World's Finest Comics

Comic book series by DC Comics
  • Superhero
Publication datespring 1941 – January 1986No. of issues323Main character(s)Superman
Batman
RobinCreative teamWritten by
List
  • Mike W. Barr, Joey Cavalieri, Gerry Conway, Leo Dorfman, Mike Friedrich, Bob Haney, David Anthony Kraft, Elliot S. Maggin, Dennis O'Neil, Alvin Schwartz, Steve Skeates, Roy Thomas, Len Wein, Marv Wolfman
Penciller(s)Inker(s)
List
Collected editionsWorld's Finest Archives Volume 1ISBN 1-56389-488-2World's Finest Archives Volume 2ISBN 1-56389-743-1World's Finest Archives Volume 3ISBN 1-4012-0411-2

World's Finest Comics is an American comic book series published by DC Comics from 1941 to 1986. The series was initially titled World's Best Comics for its first issue; issue #2 (Summer 1941) switched to the more familiar name. Michael E. Uslan has speculated that this was because DC received a cease and desist letter from Better Publications, Inc., who had been publishing a comic book entitled Best Comics since November 1939.[1] Virtually every issue featured DC's two leading superheroes, Superman and Batman, with the earliest issues also featuring Batman's sidekick, Robin.

Publication history

The idea for World's Best Comics #1 originated from the identically formatted 1940 New York World's Fair Comics featuring Superman, Batman, and Robin with 96 pages and a cardboard cover.[2][3] The year before there was a similar 1939 New York World's Fair Comics featuring Superman but without Batman and Robin because Bob Kane and Bill Finger had not yet created them.

The series was initially a 96-page quarterly anthology, featuring various DC characters – always including Superman and Batman – in separate stories.[4] Comics historian Les Daniels noted that "pairing Superman and Batman made sense financially, since the two were DC's most popular heroes".[5] When superheroes fell out of vogue in the early 1950s, DC shortened the size of the publication to that of the rest of its output, leaving only enough space for one story; this led to Superman and Batman appearing in the same story together starting with World's Finest Comics #71 (July 1954).[6] The title often depicted Batman gaining superpowers as a way to avoid having him be overshadowed by Superman.[7] Lex Luthor and the Joker first joined forces in issue #88 (June 1957).[8] A new supervillain, the Composite Superman, was introduced in #142 (June 1964).[9] The story "The Clash of Cape and Cowl", by writer Edmond Hamilton and artist Curt Swan, in World's Finest Comics #153 (Nov. 1965) is the source of an Internet meme in which Batman slaps Robin.[10] Noted Batman artist Neal Adams first drew the character in an interior story in "The Superman-Batman Revenge Squads" in issue #175 (May 1968).[11]

The title briefly featured Superman teaming with heroes other than Batman in the early 1970s beginning with issue #198 (November 1970).[12] That issue featured the first part of a two-issue team-up with the Flash.[13][14] Other characters to appear in the next two years included Robin,[15] Green Lantern,[16] Aquaman,[17] Wonder Woman,[18] the Teen Titans,[19] Doctor Fate,[20] Hawkman,[21] Green Arrow,[22] the Martian Manhunter,[23] the Atom,[24] and the Vigilante.[25] Nick Cardy was the cover artist for World's Finest Comics for issues #212–228.[26] Metamorpho was the backup feature in issues #218–220 and #229 after the character had a brief run as the backup in Action Comics.[27]

The series reverted to Superman and Batman team-ups after issue #214, initially with a unique twist, featuring the children they might one day have: Superman Jr. and Batman Jr. These characters, billed as the Super-Sons, were co-created by writer Bob Haney and artist Dick Dillin in issue #215 (January 1973).[28] Super-Sons stories alternated with tales of the original Superman and Batman through issue #263, with issues #215–216, 221–222, 224, 228, 230, 231, 233, 238, 242, and 263 featuring the sons.[29] Haney frequently disregarded continuity by scripting stories which contradicted DC's canon or by writing major heroes in an out-of-character fashion.[30] He introduced Batman's older brother, Thomas Wayne Jr., in World's Finest Comics #223 (May–June 1974). This story was used as a basis for a plot detail in the "Court of Owls" story arc in 2012.[31] Issues #223 (May–June 1974) to #228 (March–April 1975) of the series were in the 100 Page Super Spectacular format.[32]

With issue #244 (April–May 1977), World's Finest Comics became one of the first 80-page Dollar Comics.[33] It featured the Superman and Batman team with back-up features. The number of pages was reduced from 80 to 64 starting with issue #253 (October-November 1978) and reduced to 48 pages with issue #266 (December 1980 – January 1981) which lasted until issue #282 (August 1982).

