DC All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World #1 Review

 

DC All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World #1 Review

Writers: Scott Snyder & Joshua Williamson

Artists: Sanford Greene & Yasmine Putri

Colorists: Matt Herms & Yasmine Putri

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artist: Sanford Greene

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears, Javi Fernández & Alejandro Sanchez; Anthony Marques, J Bone & Dave Stewart; Juan Ferreyra

Editors: Chris Rosa, Sophie Philips-Roberts & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US | Variant $6.99 US (Card Stock)

Release Date: October 28, 2026

 

When Darkseid conquered reality, the Quantum Quorum rewound time, giving Earth's superheroes a brief window of freedom. They could use it to say goodbye to their families. Or they could even live on, after a fashion. But the Justice League didn't want to live on as reflections of themselves in a mirror universe. So, to reclaim their reality, they had to fight for it.

 

Yet after their victory, visions bound Earth’s heroes to perform onerous tasks. They had to stand alongside villains in their Watchtower and go on missions together. Earth’s governments had to accept that the people they counted on to protect them might have pasts drenched in blood. And inexplicably, Cyborg has preserved the Heart of Apokolips in Mount Titan.

 

Are Earth’s heroes and villains ready for Darkseid’s prophesied return? And why does Darkseid have an insatiable need to control everything? Let’s leap into the DC All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World #1 and see!

 

Story

People may fear him. They may dread his return. But Darkseid has a plan he is working toward. He wants everyone to understand how his great dream benefits everyone. So, as heroes celebrate their victory in the Omega Tournament and prepare for Darkseid’s return, he takes his message directly to the people. But before he paints his rosy future, Darkseid looks back at where he came from.

 

In DC All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World #1, he addresses the reader. He shares how he became the Lord of Apokolips. Then he shares his recent past, including how and why he created his Absolute Universe. Still, Darkseid isn’t through. His plan encompasses all of space and time. So, as he intersperses his narrative with clashes between himself and superhumans on two worlds, Darkseid shares his ultimate dream.

 

Ironically, Darkseid’s goal evokes the futures that the Heart of Apokolips offered each contestant. Many contestants would likely have been tempted to accept the Heart's offer and transform Earth into their version of paradise. Yet Superman, who triumphed in the tournament, resisted the Heart's offer and returned Earth-Zero to its former state. Thus, Darkseid needs to get his message out. Superman may be perceived as a champion of hope. But Darkseid sees Superman as a destroyer of everything that matters in DC All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World #1.

 

Art

As a star travels through space, it burns and swells with energy. Then it forms a symbol before resolving into Darkseid. He stands before the Heart of Apokolips, which empowers him. Then he stands before the machinery that will help him build his miraculous new reality. Circles portraying heroes from different worlds float in space. Darkseid rises in profile behind them, gazing up with determination as he resolutely works toward his dream. Then he faces his audience. While Earth-Zero is crucial to his plans, the giant visionary gazes over the planet, showing how his plans extend far beyond one world.

 

Sanford Green helps Darkseid tell his story across panel-packed pages and one-page montages. Double-page layouts showcase conflicts between Darkseid and metahumans and introduce the heroes of the Absolute Universe. While Matt Herms adorns DC All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World #1 in the colors of Darkseid’s eternal enemy, violet and indigo also appear as he carries out his plan. But then, Darkseid wants to give people what he believes is best for them.

 

Harbinger: Story

In this 10-page story, Joshua Williamson shows Darkseid’s desire to share his Omega energy with everyone. He resurrects Pandora and gives her a new purpose. Darkseid’s abilities allow him to see the truth she hides from others. But like the superhumans of all the Earths in the multiverse, Pandora must decide whether to fight Darkseid or bow to his will.

 

Harbinger: Art

Darkseid wishes to dominate all reality. Yet Pandora stands between heroes from different universes as the Flash races around the Earth. Despite her reddish-violet cloak, lines of color flow across her. Yet when she revives across an orange 9-panel grid, Pandora loses her kaleidoscopic appearance. The woman with light-indigo hair rises before Darkseid. Instead of the Flash’s yellow energy, white energy crackles around Darkseid. Red lightning bolts encircle Pandora's features. Yet, Yasmine Putri shows the red fire burning in Darkseid’s eyes.

 

Lettering

Darkseid shares his past and reveals the reasons behind his plans, using white uppercase letters in black narrative boxes. When he addresses heroes, he speaks white letters into black dialogue balloons with straight-edged borders. His opponents, and the woman he wants to serve him, speak black letters into spherical white balloons as they defy his glorious vision. Yet Pandora reveals her thoughts and tells her story in white boxes with red borders. Steve Wands’ sound effects enhance Darkseid’s encounters with metahumans, his determination to make Pandora his servant, and his sacrifice to give everyone a better tomorrow.

