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Batman: Miniseries
Batman & Superman: World's Finest
An action packed and introspective journey, BATMAN & SUPERMAN: WORLD"S FINEST chronicles the first ten years of the tumultuous alliance between the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
5 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Karl Kesel
1,068 books42 followersKarl Kesel (Victor, New York) is an American comics writer and inker whose works have primarily been under contract for DC Comics. He is a member of Periscope Studio. In 2017, he started Panic Button Press with Tom Grummett to publish the creator-owned graphic novel Section Zero.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 1, 2023
It's built on a narrative that rides on the idea of one man's death bringing the titular pair together once a year to team up and save lives together as penance for their mistake. Whilst the premise isn't mind-blowing and the execution won't win any awards, Kesel brings so much charm to the writing that it's hard not to enjoy yourself even if you tried. There are little character moments sprinkled in that, as a fan of both who has read and seen a subsequent amount of content, I couldn't help but smile at. They bounce off each other well, and although it acts like a predecessor to their time as actual crimefighting partners, their chemistry remains very much intact. Not the greatest visually nor plot wise, it oozes enough character to rose tint my Batman and Superman glasses, bumping it up from 3.5 to 4 stars.
July 26, 2022
One of my favorite shows in the late 1990s was Superman: The Animated Series, and perhaps their best story was the three-part episode "World's Finest". In it, a financially-strapped Joker approaches Lex Luthor with an offer to kill Superman for a billion dollars. Hot on the Joker's trail, of course, is the Batman, who travels to Metropolis in pursuit of the Clown Prince of Crime. This precipitates the first meeting between Batman and Superman in the world of the DC animated universe, one in which mutual unease eventually evolves into the shared respect that becomes the foundation of their friendship.
In many respects that episode became the standard by which I measure the "first meeting" stories between the two superheroes. Perhaps that's unfair given the high quality of Alan Burnett and Paul Dini's story, but it is nonetheless the metric I used. While I haven't gone back and read any from the Golden Age of comics, I did enjoy John Byrne's One Night In Gotham City, which took a slow-burn approach to building their friendship in favor of emphasizing their contrasting approaches to fighting crime. And it was while I was searching out more "World's Finest" series to read that I came across Karl Kesel's take on their relationship. His approach to it is episodic, starting with their initial meeting in their civilian identities at an event for a mutual acquaintance. Though the two are less hostile to one another than they are in other stories of their first meeting, the event ends in a tragedy that becomes the basis for their bond. It's an unusual approach, and one on which Kesel builds with a chance encounter the following year that inaugurates a new tradition, where on the anniversary of the event the two meet up to fight crime together for one night.
Kesel uses this premise to chronicle the evolution of their friendship over the course of a decade. Through it we see how their friendship copes with the key events of their respective franchises: the adoption of Dick Grayson, the death of Jason Todd, Superman's "death" and the breaking of Batman's back. All of this is in the background of the adventure that is the focus of that particular issue, which had the two dealing with a mix of their respective rogues' galleries and more unique challenges. While my personal favorites were "Year Three" (when Superman adopts an unusual cover in order to infiltrate Arkham Asylum) and "Year Six" (featuring a competition between Mr. Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite), all of them were enjoyable reads.
The true value of the series, though, is its development of the friendship between the two main characters. Over the course of it the relationship between the two evolves from wariness and resentment to true friendship. While this is most evident in the more measured stories (notably "Year Seven"), all of them show the gradual development of trust between the two, as they bond over the shared challenges of crimefighting and the tragedies they both suffer. By the end of the series the undefeatable partnership is on full display in the face of a threat that Kesel cleverly seeded throughout the series, with a payoff that is enormously satisfying. While the story may not have the intimate charm of some other Batman/Superman takes (such as Tom King's superb double-date tale in Batman #37), this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys tales of the friendship between the two biggest stars in the DC universe.
In many respects that episode became the standard by which I measure the "first meeting" stories between the two superheroes. Perhaps that's unfair given the high quality of Alan Burnett and Paul Dini's story, but it is nonetheless the metric I used. While I haven't gone back and read any from the Golden Age of comics, I did enjoy John Byrne's One Night In Gotham City, which took a slow-burn approach to building their friendship in favor of emphasizing their contrasting approaches to fighting crime. And it was while I was searching out more "World's Finest" series to read that I came across Karl Kesel's take on their relationship. His approach to it is episodic, starting with their initial meeting in their civilian identities at an event for a mutual acquaintance. Though the two are less hostile to one another than they are in other stories of their first meeting, the event ends in a tragedy that becomes the basis for their bond. It's an unusual approach, and one on which Kesel builds with a chance encounter the following year that inaugurates a new tradition, where on the anniversary of the event the two meet up to fight crime together for one night.