First feature Second feature Third feature Fourth feature
the Green Arrow[34]
#244–259, 261–270, 272–284 		the Vigilante
#244–248 		Wonder Woman of Earth-Two
#244–250 		the Black Canary[34]
#244–256
the Atom
#260 		the Creeper
#249–255 		Wonder Woman
#251–252 		Black Lightning
#257–261
Hawkman
#256–259, 261–262, 264–270,
272–277, 279–282 		Shazam!
#253–270, 272–282 		Aquaman
#262–264
Adam Strange
#263 		the Red Tornado
#265–270, 272
Plastic Man
#273
Zatanna
#274–278
no fourth backup feature
#260, 279–282

Issue #250 (April–May 1978) combined Superman and Batman with the Green Arrow, the Black Canary, and Wonder Woman into the World's Finest Team in a 56-page story.[35] Writer Roy Thomas wrote a book-length story for issue #271 (September 1981) which pieced together all the "first meetings" of Superman and Batman.[36] This issue did not have any backup features. The Hawkman story "Drive Me to the Moon!" in #272 (October 1981) featured Hawkgirl changing her title to Hawkwoman.[37] As of issue #283 (September 1982), the series reverted to a standard format title again featuring only Superman and Batman team-ups, which continued until the series' cancellation with issue #323 (January 1986). The series reached issue #300 in February 1984. This double-sized anniversary issue was a "jam" featuring a story by writers David Anthony Kraft, Mike W. Barr, and Marv Wolfman with art by Ross Andru, Mark Texeira, Sal Amendola, and George Pérez.[38][39] David Mazzucchelli, the artist of the "Batman: Year One" story arc in 1987, first drew Batman in a backup story in World's Finest Comics #302 (April 1984).[40] Issue #314 (April 1985) was the last Pre-Crisis issue and the first Crisis on Infinite Earths appearances of the Monitor and (Lyla) the Harbinger.[41] The series ended with issue #323 (January 1986) by writer Joey Cavalieri and artist José Delbo.[42]

Titles

A number of World's Finest titles have since appeared:

  • A three-issue miniseries in 1990 by Dave Gibbons, Steve Rude and Karl Kesel.[43] In the series, Superman and Batman battle their archenemies Lex Luthor and the Joker, and for that, they temporary exchange their places in their home cities, thus, Superman goes to Gotham City, and Batman goes to Metropolis.
  • A three-issue Legends of the World's Finest miniseries in 1994 by Walt Simonson and Dan Brereton.
  • A two-issue Superboy/Robin: World's Finest Three miniseries in 1996.
  • Elseworld's Finest – a two-issue miniseries that reimagines Superman and Batman in a 1920s style pulp adventure.
  • World's Finest: Parts I-III (also known as The Batman/Superman Movie) and Batman/Superman Adventures: World's Finest, a 1997 three-part episode of Superman: The Animated Series and its comics adaptation, respectively.
  • Elseworld's Finest: Supergirl & Batgirl, a one-shot in 1998.
  • Superman and Batman: World's Funnest, featuring Mr. Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite.
  • A 10-issue miniseries in 1999 written by Karl Kesel[44] and illustrated by Dave Taylor. This series explored the Post-Crisis history of the two with each of the 10 issues taking place one year after the other.
  • William Morrow and Company released a World's Finest novel in 2009, titled Enemies and Allies by novelist Kevin J. Anderson. The story is about the first meeting between the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel during the Cold War.[45]
  • A four-issue World's Finest miniseries written by Sterling Gates was published in late 2009 and early 2010. In the series, Superman has relocated to New Krypton and Batman (Bruce Wayne) is presumed dead. Thus, it falls to various members of the Superman and Batman families to battle a threat posed by the Toyboy, Mr. Freeze, the Penguin and the Kryptonite Man. Protagonists include Superman Family members Nightwing (Chris Kent), the Guardian and Supergirl, along with Batman Family members the Red Robin (Tim Drake), Robin (Damian Wayne), the Oracle and Batgirl (Stephanie Brown). Superman and Batman (Dick Grayson) appear in the final issue.
  • While not released under the name World's Finest, the series Superman/Batman fulfilled much the same function as its predecessor. It was published from 2003 to 2011.
  • A new monthly team-up series titled Batman/Superman was launched in 2013.[46]
  • A new ongoing series with a similar name but a differently-placed apostrophe, Worlds' Finest, began in May 2012. It starred Power Girl and the Huntress.[47][48] In this incarnation, the two are natives of Earth-2, where they used the codenames Supergirl and Robin, respectively.[49] With issue #29 the series began to feature the Superman and Batman of Earth 2 as the main characters.
  • Batwoman: World's Finest – in October 2012, the Batwoman title's third storyline featured Batwoman fighting alongside Wonder Woman in a five-issue story arc.
  • Batgirl: World's Finest - in March 2017, the first Annual of Batgirl (vol. 5) saw Batgirl team with Supergirl for a special mission.
  • Batman/Superman: World's Finest – an ongoing series released in March 2022, with Mark Waid writing and Dan Mora serving as illustrator.[50]