 

Final Thoughts

When they traveled into the Earth’s core, Earth’s heroes had to play by the Heart of Apokolips’ rules. They battled their morals and pushed past their self-imposed limits to achieve victory. Yet the heroes’ justification for killing their opponents seems eerily similar to Darkseid’s rationale for building his kinder, gentler, and more fulfilling reality in DC All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World #1.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see DC All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World #1 Preview. 

 

For when Darkseid told the Justice League, "Thank you," see DC All In Special #1 Preview. 

 

For Time Trapper's plan to save the DCU (& how Lara's friendship with Ursa would eventually save Earth in Kingdom Of Zod), see Justice League: The Omega Act #1 Preview. 

 

For how the heroes' plans for the Omega Tournament go awry, see DC K.O. #1 Preview. 

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #56 Review

 

 

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #56 Review

Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Adrián Gutiérrez

Colorist: Luis Guerrero

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artist: Dan Mora

Variant Cover Artists: Adrián Gutiérrez & Luis Guerrero; Ben Harvey

Editors: Sophie Philips-Roberts, Chris Rosa & Paul Haminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99 US | Variant $4.99 US (Card Stock)

Release Date: October 21, 2026

 

Ra's al Ghul has lived an unnaturally long life. Over time, he has seen industrialization transform the Earth. Pollution and overpopulation have destroyed the world he knew. With global warming threatening to wipe out Humanity, Ra’s assembles his Four Harbingers of the Apocalypse. When Superman returns from Planet Rann, he encounters the first phase of Ra’s plan to reduce Earth’s Human population. As swarms of killer bees attack people across Earth, a sting sends his friend’s sidekick to the hospital.

 

Superman left his Justice League colleagues on Rann. Still, Superman is not Earth's sole protector. Yet his longtime friend refuses to leave Dick Grayson's side. As Superman urges him to resume protecting the world, Batman learns that Ocean Master has suborned the Atlantean military. Then, the TV news shows Tokamak attacking the world’s second-largest nuclear power plant.

 

As people around the world begin to die, can the world's greatest detective accomplish more in or out of the hospital? And with the world reeling from Ra's al Ghul's three-pronged attack, how will Poison Ivy threaten the global food supplies? Let’s leap into Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #56 and see!

 

Story

Once, he was called the Physician, and he sought to cure people. In her youth, Pamela Isley studied botany. But when the people they tried to help attacked them, Ra's al Ghul and Poison Ivy gradually turned against Humanity. So, with Killer Bee, Tokamak, and Ocean Master in the field, Ra's preps Pamela Isley to deliver the killing blow. He claims to be Humanity's savior. Yet Ra's waits until the Justice League leaves to prevent an extinction event on Rann. Then, he sets out to decimate Earth's population.

 

As Superman flies across the planet, Batman coordinates the global response in Batman/Superman: World's Finest #56. Instead of operating from his Batcave, he works in Dick Grayson's room at Gotham General. Batman ropes heroes and villains into his plans. While Batman gets others to toe the line, his MVP proves more headstrong.

 

As Mark Waid’s fast-paced plot transports readers around the world, things don’t always go according to Batman and Superman’s plans. And while the two friends try to protect others, Ra’s al Ghul insists he is also Humanity’s friend. Yet his argument conjures a golden age when Humans would never eradicate a forest or drive a species to extinction. And after Humanity locked her away in Arkham Asylum, Poison Ivy agrees that the species must have fundamentally changed over a few centuries in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #56.

 

Art

Within his remote mountaintop headquarters, plant life thrives. As they walk through the arboretum, Ra’s al Ghul abruptly bows and takes Pamela Isley’s hand. Then, cracks race across the next panel, and pieces of the frame break off, as Adrián Gutiérrez suggests Poison Ivy pulling away. When Ra's leads her into his control room, no workers assist Humanity’s benefactor. Instead, portraits of players appear on the vast screen. An X appears over one competitor's face. Then Ivy extends her leaf-and-flower-adorned arm to display her imagined endgame.

 

While green and orange dominate Ra's al Ghul's scenes, Tokamak unleashes destruction amid yellow and orange. Despite his varied accomplishments, Firehawk's creator is uniformly gray. Poison Ivy prepares to cull the planet’s savages amid yellow. As Batman’s attempt to treat Killer Bee’s Mirror Virus glows light-indigo, Superman’s red-and-blue costume hints at violet and indigo. Yet light-indigo also links a plea for compassion with Ra’s al Ghul’s staunch adherence to his plan in two foreground shots.