Kesel uses this premise to chronicle the evolution of their friendship over the course of a decade. Through it we see how their friendship copes with the key events of their respective franchises: the adoption of Dick Grayson, the death of Jason Todd, Superman's "death" and the breaking of Batman's back. All of this is in the background of the adventure that is the focus of that particular issue, which had the two dealing with a mix of their respective rogues' galleries and more unique challenges. While my personal favorites were "Year Three" (when Superman adopts an unusual cover in order to infiltrate Arkham Asylum) and "Year Six" (featuring a competition between Mr. Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite), all of them were enjoyable reads.
The true value of the series, though, is its development of the friendship between the two main characters. Over the course of it the relationship between the two evolves from wariness and resentment to true friendship. While this is most evident in the more measured stories (notably "Year Seven"), all of them show the gradual development of trust between the two, as they bond over the shared challenges of crimefighting and the tragedies they both suffer. By the end of the series the undefeatable partnership is on full display in the face of a threat that Kesel cleverly seeded throughout the series, with a payoff that is enormously satisfying. While the story may not have the intimate charm of some other Batman/Superman takes (such as Tom King's superb double-date tale in Batman #37), this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys tales of the friendship between the two biggest stars in the DC universe.
April 15, 2021
Of course you know all these superhero stories take place over several years, in-universe, but I've always subconsciously ignored it, given how little anything seems to change in that time. You've got the same heroes and same villains, no one ever dies (permanently) or retires, the battle goes on forever. So when a comic goes on its way to force me to regard the span of time, it feels surreal.
Some of the stories in this collection are fine, but as a whole I found it wanting. I never really bought the initial premise of some up-until-now stranger being killed and in doing so bringing together the two heroes: it wasn't set up very well. Also, the art varies from mediocre to plain bad.
But I liked the ending. It was properly over-the-top and contrived, as superhero comics should be.
Some of the stories in this collection are fine, but as a whole I found it wanting. I never really bought the initial premise of some up-until-now stranger being killed and in doing so bringing together the two heroes: it wasn't set up very well. Also, the art varies from mediocre to plain bad.
But I liked the ending. It was properly over-the-top and contrived, as superhero comics should be.
December 1, 2017
Maybe more 3.5 stars, but for the most part this collection of stories is pretty good. In short, Batman and Superman meet every year on the anniversary of a mutual friend's death. The adventures run the gamut from lightweight (The Impossible Dream, featuring Bat-Mite and Mr. Mxyzptlk causing mischief, naturally) to the more serious (Light in the Darkness, with some disturbing implied violence by Joker) and my favorite, the heartfelt A Better World. While the finale story goes a little bit soap opera / deus ex machina with its plot resolution, it doesn't really wreck the book.
December 5, 2023
It was a good mini-series.
Having Batman and Superman team up once a year to prevent further losses of life is an interesting dynamic.
There were enough side-character appearances that it made the stories feel more grounded. And as always, Alfred is a gem.
I can't say that this is a must read for any fan, but if you enjoy that sort of enemies to begrudging friends kind of vibe, then it is a must read.
Having Batman and Superman team up once a year to prevent further losses of life is an interesting dynamic.
There were enough side-character appearances that it made the stories feel more grounded. And as always, Alfred is a gem.
I can't say that this is a must read for any fan, but if you enjoy that sort of enemies to begrudging friends kind of vibe, then it is a must read.
July 31, 2014
Good not great.
This graphic novels covers 10 years of Superman and Batman adventures, well one day every 10 years, on the death anniversary of a mutual friend. These 10 stories are a mixed bag but none of them are particularly amazing. The cool thing about the comic is that it attempts to stay true to the DC timeline and therefore includes various Superman hair styles and references to several DC milestones such as the death of Robin, the Death of Superman, and the back-breaking of Batman, and the birth of the Bat and Super families.
Unfortunately, some of the stories are just awful, YEAR 7: A BETTER WORLD is painfully dull and overly sentimental and I'm sorry but YEAR 6: THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM featuring the Bat-Mite and Mxyzptlk was embarrassingly bad. It isn't the characters that are to blame, Bat-Mite is the perfect opportunity for a funny, self-aware story but the writing was flat, almost like the author was forced to write it by midgets from the 5th dimension.
The artwork is nothing special.
Overall, this is a must-read for any Superman/Batman fan but not because of stellar writing or beautiful artwork, it really has neither. It is a must-read due to the amount of ground covered, 10 years! It is a light, fun, and entertaining read with two superheroes who are definitely the world's finest.