Collected editions

Title Volume Material collected Publication date ISBN
World's Finest Archives 1 World's Finest Comics #71–85 and Superman #76 March 1999 978-1563894886[51]
2 World's Finest Comics #86–101 January 2002 978-1563897436[52]
3 World's Finest Comics #102–116 September 2005 978-1-4012-0411-2[53]
Batman: The World's Finest Comics Archives 1 Batman stories from World's Finest Comics #1–16 and New York World's Fair Comics #2 October 2002 978-1563898198[54]
2 Batman stories from World's Finest Comics #17–32 January 2005 978-1-4012-0163-0[55]
Superman: The World's Finest Comics Archives 1 Superman stories from World's Finest Comics #1–16 and New York World's Fair Comics #1–2 September 2004 978-1-4012-0151-7[56]
2 Superman stories from World's Finest Comics #17–32 November 2009 978-1-4012-2470-7[57]
Showcase Presents World's Finest 1 World's Finest Comics #71–111 and Superman #76 October 2007 978-1-4012-1697-9[58]
2 World's Finest Comics #112–145 October 2008 978-1-4012-1981-9[59]
3 World's Finest Comics #146–160, #162–169, #171–173 March 2010 978-1-4012-2585-8[60]
4 World's Finest Comics #174–178, #180–187, #189–196, #198–202 November 2012 978-1-4012-3736-3[61]
Batman in the Fifties 1 Batman #59, 62–63, 81, 92, 105, 113–114, 121–122, 128; Detective Comics #156, 168, 185, 187, 215–216, 233, 235–236, 241, 244, 252, 257, 269; World’s Finest Comics #81, 89 September 2021 978-1779509505
Superman/Batman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told 1 Superman #76, World’s Finest Comics #88, 142, 159, 176, 207; The Man of Steel #3, Batman & Superman: World’s Finest #7; Superman/Batman Secret Files 2003, Annual 1 March 2007 978-1-4012-1227-8
The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told 1 Detective Comics #31-32, 211, 235, 345, 404, 429, 437, 442, 457, 474, 482, 500; Batman #1, 25, 47, 61, 156, 234, 250, 312; 1001 Umbrellas of the Penguin, Star-Spangled Comics #124, World’s Finest Comics #94, DC Special Series #15, The Brave and the Bold #197 1988 0930289-39-0
Showcase Presents Green Arrow 1 Green Arrow stories from World's Finest Comics #95–140 January 2006 978-1-4012-0785-4[62]
Showcase Presents Aquaman 2 Aquaman stories from World's Finest Comics #130–133, 135, 137 and 139 January 2008 978-1-4012-1712-9[63]
Superman: The Bottle City of Kandor 1 Action Comics #242, 245; Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane #21, 76, 78; Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #53, 69; Superman #158, 338; The Superman Family #194, World’s Finest Comics #143 October 2007 978-1-4012-1465-4
DC's Greatest Imaginary Stories 1 Captain Marvel Adventures #66, Batman #127, 151; Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane #19, 51; Superman #149, 166; Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #57, The Flash #128, World’s Finest Comics #172 September 2005 978-1-4012-0534-8
2 Batman #122, 131, 135, 145, 154, 159, 163, 300; World's Finest Comics #153, Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #89 June 2010 978-1-4012-2725-8
Superman vs. the Flash 1 Superman #199, The Flash #175, World's Finest Comics #198–199, and DC Comics Presents #1–2 May 2005 978-1-4012-0456-3[64]
World's Finest: Guardians of Earth 1 Superman team-up stories from World's Finest Comics #198-214 March 2020 978-1-77950-178-3