 

As Luis Guerrero adorns Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #56 with a pleasant palette, Steve Wands fills white dialogue balloons and boxes with black uppercase dialogue. Letters frequently grow bold for intonation and rarely shrink. As an emergency threatens to swell from local to global proportions, lowercase letters in torn boxes provide context. Sound effects enhance rushing wind, exuberant plant growth, and a crash that disturbs a cultured person's tranquility. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Ra's al Ghul envisions himself living for centuries, if not millennia. He claims he wants to help Humanity embrace a healthier relationship with the planet. Yet, instead of helping Humanity heal their planet gradually, he wants to kill nearly all of Homo Sapiens in two days. So, the one-time Physician enlists killers who will gladly kill people to get what they want in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #56.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #56 Preview.

For how Ra's al Ghul broke Poison Ivy out of Arkham Asylum, see Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #55 Preview. 

For Superman's chance to meet a childhood hero, see Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #54 Preview. 

For Robin's efforts to win his friends back, see Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #53 Preview. 

For the search for Superman in Skartaris, see my preview of Batman/Superman: World's Finest #52. 

For how Superman, Batman, and Robin met Travis Morgan living out his Edgar Rice Burroughs' dreams, see my preview of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #51.

For Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent's attempt to honor their fathers, and Bat-Mite and Mr Mxyzptlk's battle for good entertainment, see Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1 Review. 

Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2 Review

 

Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2 Review

Writers: Mark Waid & Joe Casey

Artists: Montos & Dan McDaid

Colorists: Ivan Plascencia & David Baron

Letterers: Steve Wands & Troy Peteri

Cover Artist: Guillem March

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears, Ariel Olivetti & Mike Choi

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/$5.99 US Card Stock/$7.99 US Foil

Release Date: August 12, 2026

 

Years ago, while trying to kill Superboy, Epoch unleashed a paradox that threatened to erase Martian Manhunter, Mary Marvel, and Booster Gold from time. Young Clark Kent survived the attack, helping his friends from the future return from oblivion. Then, despite Martian Manhunter and Mary Marvel's better judgment, Booster Gold showed Superboy glimpses of the future that could destroy it all over again. And when they achieved their fondest dream and rescued Clark, even Superman shrugged off concerns about unleashing another paradox on his world.

 

Now, Clark, his younger self, Booster Gold, Mary Marvel, and Martian Manhunter travel back toward the present. An old villain has returned to menace Superman's world again. How will General Zod seek to destroy everything Clark loves? And how might Clark's decision to bring his younger self to the present change his future? Let's grab our K-Shields, leap into Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2, and see what happens!

 

Story

In his desire to strengthen El Caldero and protect it against aggressors, Presidente Eduardo Castilho distributed pieces of the Kryptonite meteor around the world. Now, the same thing that happened at John Henry Irons’ Steelworks campus in Smallville is occurring around the world. And where the alien crystals grow, sickness, injury, and death follow.

 

Superboy, Booster Gold, Mary Marvel, and Martian Manhunter have rescued Superman from the timestream. As Mary plays backseat driver, young Clark marvels at the wonders Booster Gold steers them around. Not wanting to worry the others, Superman engages in psychic communication with Martian Manhunter. Both heroes wonder if more paradoxes await them in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

After events from Joe Casey’s Kneel Before Zod series introduce the story, Mark Waid interweaves Booster Gold's timestream journey with the battle in El Caldero. Supergirl brought her Super Force to reclaim the Sun Crystal and any other Kryptonian artifacts that might endanger Earth. But Zod anticipated their arrival, and the airborne attack he unleashed hampers them in unexpected ways. Another aspect of Kara’s planning may yield more positive results. Yet as Zod drains Lois Lane of the superpowers she never wanted, the journalist keeps a cool head. Her line of inquiry could prove the key to Earth’s survival in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

Art

Crystals defile monuments to history in exotic locales. Instead of impaling researchers at Steelworks in Smallville, they burst from patients in hospital beds. And in Metropolis, massive Kryptonite crystals sprout from the ground and buildings, hurling vehicles into the air and cultural artifacts to the ground as a photographer watches. As luminous currents swirl, arc, and stream past Booster Gold’s bubble-shaped craft, young Clark helps Superman stand. But when Mary Marvel alerts Booster to obstructions in the timestream, Montos shows young Clark’s awe of his surroundings.

 

As Dan McDaid provides a glimpse of the past, David Baron portrays Zod’s dead wife in white. Yellow flames from a brazier illuminate nearby indigo instruments and equipment. While yellow adorns Eraditrix’s present form, her violet gloves and cape turn indigo in shadow. Ivan Plascencia uses her violet to link her with the Krypto-Knights and Lois Lane. Yet while one character retains a recent costume change, John Henry Irons’ coloring evokes Ursa upon a crystalline pyre in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

After Troy Peteri’s white uppercase letters in black boxes bring readers up to speed, Steve Wands' yellow boxes introduce current events, characters, and locales. Cloudy balloons and bubbles convey Superman and Martian Manhunter's cause for concern, while Eradicatrix addresses Supergirl via white letters in black boxes and balloons. Black uppercase letters in white dialogue balloons grow bold with intonation and swell for raised voices as heroes defy overwhelming pain. Sound effects enhance clashing weapons, bursts of heat vision, and a breath (or two) of fresh air as characters set their differences aside to focus on the battle at hand. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Dru-Zod may have his reasons for harming Kal-El's new home. But whether the former Kryptonian General understands why he is unleashing a Green-K attack on Earth, or if anger and grief are driving his actions, remains in doubt in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

For Kara, Lois, and the Super Force's arrival in El Caldero, see Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review. 