This graphic novels covers 10 years of Superman and Batman adventures, well one day every 10 years, on the death anniversary of a mutual friend. These 10 stories are a mixed bag but none of them are particularly amazing. The cool thing about the comic is that it attempts to stay true to the DC timeline and therefore includes various Superman hair styles and references to several DC milestones such as the death of Robin, the Death of Superman, and the back-breaking of Batman, and the birth of the Bat and Super families.
Unfortunately, some of the stories are just awful, YEAR 7: A BETTER WORLD is painfully dull and overly sentimental and I'm sorry but YEAR 6: THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM featuring the Bat-Mite and Mxyzptlk was embarrassingly bad. It isn't the characters that are to blame, Bat-Mite is the perfect opportunity for a funny, self-aware story but the writing was flat, almost like the author was forced to write it by midgets from the 5th dimension.
The artwork is nothing special.
Overall, this is a must-read for any Superman/Batman fan but not because of stellar writing or beautiful artwork, it really has neither. It is a must-read due to the amount of ground covered, 10 years! It is a light, fun, and entertaining read with two superheroes who are definitely the world's finest.
July 9, 2013
this could have been great, but it was merely good ~ mostly because of what previous reviewers have said: inconsistency of quality in the writing and artwork and a somewhat convoluted long arc.
love the format, love the premise, and there's much to love in some of the individual stories (even one featuring bat-mite and myxlptlk was actually kinda entertaining when it could have been purely awful). but the artwork suffers a lot throughout; sometimes the characters are just hideous, and much of it is a bit on the corny side. one story with the silly premise of superman spending a night in arkham actually turned out pretty good with the man of steel gaining a better appreciation for the horror of what it must be like dealing with the joker.
seeing a decade of time pass between these two legends was actually really fun. the opportunity to revisit major storylines like death in the family and the death of superman from a unique perspective was intriguing and a lengthy episode about bats not coping with the whole robin thing could have been stupid, but was actually kind of nicely handled.
wrapping up the story was kind of a mess, but i think everything about this had its heart in the right place.
love the format, love the premise, and there's much to love in some of the individual stories (even one featuring bat-mite and myxlptlk was actually kinda entertaining when it could have been purely awful). but the artwork suffers a lot throughout; sometimes the characters are just hideous, and much of it is a bit on the corny side. one story with the silly premise of superman spending a night in arkham actually turned out pretty good with the man of steel gaining a better appreciation for the horror of what it must be like dealing with the joker.
seeing a decade of time pass between these two legends was actually really fun. the opportunity to revisit major storylines like death in the family and the death of superman from a unique perspective was intriguing and a lengthy episode about bats not coping with the whole robin thing could have been stupid, but was actually kind of nicely handled.
wrapping up the story was kind of a mess, but i think everything about this had its heart in the right place.
March 17, 2015
I do not know why people are finding this book mere mediocry, because I thought it was very nice. It gives a nice insight in the developing relationship between batman and superman (except some staring in the distance shot on the cover of part 10, nothing more I fear, guess you need fanfiction to read something like that ;).
http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/s...
By the time I got to the last issues I was laughing out loud because of excitement, which was slightly inconvenient because I was supposed to pay attention in college..
But anyway, for either Superman or Batman fans a nice read. However I can not say how it fits with their other stories, since I did not yet read many of them (anyone any suggestions?) so I cannot say anything anout accuracy, but does that really matter anyway when the book was very nice?
http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/s...
By the time I got to the last issues I was laughing out loud because of excitement, which was slightly inconvenient because I was supposed to pay attention in college..
But anyway, for either Superman or Batman fans a nice read. However I can not say how it fits with their other stories, since I did not yet read many of them (anyone any suggestions?) so I cannot say anything anout accuracy, but does that really matter anyway when the book was very nice?
August 2, 2012
I so glad that they finally put this book series out again. I've truly missed it.