Tales of the Batman: Len Wein 1 Detective Comics #408, 444–448, 466, 478–479, 500, 514; Batman #307-310, 312–319, 321–324, 326–327; World's Finest Comics #207, The Untold Legend of the Batman #1-3, DC Retroactive: Batman - The '70s, Batman Black and White (vol. 2) #5 December 2014 978-1-4012-5154-3
Superman/Batman: Saga of the Super Sons 1 Super Sons stories from World's Finest Comics #215–216, 221–222, 224, 228, 230–231, 233, 238, 242, 263, and Elseworlds 80-Page Giant #1 December 2007 978-1-4012-1502-6[65]
Deadman Omnibus 1 Strange Adventures #205-216, The Brave and the Bold #79, 86, 104, 133; Aquaman #50-52, Challengers of the Unknown #74, 84–87; Justice League of America #94, World's Finest Comics #223, 227; The Phantom Stranger #33, 39–41; The Superman Family #183, DC Super Stars #18, DC Special Series #8, Adventure Comics #460-466, DC Comics Presents #24, Detective Comics #500, covers from Deadman #1-7, Deadman (vol. 2) #1-4, Secret Origins (vol. 2) #15 December 2020 978-1-77950-488-3
Legends of the Dark Knight: José Luis García-López 1 Batman #272, 311, 313–314, 318, 321, 336–337, 353; Batman '66: The Lost Episode #1, Batman Confidential #26-28, Batman Family #3, Batman: Gotham Knights #10, DC Comics Presents #31, 41; DC Special Series #21, Detective Comics #454, 458–459, 483, 487; The Best of the Brave and the Bold #1-6, The Brave and the Bold #164, 171; The Joker #4, The Untold Legend of the Batman #1-3, World's Finest Comics #244, 255, 258 November 2021 978-1-77950-580-4
The Creeper by Steve Ditko 1 Creeper stories from World's Finest Comics #249–255 April 2010 978-1-4012-2591-9[66]
Tales of the Batman: Gerry Conway 1 Man-Bat #1, Detective Comics #463-464, 497–499, 501–504; Batman #295, 305–306; Batman Family #17, World's Finest Comics #250, 269 July 2017 978-1-4012-7255-5
2 Detective Comics #505-513, Batman #337-346, 348; World's Finest Comics #270 August 2018 978-1-4012-8163-2
Batman Arkham: Poison Ivy 1 Batman #181, 339; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #42-43, Batman: Poison Ivy, Batman: Shadow of the Bat Annual #3, Detective Comics #23.1, Gotham City Sirens #8, Joker's Asylum: Poison Ivy #1, Secret Origins (vol. 2) #36, The Batman Chronicles #10, back-up story from World's Finest Comics #251-252 September 2016 978-1-4012-6445-1
Shazam: The World's Mightiest Mortal 3 Captain Marvel stories from World's Finest Comics #253-270, 272-282 and Adventure Comics #491-492 May 2021 978-1779509468
Tales of the Batman: Marv Wolfman 1 Batman #328-335, 436–439; Detective Comics #408, The Brave and the Bold #167, The New Teen Titans #37, Batman and the Outsiders #5, World's Finest Comics #288 March 2020 978-1-4012-9961-3
Batman and Superman in World's Finest: The Silver Age Omnibus 1 World's Finest Comics #71–116 and Superman #76 March 2016 978-1-4012-6112-2
2 World's Finest Comics #117–158 April 2019 978-1-4012-8905-8
Green Arrow Golden Age Omnibus 1 World's Finest Comics #7–28; More Fun Comics #73–107 and Adventure Comics #103–117 January 2018 978-1-4012-7720-8
Superman/Batman: Saga of the Super Sons 1 World's Finest Comics #215-216, 221–222, 224, 228, 230, 231, 233, 238, 242, 263; Elseworlds 80-page Giant #1 5 December 2007[67]
25 January 2017 (new edition)[68] 1-4012-6968-0/978-1-4012-6968-5

