“We Are Yesterday” begins! Waid and Henry pit Grodd’s terrifying mental powers against the World’s Finest, but there’s a twist you won’t see coming. Is Grodd just predicting the future or controlling it? Let’s find out!
Mark Waid has been crushing it on World’s Finest for three years now, and his Justice League Unlimited has breathed new life into the team, even bringing them back to the fan-favorite orbital Watchtower! With Justice League Unlimited finishing its “Into the Inferno” arc, it feels like the perfect moment to kick off a major event bridging both books. Waid is a master at pulling in characters from all over the DCU in both titles, and he’s not done yet, with the recently announced New History of the DC Universe dropping in June just as this event concludes. Safe to say it’s an amazing time to be reading DC Comics.
The comic kicks off with Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent watching Hal Jordan test a new Wayne Tech jet, which almost immediately goes down. But for once, it’s not Hal’s fault (though it’s a great running gag); Gorilla Grodd appears, declaring war! Grodd’s a villain I’ve always found interesting – maybe it’s the Powers Boothe Justice League animated series voice or the wonderfully Silver Age concept of a psychic ape wanting his own Planet of the Apes.
Anyway, Waid throws us straight into the action, and it doesn’t let up, especially when Flash arrives with a hilarious explanation for Grodd. The heroes quickly get through Grodd’s force field and handle his goons, but while rescuing Hal, Batman learns Grodd wanted them there to mentally control our favourite Kryptonian. Things heat up as Flash battles “Grodd”, leaving Batman to figure out the winning plan. Though they defeat him, the comic ends ominously, showing Grodd with serious power upgrades and vowing to plague the DC Universe “until the end of time.”
Credit: DC Comics
Right off the bat, Waid lets you know this comic is all about fun. It’s not trying to be super deep; instead, it leans into a charming, Silver Age vibe full of adventure. I mean, “Countryapes”? That tells you everything you need to know about the silly tone! What you get is a comic packed with entertaining action and character moments.
There are some genuinely funny bits, too. I loved Clark’s dry observation, “Billionaire pats self on back,” which lands perfectly after Bruce promises champagne celebration for the Daily Planet’s staff. And Hal griping about Batman taking too long to save him? It works because you feel the history between these characters – they’re friends who can tease each other, and it feels natural.
Clayton’s art is fantastic – crisp, clean, and energetic. You can feel the movement and action in his panels. That tank panel is incredible; the cannon looks like it’s popping right off the page, almost 3D. It’s seriously cool stuff.
Some little moments stand out: Batman, Flash, and Superman linking arms to vibrate through Grodd’s forcefield is pure comic book goodness. And seeing Batman genuinely worried for Superman when he’s in trouble, Clayton nails the concerned expression on Bruce’s face, really selling their bond.
My only real hang-up is the plot relying on the “mind-controlled Superman” trope again. It just feels tired because we’ve seen it so many times. I wish Waid had found a fresher way to drive the story. That said, even though it’s familiar, you have to admit it’s exactly the kind of plan Gorilla Grodd would cook up. So, while that part felt a bit worn, the comic as a whole is still a really fun ride.
Credit: DC Comics
Tamra Bonvillain’s colors make the issue pop like a Saturday morning cartoon. Steve Wands delivers on the energy too, especially with effects – the ‘VVRMMM’ of the trio pushing through the forcefield, the ‘CH-CHAK’ of gorilla goons readying weapons, and Grodd’s powerful ‘RRAWWWRRR’, immerges you in the action.
“We Are Yesterday” part one delivers a fun, action-packed story featuring Gorilla Grodd with witty character interactions reminiscent of the Silver Age. While the reliance on the familiar mind-controlled Superman trope feels a bit tired, the overall execution makes for an entertaining read that effectively bridges Waid’s World’s Finest and Justice League Unlimited titles.
‘Batman/Superman: World’s Finest’ #38 Review: Fun Despite Familiar Tropes
“We Are Yesterday” part one delivers a fun, action-packed story featuring Gorilla Grodd and witty character interactions reminiscent of the Silver Age. While the reliance on the familiar mind-controlled Superman trope feels a bit tired, the overall execution makes for an entertaining read that effectively bridges Waid’s World’s Finest and Justice League Unlimited titles.