 

 

For Superboy's battle to regain his superpowers, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Mission Failure. 

For Booster Gold's search for his friend, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Superman Meets Superboy. 

For the Kryptonite eruption at Steelworks in Smallville, see Superman Unlimited #15 Review. 

 

For Kara's rough start at team-building, see Action Comics #1100: Game Night Review.

For what happened to Presidente Eduardo Castilho, see Action Comics #1100: End Of Reign Review. 

For Kara & Lesla's battle in Kandor, and the forging of her Super Force, see Supergirl #15 Review. 

 

Gotham Academy: First Year #6 Review

 

Gotham Academy: First Year #6 Review

Story: Brenden Fletcher, Becky Cloonan & Karl Kerschl

Script: Brenden Fletcher

Artist: Marco Ferrari

Colorist: Eva De La Cruz

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artist & Variant Cover Artist: Karl Kerschl

Editors: Kristy Quinn & Dacy Lim

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/Variant $5.99 US (Card Stock)

Release Date: August 5, 2026

 

When she couldn't learn what happened to her mother, Olive pushed away everyone and everything that offered her a future she didn't believe she deserved. She sought refuge in Professor Crane's pills, but they trapped her in a nightmare and fractured her identity. Can Batman rescue Olive Silverlock again? Or will another hero arise to help Olive be the champion of her own story? Let's leap into Gotham Academy: First Year #6 and see what happens!

 

Story

This year, the limousine leaves the Mizoguchi residence with two students heading for Gotham Academy. While Kyle eyes a position of responsibility, Mia also envisions great things. Kyle may not know what the future holds in store for him and Olive. Yet Mia is certain that she and Olive will be best friends.

 

When Safi brings her bags into her dorm room, Mia cannot wait to see Olive. Yet in Gotham Academy: First Year #6, Olive isn’t around. So, after Safi leaves, Mia tells her roommate about her best friend. Despite everything Olive has gone through, Mia sees her as an indomitable force. While she waits for Olive to join them, Mia instructs her new roommate in how to play Serpents & Spells. Yet, as Mia and Katherine delve into the role-playing game, danger stalks the school.

 

After Brenden Fletcher, Becky Cloonan, and Karl Kerschl’s story begins with Mia, the story shifts to other people who care about Olive. When Olive makes her appearance, her experiences have changed her. Yet some things remain the same. Last year, she was the insecure girl who thought she didn’t belong in Gotham Academy. Now, she’s still unsure how to view her place in the school.

 

Brenden Fletcher's script highlights the circular nature of life. With a new school year beginning, the students, teachers, and staff fall into familiar patterns. The students need friends and leadership. The staff and teachers recognize that some children will need more attention and protection than others. Olive suffers from some of the same issues she did at the beginning of her first year. But now, she is a Junior and more is expected of her. As Olive ponders her future at the school, Mia represents the breath of fresh air that she, and everyone at the school, needs in Gotham Academy: First Year #6.

 

Art

Mia stands before a character sheet, wearing her school uniform. Her face radiates happiness. Kyle hangs his head as he trudges beneath his burdensome backpack. Muscular Safi easily lugs Mia's luggage to her room. Mia and Safi’s introduction to Katherine evokes how Lucy Hunt met her roommate. The next morning, drapes obscure her roommate in the top bunk while Mia sprawls on the bottom. As she awakens, books, maps, character sheets, and other game paraphernalia cover the floor. Yet as Mia spots a red object, another character demonstrates how a year has changed her in Gotham Academy: First Year #6.

 

As Marco Ferrari portrays Mia’s passion for life, the school colors showcase differences between characters. While the yellow and blue suggest a mixture of concern and hope, Mia often wears one color to contrast her disposition with another's. Yet Katherine and Mia both wear blue when they meet. And when danger threatens, Mia's yellow hairbow matches Katherine's yellow hair.

 

Eva De La Cruz suggests that two characters are surprisingly well matched by tinging Heathcliff's lenses and Pomeline's hair with orange. Green signals someone who steals others' willpower, while a frightened character regards her surroundings through yellow lenses. As Mia glimpses a fleeing figure, her blue shirt looks indigo in the night, while violet tinges her skin. Yet before the school year gets underway, red links two characters, perhaps temporarily, or perhaps forever.