In other media

  • "World's Finest" is the 16th, 17th and 18th episodes of the second season of Superman: The Animated Series, and the 29th, 30th and 31st of the overall series. Originally, this three-parter aired back-to-back as a movie event on October 4, 1997. The episode depicts the first meeting of Batman and Superman in the DCAU, when Batman comes to Metropolis in pursuit of the Joker, who has offered to kill Superman for Lex Luthor in exchange for a million dollars, with Bruce Wayne also forming a brief relationship with Lois Lane, Superman's love interest and a brief business partnership with Luthor which comes to an end at the end of the three-part episode. Superman finds himself out of his depth when matched against the Joker's cunning and unpredictability, while Batman has trouble with the resources Luthor provides the Joker with. Both heroes must agree to overcome their differences in order to put a stop to the Joker and Luthor. In 2002, The Batman Superman Movie was released on DVD. This was the three episodes from the "World's Finest" story arc of Season 2 of Superman: The Animated Series (1997) combined into a feature-length film.
  • In 2004, a fan trailer for a World's Finest movie was released.
  • In the 2009 direct-to-video animated film Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (an adaptation of "The World's Finest", the opening story arc of Superman/Batman), the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight team up to prevent a meteoroid from striking Earth and to take down Lex Luthor, who has been elected President of the United States and has framed Superman for murder.[69] DCAU cast members Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, Clancy Brown and C. C. H. Pounder reprised their respective roles as Batman, Superman, Luthor and Amanda Waller. Additionally, Allison Mack (Chloe Sullivan from the television series Smallville) voiced the role of Power Girl.
  • In 2010, a sequel was released titled Superman/Batman: Apocalypse which is an adaptation of Jeph Loeb and Michael Turner's second story arc, "The Supergirl from Krypton".[70] DCAU cast members Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, Susan Eisenberg, and Edward Asner reprised their respective roles as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Granny Goodness. Additionally, Summer Glau voiced the role of Supergirl and Andre Braugher portrayed Darkseid.
  • The eighteenth episode of the first season of Supergirl is titled "Worlds Finest". The episode is a crossover with The Flash and features a team-up of the title characters of both series. Kara Danvers gains a new ally when the lightning-fast superhero The Flash suddenly appears from an alternate universe and helps Kara battle Siobhan, aka Silver Banshee, and Livewire in exchange for her help in finding a way to return him home.

