Batman/Superman: World's Finest Vol. 9: The Merger

by Mark Waid, Adrián Gutiérrez (Illustrator)

The World’s Finest heroes take on their deadliest foes in the latest volume of the hit series from the fan-favorite team of writer Mark Waid and artist Adrián Gutiérrez!

Lex Luthor and the Joker have joined forces once again, but this uneasy alliance hinges on a crucial outcome: the final defeat of both Batman and Superman. Why else would the most brilliant criminal mind of our time and the Clown Prince of Crime team up? Well, the answer will surprise you… and them! Betrayal abounds, terror intensifies, and a major surprise is in store for the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel in “The Merger.”

Also, the World’s Finest Duo travels to Earth-3 to meet their villainous counterparts!

Collects Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44-49.

176 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 18, 2026

About the author

Mark Waid is an American comic book writer widely known for shaping modern superhero storytelling through influential runs on major characters at both DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Raised in Alabama, he developed an early fascination with comic books, particularly classic stories featuring the Legion of Super-Heroes, whose imaginative scope and sense of legacy would later inform his own writing. He first entered the comics industry during the mid 1980s as an editor and writer for the fan magazine Amazing Heroes, before publishing his first professional comic story in Action Comics. Soon afterward he joined DC Comics as an editor, contributing to numerous titles and helping shape projects across the company. After leaving editorial work to focus on writing, Waid gained widespread recognition with his long run on The Flash, where he expanded the mythology of the character and co-created the youthful speedster Impulse. His reputation grew further with the celebrated graphic novel Kingdom Come, created with artist Alex Ross, which imagined a future DC Universe shaped by generational conflict among superheroes. Over the years he has written many prominent series, including Captain America, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and Superman: Birthright, bringing a balance of optimism, character depth, and respect for comic book history to each project. Waid has also collaborated with notable artists and writers on major ensemble titles such as Justice League and Avengers, while contributing ideas that helped clarify complex continuity within shared superhero universes. Beyond mainstream superhero work, he has supported creator owned projects and experimental publishing models, including the acclaimed series Irredeemable and Incorruptible, which explored moral ambiguity within the superhero genre. He later took on editorial leadership roles at Boom Studios, guiding creative direction while continuing to write extensively. In subsequent years he expanded his involvement in publishing and digital storytelling, helping launch online comics initiatives and advocating for new distribution methods for creators. His work has earned numerous industry awards, including Eisner and Harvey honors, reflecting both critical acclaim and enduring popularity among readers. Throughout his career Waid has remained a passionate student of comic book history, drawing on decades of storytelling tradition while continually encouraging innovation within the medium. His influence extends across generations of readers and creators, and his stories continue to shape the evolving language of superhero comics around the world today through enduring characters imaginative narratives and thoughtful reinventions of familiar myths within popular culture and modern graphic storytelling traditions.

Reviews

[Dean · Rating 2 out of 5]

read in singles.
the art is fantastic.
three stories here.
one is the supergirl and robin infiltration team up. I loved this. they'd be a great couple.

second story, title story, wasn't very engaging besides the fusion superman batman conversation qith Lois about not lying by omission and deflecting questions about his true identity. It was well meaning but is still gaslighting. fusion luthor joker with a brief hawkman appearance.

third story, first issue is all owlman and ultraman teaming up seemingly their pre CSA days also. I like the art and idea of the series if these team ups but im not interested in thw stories when they try to be 'important' i like the one off more comedic stories or character based tales.