of the current crisis, as he is watching a baseball game between the Metropolis Monarchs and the Star City Rockets, alongside his work friends Clark Kent (Superman, The Man of Steel) and Dick Grayson (Robin, The Boy Wonder). The trio exchange some friendly banter, now that Toyman has been dealt with, but Bruce Wayne (The Batman) is quick to inform them of the trouble beneath the surface.
After recapping the threat to his allies, Aquaman races to protect his people while Superman, Batman and Robin handle the Tritonians attacking them, with motorized Batarangs and nets. Superman can’t tell what the disease is, but with his microscopic vision, he’s able to break it down chemically for Batman, who sends the coordinates to Alfred for analysis.
As the heroes swim to their next station, Superman is surprised by an encounter with an old friend: Lori Lemaris (his old Silver Age mermaid love interest). Batman explains to Robin the connection, while Lori’s husband, King Ronal, swims off in a huff. Lori asks to speak privately to Superman, and Batman and Robin head off to check on Poseidonis.
Meanwhile, Mera is struggling with the attackers, but Aquaman comes in time, riding an orca and pinning the Tritonians with hammerhead sharks, while his wife contains them. However, not all is well at Atlantis. The people tire of their king’s mixed ancestry, of his connections to the land, from his father and from the Justice League. Arthur tries to appeal to their better judgement, but to no avail: the sea dwellers demand he respect the throne and abandon the surface world.
Back with Superman and Lori, the two have an important conversation regarding Ronal: Lori’s husband is deadly envious of Superman, despite the fact that both he and Lori have settled into an amicable friendship. He has also been convinced of Poseidons are behind this plague, and so he plans to strike back with an massive army. Lori had come to warn Superman of this twist to the tale.
Superman tells Ronal that this cannot be done, but Ronal won’t listen, sure of the rumors’ truth. The king attacks Superman with magic, but Superman fights back with his freeze breath, fleeing the attack. However, he can only handle so much magic. As Ronal prepares a killing blow, Superman pleads to Batman on their ear pieces to warn Aquaman of the coming invasion.
However, Batman and Robin can’t.
For The Floronic Man has them wrapped around his vines…
To Be Continued…
Story – 4: My first review of the year, and for the first time, I get to talk about Aquaman, a hero I wish I read more about. I feel that Aquaman is still quite over hated, so I was excited to see a good story with him, and so far, this one is delivering! I wouldn’t call it the deepest tale just yet, but we have a plague, warring underwater nations, the very interesting conceit that Arthur’s subjects tire of his work on land and his mixed blood, and the return of Lori Leramis, a fun silver age character! For a first part, this was honestly very fun and promising, and I feel like the second (and potentially last, usually these stories are two parters) could be quite the banger! Definitely a strong start to the year for one of DC’s best books!
Art – 5: I wasn’t super sure about our new regular artist at first, but he’s really hitting the target! I usually find under water stories boring, but the art here has been nothing short of sensational! The sea truly feels majestic under his pen, and the inkers have to be praised for the striking colors during Ronal’s attack on Superman, the plague visuals, and the mob’s cries at Aquaman. Plus that orca splash page! A beautiful issue, simply stunning!
Cover Art – 3: Decent idea, but the execution’s a little lacking.
Variant Cover Art – 2: Swamp Thing? I suppose he’s related, but I hate variants that have no connection to the story.Variant Cover Art – 4: Very nice, simple cover with iconic poses.Variant Cover Art – 3: Colors are very 70s.
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