See also

References

  1. ^ Uslan, Michael (2004). "Forward". Superman: The World's Finest Comics Archives Vol. 1. DC Comics. p. 7. ISBN 1-4012-0151-2.
  2. ^ Mitchell, Kurt; Thomas, Roy (2019). American Comic Book Chronicles: 1940-1944. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 26. ISBN 978-1605490892.
  3. ^ New York World's Fair Comics at the Grand Comics Database
  4. ^ Wallace, Daniel (2010). "1940s". In Dolan, Hannah (ed.). DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 36. ISBN 978-0-7566-6742-9. With ninety-six packed pages and DC's three biggest stars sharing the cover, World's Best Comics promised a galaxy of stories for the low price of 15 cents...The new ongoing title, renamed World's Finest Comics with issue #2, featured heavy-hitters Superman and Batman.
  5. ^ Daniels, Les (1995). DC Comics: Sixty Years of the World's Favorite Comic Book Heroes. New York, New York: Bulfinch Press. p. 57. ISBN 0821220764.
  6. ^ Irvine, Alex "1950s" in Dolan, p. 73: "Although the covers of World's Finest Comics had teased co-appearances of Batman and Superman for years, the first joint adventure of the two in the comic occurred in issue #71...written by Alvin Schwartz, pencilled by Curt Swan, and inked by Stan Kaye".
  7. ^ Manning, Matthew K. (2014). "1950s". In Dougall, Alastair (ed.). Batman: A Visual History. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 57. ISBN 978-1465424563. It became challenging for writers and artists to tell a story without one hero overshadowing the other. A common gimmick was for Batman to swap powers with Superman, something he did for the first time in issue #77.
  8. ^ Manning "1950s" in Dougall, p. 63: "This story, written by Edmond Hamilton and illustrated by Dick Sprang, would be the first time these two notorious villains joined forces, a tradition that would continue into the modern era".
  9. ^ Forbeck, Matt "1960s" in Dougall, p. 84: "In this tale from Edmond Hamilton and Curt Swan, an angry janitor received the powers of the entire Legion of Super-Heroes".
  10. ^ Cronin, Brian (January 1, 2009). "Batman Slaps Robin – The Origin of the Panel". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on September 10, 2016.
  11. ^ McAvennie, Michael "1960s" in Dolan, p. 129: "1968 was the year when Neal Adams and Batman's fates became forever intertwined...Adams tackled his first interior with Batman on Leo Dorfman's script for 'The Superman-Batman Revenge Squads' story in World's Finest Comics #175".
  12. ^ Kingman, Jim (August 2013). "Men of Steel: Superman and Julius Schwartz in World's Finest Comics and DC Comics Presents". Back Issue! (#66). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 51–53.
  13. ^ O'Neil, Dennis (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "Race to Save the Universe!" World's Finest Comics, no. 198 (November 1970).
  14. ^ O'Neil, Dennis (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "Race to Save Time" World's Finest Comics, no. 199 (December 1970).
  15. ^ Friedrich, Mike (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "Prisoners of the Immortal World!" World's Finest Comics, no. 200 (February 1971).
  16. ^ O'Neil, Dennis (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "A Prize of Peril!" World's Finest Comics, no. 201 (March 1971).
  17. ^ Skeates, Steve (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "Who's Minding the Earth?" World's Finest Comics, no. 203 (June 1971).
  18. ^ O'Neil, Dennis (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "Journey to the End of Hope!" World's Finest Comics, no. 204 (August 1971).
  19. ^ Skeates, Steve (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "The Computer that Captured a Town!" World's Finest Comics, no. 205 (September 1971).
  20. ^ Wein, Len (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "Peril of the Planet-Smashers!" World's Finest Comics, no. 208 (December 1971).
  21. ^ Friedrich, Mike (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "Meet the Tempter.... and Die!" World's Finest Comics, no. 209 (February 1972).
  22. ^ Maggin, Elliot S! (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "World of Faceless Slaves!" World's Finest Comics, no. 210 (March 1972).
  23. ^ O'Neil, Dennis (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "...And So My World Begins!" World's Finest Comics, no. 212 (June 1972).
  24. ^ Maggin, Elliot S! (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "Peril in a Very Small Place!" World's Finest Comics, no. 213 (August–September 1972).
  25. ^ Skeates, Steve and O'Neil, Dennis (w), Dillin, Dick (p), Giella, Joe (i). "A Beast Stalks the Badlands" World's Finest Comics, no. 214 (October–November 1972).
  26. ^ Coates, John (1999). "Art Index". The Art of Nick Cardy. Coates Publishing. pp. 172–173. ISBN 1-887591-22-2.
  27. ^ Stroud, Bryan (May 2013). "Metamorpho in Action Comics". Back Issue! (#64). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 22–27.
  28. ^ McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 157: "Scribe Bob Haney and artist Dick Dillin introduced the DC Universe to an alternate timeline starring the World's Finest offspring in January's World's Finest Comics #215".
  29. ^ Super-Sons at the Grand Comics Database
  30. ^ Eury, Michael (August 2013). "The Batman of Earth-B: The Caped Crusader's Bravest and Boldest Writer, Bob Haney". Back Issue! (#66). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 2–5.
  31. ^ Manning "1970s" in Dougall, p. 116: "It was revealed that Bruce Wayne had an older brother in this mostly forgotten piece of Batman lore that inspired the recent 'Court of Owls' storyline".
  32. ^ Eury, Michael (July 2015). "A Look at DC's Super Specs". Back Issue! (#81). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 29–30.
  33. ^ Romero, Max (July 2012). "I'll Buy That For a Dollar! DC Comics' Dollar Comics". Back Issue! (#57). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 39–41.
  34. ^ a b Kingman, Jim (May 2013). "The Ballad of Ollie and Dinah". Back Issue! (#64). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 10–21.
  35. ^ Conway, Gerry (w), Tuska, George (p), Colletta, Vince (i). "The Reality War!/Collision With Destiny/The Ravager of Time" World's Finest Comics, no. 250 (April–May 1978).
  36. ^ Thomas, Roy (w), Buckler, Rich (p), McLaughlin, Frank (i). "The Secret Origins of the Superman and Batman Team!" World's Finest Comics, no. 271 (September 1981).
  37. ^ Rozakis, Bob (w), Saviuk, Alex (p), Rodriguez, Rodin (i). "Drive Me to the Moon!" World's Finest Comics, no. 272 (October 1981).
  38. ^ Manning, Matthew K. "1980s" in Dolan, p. 206: "In the tradition of DC's anniversary editions, World's Finest Comics #300 was an extra-length issue contributed to by a variety of comic book talent. Written by David Anthony Kraft, Mike W. Barr, and Marv Wolfman, and illustrated by Ross Andru, Mark Texeira, Sal Amendola, and George Pérez".
  39. ^ Wiggins, Randall C. (December 2013). "World's Finest Comics #300: An Epic in the Making". Back Issue! (#69). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 64–67.
  40. ^ Manning "1980s" in Dougall, p. 150: "A rare early example of Mazzucchelli's Batman before his ground-breaking 'Batman: Year One' story in February 1987, this tale featured Superman and Batman doing something quite out of the ordinary for the duo: having a drink at a local bar".
  41. ^ Cavalieri, Joey (w), Woch, Stan (p), Alcala, Alfredo (i). "Gotham Bridge Is Falling Down!" World's Finest Comics, no. 314 (April 1985).
  42. ^ Manning "1980s" in Dougall, p. 160: "Writer Joey Cavalieri and penciller José Delbo saw the heroes off in style as they faced the new menace of the mystical villain Nightwolf".
  43. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 246: "Writer Dave Gibbons and artist Steve Rude presented a three-issue miniseries...that proved the World's Finest team of Superman and Batman was still relevant".
  44. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 289: ""Batman and Superman reunited in April [1999] in the ten-issue limited series World's Finest...The series was written by Karl Kesel".
  45. ^ Anderson, Kevin J. (2009). Enemies & Allies: A Novel. New York, New York: William Morrow and Company. p. 336. ISBN 978-0061662553.
  46. ^ "Batman/Superman showcases meeting of DC Comics icons". USA Today. February 21, 2013. Archived from the original on June 27, 2013. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
  47. ^ Kushins, Josh (January 12, 2012). "DC Comics in 2012–-Introducing the 'Second Wave' of DC Comics The New 52". The Source. DC Comics. Archived from "second-wave"-of-dc-comics-the-new-52/ the original on January 15, 2012. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  48. ^ Rogers, Vaneta (January 13, 2012). "Paul Levitz Explains More About Worlds' Finest, Earth 2". Newsarama. Archived from the original on February 2, 2012. Retrieved January 29, 2012.
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  50. ^ Polo, Susana (2021-12-14). "DC's Batman/Superman comic returns in 2022 from legend Mark Waid". Polygon. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
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  52. ^ "World's Finest Archives Volume 2". DC Comics. Archived from the original on April 27, 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
  53. ^ "World's Finest Archives Volume 3". DC Comics. Archived from the original on April 27, 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
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  55. ^ "Batman: The World's Finest Comics Archives Volume 2". DC Comics. Archived from the original on April 29, 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
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External links

  • World's Finest Online official website
  • World's Finest Comics at the Grand Comics Database
  • Batman and Superman: World's Finest at the Grand Comics Database
  • World's Finest Comics at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
  • Batman And Superman: World's Finest at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
  • World's Finest Comics at Mike's Amazing World of Comics
  • Batman and Superman: World's Finest at Mike's Amazing World of Comics
  • v
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Batman publications and story lines
Current series
Completed
ongoing series
Completed
miniseries
Batman Eternal
Dark Moon Rising
The Long Halloween
  • Batman: The Long Halloween
  • Batman: Dark Victory
  • Catwoman: When in Rome
Millerverse
Murphyverse
  • Batman: White Knight
  • Curse of the White Knight
  • White Knight Presents: Red Hood
  • Beyond the White Knight
Year One
  • Batgirl: Year One
  • Green Arrow: Year One
  • The Riddler: Year One
  • Two-Face: Year One
  • Robin: Year One
One-shots
  • Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth
  • Castle of the Bat
  • Dark Knight Dynasty
  • Dark Night: A True Batman Story
  • Death of Innocents
  • Digital Justice
  • Gotham Noir
  • Holy Terror
  • Batman/Houdini: The Devil's Workshop
  • In Darkest Knight
  • The Killing Joke
  • KnightGallery
  • Leatherwing
  • The Man Who Laughs
  • Nine Lives
  • Noël
  • Elseworld's Finest: Supergirl & Batgirl
  • The Joker: Devil's Advocate
  • Batman/Poison Ivy: Cast Shadows
  • Son of the Demon
  • The 12 Cent Adventure
  • Two Faces
  • War on Crime
  • The Batman Adventures: Mad Love
  • The Berlin Batman
  • Gotham by Gaslight
  • Joker
  • Poison Ivy: Thorns
  • Red Hood vs. Anarky
  • Superman and Batman: World's Funnest
Story lines
Intercompany
crossovers
Incomplete
Related topics
Publications are listed alphabetically by published titles. Storylines are listed in publication order. Compiled without respect for canon or "current" continuity.
  • v
  • t
  • e
Superman publications and storylines
Current series
Former series
Limited series
and one-shots
  • Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent (2023)
  • Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity (2003)
  • Green Lantern/Superman: Legend of the Green Flame (2000)
  • The Kents (1997–1998)
  • Lex Luthor: Man of Steel (2005)
  • The Man of Steel (1986)
  • The Phantom Zone (1982)
  • Birthright (2003–2004)
  • Superman and Wonder Woman: The Hidden Killer (1993)
  • Superman for All Seasons (1998)
  • Superman/Shazam: First Thunder (2006)
  • Superman Unchained (2013–2014)
  • Superman vs. Muhammad Ali (1978)
  • Superman: Last Stand of New Krypton (2010)
  • Superman: Secret Origin (2009–2010)
  • Superman: World of New Krypton (2009–2010)
  • Superman: The Wedding Album (1996)
  • Superman: War of the Supermen (2010)
  • Superman: Lois and Clark (2015–2016)
  • World of Krypton (1979)
Outside
continuity
  • All-Star Superman (2005–2008)
  • "The K-Metal from Krypton" (Unpublished)
  • "The Sandman Saga" (1971)
  • Son of Superman (1999)
  • Superboy: The Comic Book (1989–1992)
  • Superboy's Legion (2001)
  • Superman Adventures (1996–2002)
  • Superman: At Earth's End (1995)
  • Superman: Earth One (Vol 1. 2010, Vol 2. 2012, Vol. 3 2015)
  • Superman: The Last Family of Krypton (2010)
  • Superman: The Feral Man of Steel (1994)
  • Superman: Last Son of Earth (2000)
  • Superman: Last Stand on Krypton (2003)
  • Superman's Metropolis (1996)
  • Superman: Peace on Earth (1998)
  • Kingdom Come (1996)
  • The Superman Monster (1999)
  • Superman: Red Son (2003)
  • Superman: Secret Identity (2004)
  • Superman: Speeding Bullets (1993)
  • Superman: A Tale of Five Cities (1990)
  • Superman: The Dark Side (1998)
  • Superman: True Brit (2004)
  • Superman: War of the Worlds (1998)
  • Superman & Batman: Generations (1999, 2001 and 2004)
  • Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? (1986)
  • Whom Gods Destroy (1996)
  • Dark Knights of Steel (2021–2023)
Crossovers
Storylines
Other
  • Superman (comic strip)
  • Superman: The Complete Comic Strips 1939-1966
  • Action Comics #1
  • Action Comics #1000
  • v
  • t
  • e
Comic books
Television
Books
Film
  • Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
  • Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
  • Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
    • soundtrack
  • Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons
Fan works
Related
  • v
  • t
  • e
Supporting
characters
Enemies
Publications
and storylines
In other media
DC Extended
Universe
Television
Animation
  • Justice League: Throne of Atlantis
  • Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman – Rage of Atlantis
Other
  • Atlantis
  • Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis
  • Aquaman: Power Wave
  • Category