January 11, 2025
Más allá de pura decisión editorial de poder aprovechar el filón y respectivas famas de los dos grandes pesos pesados de su editorial y universo ficticio. El interés en realizar team ups con Batman y Superman atiende a un vergel conceptual en base a lo opuesto de sus perfiles como personajes heroícos pero su indudable atracción y mayor ímpetu cuando se les otorgan tramas conjuntas. Donde uno es puro ingenio y arrojo al curtirse enfrentándose a lo peor del crimen de a pie de su ciudad, otro es esa imposible fuerza y poder extraterrestre que esgrime con esa modestia y sentido de lo que es justo procedente de su infancia en el lugar más agradable de Kansas. Uno es un mortal que busca generar una leyenda entre las sombras y el otro es a todos los efectos un semidios que busca estar siempre a pie de sus vecinos y amigos terráqueos. Supermamn y Batman son LOS MEJORES DEL MUNDO. Y el autor Karl Kesel buscaba demostrarlo en su propia serie que entrecruza a estos personajes mediante una muerte de un personaje ligado a las identidades civiles de los superhéroes. Ya fuese por ser amigo de infancia o potencial asociado a los negocios de la empresa familiar, el caso es que impidiendo el secuestro de esta persona. La inexperiencia y falta de complicidad entre los dos héroes produce esa muerte que les obliga a tomar gran responsabilidad. Proponiéndose que a partir de ese día, cada año que conmemora ese fallecimiento, ambos héroes se reencontrarán, teniendo en cuenta que siempre ocurren eventos catastróficos que pueden producir más muertes bajo su guardia. Conociéndose mejor y aprendiendo a ser ese "Dúo Dinámico" para el que Batman terminará contando con sus compañeros Robins. Esta dinámica argumental promueve que Kesel pueda abarcar una década con estos personajes, que establecen sus respectivas evoluciones personales y dan a pie que sus momentos vitales se conecten. Pero Kesel termina dejándose llevar por los eventos e hitos bien conocidos que si bien pueden promover algún buen momento como esa visita a la granja de los Kent en uno de los momentos más tristes de la vida de Bruce Wayne. Al final, opaca bastante el interés innato de la obra. Acudiendo a todo el embrollo del Reinado de los Superhombres o la etapa del Batman violento con Jean Paul Valley (evidentemente hay mucha más pegada de lo 90" al tener en cuenta la fecha de publicación original, aunque Kesel trata de incidir en el pasado de los personajes como con esa desventura con los diablillos heptadimensionales fans de Superman y Batman). Es cierto que ya existe el GENERATIONS de John Byrne. Pero aquella obra también se dejaba llevar por un interés más "pijamero" que emocional en la oportunidad de indagar realmente en estos personajes. Hechos como el noviazgo y posterior boda de Clark y Lois que debe conducir también al descubrimiento de la identidad kryptoniana ante la sagaz periodistas se asume sin mucho cuidado. La muerte que da sentido a la obra no solo queda como mero mcguffin ya al meridiano del conjunto. El autor termina echando piedras sobre su propio tejado en el último número. Atendiendo a una narrativa bastante ingenua que deja en entredicho todo momento más propositivo que hayamos podido presenciar (como esa visita a Arkham del Hombre de Acero descubriendo la Maldad en estado puro tras la sonrisa del Joker).
A nivel gráfico, los dibujantes tampoco son un alarde de maravilla. Si bien para el perfil de este comic funcionan a la hora de mostrar a los personajes con un aire "oldy" que asienta la decisión de "atemporalidad" en la que se sitúa el conjunto.
A nivel gráfico, los dibujantes tampoco son un alarde de maravilla. Si bien para el perfil de este comic funcionan a la hora de mostrar a los personajes con un aire "oldy" que asienta la decisión de "atemporalidad" en la que se sitúa el conjunto.
March 23, 2019
This is the quintessential telling of the Batman/Superman relationship. Following there lives after a pivotal moment for 10 years we see how the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel forge a partnership that is the bane of bad guys everywhere. We are treated to a rogues gallery of villains and even have Mxyzptlk (My spell check loves his name!) and Bat Mite thrown in for good measure. Having said that, don't expect a lot of fun and games in this volume. It is a serious take and what influences these two heroes and how their life choices impacts them.
In the introduction Karl Kessel discusses what led him to author this series and even lets us in on what story is his favorite (Mine too!) He details how he kept the timelines aligned with Canon (Such as it is with post crisis universes) and included the impacts of these events on their lives. If, like me, you are fascinated by the psychology of these characters, you will greatly enjoy this collection.
In the introduction Karl Kessel discusses what led him to author this series and even lets us in on what story is his favorite (Mine too!) He details how he kept the timelines aligned with Canon (Such as it is with post crisis universes) and included the impacts of these events on their lives. If, like me, you are fascinated by the psychology of these characters, you will greatly enjoy this collection.
July 29, 2019
A very enjoyable superhero romp, tracing the evolving relationship between Superman and Batman over a decade. The final chapter shoehorned in too many characters and the resolution felt a bit too pat, but getting there was still fun - particularly in some of the latter chapters that commented on big status quo movements in each character's life: their replacements, Robin's death and the execution of the Pocket Earth Kryptonians, Lois and Clark's engagement. Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite made for a fun chapter too.