 

Black lowercase letters fill white balloons and yellow boxes, while letters grow bold for intonation and fade for lowered voices. A glimpse of handwritten words provokes anger, while red exclamation marks signal a life-threatening situation. Sound effects enhance Mia’s first day at school, a fight for life, and an act of heroism. Still, white words on a brown poster suggest a more positive literary interest than rereading The Castle of Otranto. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Mia has a plan. She intends to storm the school and reshape it in her image. Yet while “Maps” is forging her new identity, Olive wrestles with her self-worth. Some students and teachers will shine radiantly, others will lock themselves in prisons of their own making, and the rest will tread toward whatever future awaits them in Gotham Academy: First Year #6.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Gotham Academy: First Year #6. 

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Gotham Academy: First Year #5. 

For what happened before that, see my review of Gotham Academy: Year One #4.

For how this series started, see my preview of Gotham Academy: First Year #1. 

 

 

 

JSA #22 Review

 

JSA #22 Review

Writer: Jeff Lemire

Artist: Diego Olortegui

Colorist: Luis Guerrero

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artist: Pete Woods

Variant Cover Artists: Cian Tormey & Matt Herms

Editors: Marquis Draper, Andrew Marino & Katie Kubert

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: August 5, 2026

 

After Jim Corrigan died, he bonded with the Spectre. The two had a long career fighting crime and righting wrongs together. But when Darkseid tried to command this aspect of the Presence, he broke that bond. Now, as Metron guides four young heroes in search of the former police detective, the Spectre bonds with another of Alan Scott and Jay Garrick's young heroes. Will Wildcat form a lasting bond with the Spectre? And how wisely will she wield the Vengeance of God? Let’s leap into JSA #22 and see!

 

Story

The Spectre was tearing New York apart. Whenever it bonded with a Human host, it set out to judge anyone within reach. Yet in Yolanda Montez, aka Wildcat, the Spectre finds a more willing partner. Unlike her JSA teammates, the Spectre doesn’t overpower her. Instead, Yolanda uses the Spectre’s abilities to leave New York behind and travel to Belle Reve Prison.

 

As JSA #22 follows Yolanda's search for vengeance, Metron transports Stargirl, Jakeem Thunder, Dr Fate, and Kid Eternity to Gotham City. While Yolanda walks past the cells, searching for her first victim, Dr Fate and his friends search for Jim Corrigan in the moments before his death. Yet all is not as it appears in 1940. Nor is acting as judge, jury, and executioner a simple thing.

 

As members of the JSA search for missing teammates in the past and present, Dr Fate and his friends confront the reality of who the Spectre is, and what bonding with it involves. But the clock is ticking. While the kids deduce clues and search Gotham for Jim Corrigan, the Spectre continues its quest for a partner. And if it cannot find a hero to bond with, it'll choose someone else driven to wield its power in JSA #22.

 

Art

When Yolanda walks down empty halls lined with iron bars, Ruby Sokov watches her pass. Yolanda's costume betrays her fusion with the Spectre. When she reaches the cell of a woman she believes deserves her anger, Yolanda incinerates the metal bars between them. Then, she raises Queen Kobra by the neck with one hand. Jade, Obsidian, Hourman, Sandy, Jay Garrick, and Alan Scott follow Yolanda inside the cell. All of them have struggled with loss in the JSA. Yet Alan, who brought Ruby Sokov into the team, stands directly behind Yolanda.

 

While Luis Guerrero adorns Diego Olortegui’s art with a vibrant palette, the green Spectre’s determination clashes with the orange-suited inmates who sought more than they had. In 1940’s Gotham, Jakeem Thunder’s green clothes and Dr Fate’s gold find echoes in the street behind them. When Dr Fate summons a yellow light, the young heroes’ appearances change in JSA #22. Violet brings happiness and helpfulness, while the blue glow around Kid Eternity links her with Obsidian. Yet despite her hope of recovering her memories, the red lenses of her glasses link Kid Eternity with the red wine of someone who has lost everything that once defined them.

 

Black uppercase words in white balloons grow bold for intonation and swell with volume, while Kid Eternity speaks blue words. The Spectre’s words fill green balloons with serrated edges. Sound effects accompany moments of sorrow, reunion, and transformation. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

The Justice Society of America has a long and prestigious history. Most of its members have strong reasons to be there. While many have joined because of family, friendships, or mentors, others have walked away because those relationships no longer met their needs. Yet one member is an outsider. Kid Eternity joined the JSA without any sense of who she was or where she came from. Her search for Jim Corrigan has unearthed one remnant of her past. But to learn more, she must leave her new friends in JSA #22.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my JSA #22 Preview. 

 

For what happened last time, see my review of JSA #21. 

For what happened before that, see my preview of JSA #20.

For what happened even before that, see my review of JSA #19. 

For how the Spectre helped Jay Garrick and Alan Scott in 1940, see my review of JSA #18. 

For Darkseid's attack on the Spectre, see my preview of DC All In Special #1. 

 

Justice League Knight Vision Special #1 Review

 

Justice League Knight Vision Special #1 Review

Writers: Mark Waid & Joshua Williamson

Artist: Miguel Mendonça

Colorist: Romulo Fajardo Jr

Letterer: Steve Wands

Editors: Ben Mears & Rob Levin

Cover Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico

Variant Cover Artists: Juan Ferreyra; Mark Spears; Javi Fernández with Marcelo Maiolo

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US

Release Date: July 29, 2026

 

Batman may believe in preserving life. He may admire genius. But that doesn't mean Batman wants Lex Luthor in the Justice League. And after Lex Luthor inflamed the Brainiac Queen crisis, Batman doesn't want Lex anywhere near the Watchtower control room.

 

But when Batman tried to throw Lex out, both men shared a vision. Will Batman and Lex Luthor establish an interstellar empire like Aquaman? Or will they awaken a dragon as they tinker with potentially planet-destroying forces like Cyborg in Mount Titans? Let’s leap into Justice League Knight Vision Special #1 and see!

 

Story

When gunrunners want to meet with their buyer in Gotham, they opt for Slaughter Swamp to avoid Batman's scrutiny. Thanks to their shared vision, Batman and Lex Luthor find the miscreants regardless. But before the Justice League teammates can arrest the weapons dealers, a house appears in Slaughter Swamp. And although Batman tries to warn them, the gunrunners flee inside the house.

 

In Justice League Knight Vision Special #1, Lex Luthor claims this mission is an unwelcome task. Batman argues that the visions are designed to prepare them for Darkseid’s return. Still, Lex can't wait to get inside the house. And Lex seems more interested in learning how much Batman knows about its occupant than sharing information with his partner.

 

Mark Waid and Joshua Williamson’s story contrasts Bruce Wayne’s approach to life with Lex Luthor, his socioeconomic equal. It also compares Batman's origins with those of Prometheus. As the fast-paced story follows Lex and Bruce, the men test each other. And even when they confront the house's owner, both men expect the other to let them down in Justice League Knight Vision Special #1.

 

Art

As the gunrunners arrive in their airboat, Batman and Lex Luthor descend from the Batwing. While Batman spreads his arms wide to support his cape, Lex Luthor crosses his arms over his armored chest and frowns. When Batman lands atop the propeller cage, his cape emulates wings as he crouches. But when the arms dealers raise their weapons, Lex fires an energy burst from his hand. Then a twisted tower erupts from the water, hurling the combatants and the boats into the air.

 

As Miguel Mendonça depicts Batman and Lex obeying whatever force gifted them their shared vision, Romulo Fajardo Jr. adorns Justice League Knight Vision Special #1 with a bright palette. While the weapons dealers dress to melt into the green and blue Slaughter Swamp, Lex's green armor and Batman's blue suit, cowl, and cape shine brightly. The brown door, outlined with white, adopts a 2D cartoony appearance when the gunrunners enter. As Batman realizes the twisting nature of the interior, white lines and a turquoise background fill a panel. Yet when the weapons dealers reappear, they bring the yellow, orange, and red of Gotham to Slaughter Swamp.

 

While large white letters identify locations, black uppercase letters fill white dialogue balloons. Steve Wands shrinks and grays dialogue for lowered voices, and warps words when navigating Prometheus' inner sanctum. Lex Luthor and Batman's offscreen dialogue appears as white letters in green versus black boxes. Sound effects accompany fighting, weapon fire, and the strange house doing what a strange house does. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

While Batman and Prometheus endured similar trauma, Bruce has more in common with Lex Luthor than he would care to admit. After the Omega Tournament and Lex's recent actions aboard the Watchtower, Bruce knows he can never trust his partner. But while Bruce must find a way to combine their differences to fulfill their shared vision, he and Lex confront a villain with a different type of vision in Justice League Knight Vision Special #1.

 

Rating: 10/10

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Justice League Unlimited #21. 

For how this story arc started, see my preview of Justice League Unlimited #17. 

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1 Review

 

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1 Review

Writers: Mark Russell; Mark Waid & Tyrone Finch

Artists: Clayton Henry & Patrick Boutin

Colorists: Pedro Estouco & Romulo Fajardo Jr

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artist: Dan Mora

Variant Cover Artists: Rahzzah; Clayton Henry & Arif Prianto

Editors: Chris Rosa & Paul Haminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US/Variant $6.99 US (Card Stock)

Release Date: July 29, 2026

 

When Superman, Batman, and Robin searched for a missing Air Force pilot, they ended up on another world. Batman and Robin befriended Warlord and his savage and beautiful cadre. Then Batman disappeared amid his search for Superman. But no one anticipated that Air Force pilot Randall Kreitzer, transformed into Tyrant Rex, could drain Superman of his powers and bestow them on his trusted lieutenants.

 

Now, Superman, Batman, and Robin have returned from Skartaris. Warlord can live out his Edgar Rice Burroughs dreams without interference from Robin. Where will the World's Finest team travel next? And what trouble will they find? Let's leap into Batman/Superman: World's Finest 2026 Annual #1 and see what happens!

 

The Hero Trap: Story

Bruce and Clark wanted to honor their fathers with a celebratory meal. But Bruce worries that Alfred won't like Clark's choice. When Jonathan and Alfred arrive, Jonathan feels at home in the Middle Ages-themed restaurant. Yet Alfred is ill at ease.

 

When Clark and Bruce receive alerts before Jonathan and Alfred can peruse the menu, Bruce leaves to assess the situation. But while Jonathan remains buoyant in Clark's company, Alfred withdraws further.

 

As Mark Russell splits the narrative between Batman, Superman, and the men who raised them, he also focuses on their dilemmas. Batman and Superman seek to rescue their friend. Yet Jonathan and Alfred, who taught them how to be heroes, must wait to learn their fate. Both fathers wrestle with letting their children live their lives, while worrying about the dangerous road they set their sons upon in Batman/Superman: World's Finest 2026 Annual #1.

 

The Hero Trap: Art

A knight clad in plate armor guards a fortress with his spear. Inside, Bruce and Clark sit side by side. Yet both men look away, as if alert for danger. When the men who raised them arrive, Jonathan waves to his son, while Alfred leans away from the wooden tables where a squire takes dinner orders.

 

As Clayton Henry conveys the action and drama, Pedro Estouco lavishes a richly colored palette on Batman/Superman: World's Finest 2026 Annual #1. While red and blue dominate scenes as both sets of heroes seek to solve a mystery, Alfred's gray vest links him with Bruce Wayne's suit and the Batmobile. Jonathan's red flannel links with the hero in need of rescue, the SUV Bruce climbs into, and the Batmobile’s turbine exhaust. While the heroes play Detective Comics in a blue room, muted colors adorn the memories that flow through their elders’ minds.

 

Date Night: Story

In the Fifth Dimension, Bat-Mite and Mr Mxyzptlk yearn for entertainment. But when Bat-Mite reads a comic asserting that Batman is a better match for Lois Lane, Mr Mxyzptlk attempts to rewrite the story. As Mark Waid and Tyrone Finch switch the action to Earth, Superman has left Lois Lane in danger to address a global threat. But Clark Kent never suspected how Bruce Wayne would stick close to Lois Lane.

 

Both Batman and Superman have egos. Clark may know Bruce is just having fun at his expense. Still, Clark decides to show Bruce just how much fun he can have as Lois’ date. After Jonathan worked tirelessly to lighten Alfred’s spirits in The Hero Trap, Clark and Bruce’s antics further lighten the tone in Date Night.

 

Date Night: Art

When Mr Mxyzptlk spies Bat-Mite eating a sandwich while reading a copy of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1, he zooms over to grab the comic. As it floats between them, opposing waves of energy rush toward the empty pages. Then, the first page of Date Night appears. Superman rises to the forefront while Earth orbits beneath him. But when he returns to Metropolis, Superman flies past the iconic Daily Planet building toward another destination.

 

Romulo Fajardo Jr adorns Patrick Boutin’s manga-style art with a vibrant palette. As Superman hovers above them, red shadows tinge Lois and Bruce's features. When Superman interferes with their evening, Bruce exchanges his black suit for red, yellow, and blue clothes. Yet red proves Bruce's nemesis, even as Lois pulls him close and smiles at him with her red lips.

 

Lettering

Steve Wands fills white balloons and boxes with black uppercase lettering. The words shrink for lowered voices and grow bold with intonation. Large white letters in blue fields locate readers in time and space while Superman’s thoughts appear as white uppercase letters in blue boxes. Sound effects enhance vehicles, gunfire, surprise attacks, and rescue attempts. And after Batman realizes a name on a door spells death, sound effects accompany his attempt to impress the woman Superman adores. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Jonathan and Alfred defended their country. After they left the military, the men advised their sons on their future campaigns. Jonathan and Alfred may not give their sons orders when Superman and Batman leave on their missions. Yet neither man has any intention of gracefully retiring from Fatherhood in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1.

 

Rating: 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #53. 

 

For what happened before that, see my preview of Batman/Superman: World's Finest #52. 

For how this story arc started, see my preview of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #51.

For what happened even before that, see my preview of the oversize anniversary issue Batman/Superman: World's Finest #50. 

 

Action Comics #1100: Superman Meets Superboy Review

 

Action Comics #1100: Superman Meets Superboy Review

Writer: Joshua Williamson

Artist: Daniel Sampere

Colorist: Alejandro Sánchez

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artist: Ryan Sook

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears; David Talaski; Jim Cheung & Jay David Ramos; Rahzzah; Daniel Sampere & Tomeu Morey

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US/$6.99 US Card Stock/$7.99 US Foil

Release Date: July 22, 2026

 

Young Clark Kent didn't ask Martian Manhunter, Booster Gold, and Mary Marvel to bring their battle to his time. He didn’t ask to lose his superpowers. Nor did he ask Epoch to try to kill him. Still, Clark gradually realized that, whether he wanted to or not, he had to reclaim his powers. Earth needed a Superman. And the threats facing his planet would only grow over time.

 

Now, Clark has regained his powers. Once more, Clark Kent is Superboy. But after defeating Epoch, Martian Manhunter, Booster Gold, and Mary Marvel believe he should accompany them on their mission. What will Superboy discover as he travels the time stream with his new friends? And how might it affect his future? Let’s leap into Action Comics #1100 and see!

 

Superman Meets Superboy: Story

After the events in Mission Failure, Clark accompanies Booster Gold, Mary Marvel, and Martian Manhunter on their search for Superman. While they fly through the timestream, Mary Marvel expresses her concerns that their flight could alter Clark’s future. Martian Manhunter also warns Booster Gold to curb his enthusiasm.

 

Still, Booster is in the driver’s seat in Action Comics #1100. He argues that Superman has vanished. Despite everyone's superpowers, no one has found their friend. Young Clark, with his super vision, represents their best hope of finding Superman. Amid his love for his friend and his desire to share that love with Clark, Booster shrugs off his friends’ concerns about revealing too much about Clark’s future.

 

Joshua Williamson’s story tackles the role of spoilers in our lives. Some people don’t want to know anything about their future. Others read the last chapter of a book to learn how it ends before deciding to read the book through. Booster's arguments suggest that knowing his future will give Clark a target to strive for. 

 

Superman Meets Superboy links with previous events in Action Comics with DC K.O. and Justice League Unlimited. And after Mary Marvel, Booster Gold, and Martian Manhunter asserted Clark’s importance to the future, Superboy gets to play a vital role in finding his future self. Mary Marvel and Martian Manhunter tried playing it carefully. Trying to shield knowledge of future events from Clark led to the trio being erased from time. So, they let Booster Gold call the shots in Action Comics #1100.

 

Superman Meets Superboy: Art

Booster sits before the controls of their time ship, while Clark, Mary Marvel, and J’onn stand. Booster's face reveals his exuberance as he thumps Clark on the chest. Clark's eyes glow, and his jaw drops, as he sees what lies ahead of him. When Mary moves forward, gesturing with her arms, Clark shrugs and points at the eye-catching visions beyond the canopy.

 

Their ship may look futuristic. Still, the keyboards and black-and-white monitors reveal its cobbled-together nature. Daniel Sampere tilts panels 45 degrees when separately showing Mary Marvel and J’onn frowning at Booster Gold’s decisions. But in a cinematic wide shot, the camera rights itself as Mary Marvel throws up her hands in Action Comics #1100.

 

Their ship travels along a stream of light as it ventures into the future. The white, light-red, and light-yellow bands of light contrast with the vibrantly colored occupants and the glimpses of the future. People in the timestream radiate colors like an aura, or multiply in slow motion. Then, their view outside grows opalescent until Alejandro Sánchez portrays their surroundings as individual bands of color amid a white void.

 

Steve Wands fills white dialogue balloons with uppercase black lettering that grows bold with intonation. Offscreen dialogue appears in white boxes with colored borders, while Superboy’s appears as white words in blue boxes. Sound effects reveal how the ship reacts to changes in the flow of the timestream. As alarms wail inside the transparent canopy, the dialogue swells, and balloons change shape in Superboy Meets Superman. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Mary Marvel and J’onn argue that learning secrets will heap more responsibility on Clark’s young shoulders. Yet Booster Gold insists on sharing the secrets he knows Clark will enjoy hearing. As the trio argues over two sides of the same coin, they embody different aspects of friendship while searching for their greatest friend in Action Comics #1100.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside the previous story, Mission Failure, see my preview of Action Comics #1100. 

 

For what happened last time, see my review of Action Comics #1099. 

For how Clark lost his powers, see my preview of Action Comics #1098. 

 

For Clark's battle at the Metropolis Expo of Tomorrow, see my review of Action Comics #1097. 

 

For how Superboy met Martian Manhunter, Mary Marvel, Booster Gold, and Epoch, see my review of Action Comics #1096.