November 17, 2020
What a great examination of both characters and what makes them tick. What makes them the same and different. Stories spread over 12 issues What's the story spread over 10 years and constant change that takes place in the characters lives.
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June 9, 2019I have the german edition of this comis: Band 1
August 22, 2021
Um dos melhores registros do encontro de Batman e Superman nos quadrinhos, com direito a uma luxuosa participação de Coringa e Lex Luthor!
May 29, 2022
Una persona inocente muere, así que Batman y Superman comprenden que tienen que dejar de lado sus diferencias para que esto no vuelva a ocurrir.
May 17, 2023
Super fun until it just Peter's out in the end both story-wise and with the artwork.
June 25, 2025
4.5/5 was really good comic only reason it wasn’t a 5 star was the last few issues weren’t that great
June 2, 2008
Man, I love Superman/Batman team ups.
This collected mini series uses the idea of the two heroes getting together every year on the aniversary of a case they had together that went bad. Each story shows us a little bit of their history as well as spotlighting one facet of their relationship and what makes them the heroes they are.
Some stories are stronger than others, but the good are right on the mark and the bad are still pretty entertaining.
The stories where Superman goes to Arkham and Batman visits Smallville may be my favorites.
Just a fun read with lots of reminders of why these two have been around for 70 years.
This collected mini series uses the idea of the two heroes getting together every year on the aniversary of a case they had together that went bad. Each story shows us a little bit of their history as well as spotlighting one facet of their relationship and what makes them the heroes they are.
Some stories are stronger than others, but the good are right on the mark and the bad are still pretty entertaining.
The stories where Superman goes to Arkham and Batman visits Smallville may be my favorites.
Just a fun read with lots of reminders of why these two have been around for 70 years.
August 7, 2009
This is currently my favorite Batman graphic novel. You get to see generations of both Batman & Superman as they mature and get to know each other. It's a great portrait of the complicated relationship between an invulnerable Boy Scout and a brooding vigilante.
Update: Every year I drag this to Comic Con, just in case I get a chance to get it signed, and every eyar I re-read it in line. From the great parallelism beginning, to the far-reaching intertwining plot through Bats' & Supes' amazingly varied histories, this really is a great read.
Update: Every year I drag this to Comic Con, just in case I get a chance to get it signed, and every eyar I re-read it in line. From the great parallelism beginning, to the far-reaching intertwining plot through Bats' & Supes' amazingly varied histories, this really is a great read.
August 8, 2010
The only problem I had with this series was the inconsistancy of style and story line. I realize this is probably how most comics with various artists are, but I felt like some were great, others ho-hum, and a couple just plain wierd. Could we just pick the best artsist and let him make a cohesive whole? I also think I would've appreciated this more had I read all the Batman & Superman comics previously.
September 1, 2007
Graphic Novel. Batman and Superman, fighting crime together. Batman all broody and sullen; Superman cheerful and bright and driving Batman totally nuts. I love it. I'd have to reread it to tell you what actually happened in the book, but the Batman/Superman interaction -- with, I'm remembering, cameos from Robin and Lois Lane! -- is enough to carry the story.
May 1, 2013
This chronicles the growing friendship between Batman and Superman after an incident that makes them realise they have to work together. There's a lot of nice touches here, and the events look at most major plot points in the past 10 years too. You have Batman recovering from Todd's death, Superman looking for Batman after Bane, some really nice character moments. A great read.
July 7, 2013
este libro funciona como "intercuela" entre distintas sagas de Batman y Superman y le pega un interesante repaso a sus respectivas carreras superheroicas en un lapso de diez años, que se suponía que era lo que llevaban más o menos en activo pre-reboot. Claro que con la continuidad nueva esta historia hay que guardársela bien adentro, pero si la ignoramos se deja leer cómodamente.
July 20, 2015
Complete with Imp story!
Another book showing the personality dichotomies between Sups and Bats.
This may the first one that took this angle....so many new stories have ran this story into the ground.
bat-mite and myxlptlk reminded me of why I liked comics...entertaining and fun
Another book showing the personality dichotomies between Sups and Bats.
This may the first one that took this angle....so many new stories have ran this story into the ground.
bat-mite and myxlptlk reminded me of why I liked comics...entertaining and fun
April 26, 2010
If you never read any other comic book, pick this one. One of the finest comics I've ever read.
February 15, 2013
not too bad as a small read!!
April 30, 2016
I had pretty low expectations however I turned out to be impressed, this was a quick and fun read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews