If you’re looking for a comic that captures the pure, unadulterated joy of the DC Universe, World’s Finest #47 is the book to pick up. Mark Waid and Adrian Gutierrez wrap up “The Merger” arc with a finale that is equal parts high-stakes action and “best friend goals” in a way that few books manage to pull off.
The Chaos of “The Merger”
The Joker/Lex Luthor hybrid, known as The Merger, has already done the unthinkable by outing Batman and Superman’s secret identities. In this issue, however, Joker’s chaotic creativity hits a new peak. Rather than simply making himself the smartest man alive, he decides it’s much funnier to make everyone else dumb.
The immediate fallout is harrowing. While the world’s greatest heroes are incapacitated by magic spells stolen from the likes of Dr. Fate and Zatanna, the villains of the DCU waste no time going for the throat. It’s a great display of the genius-level prankster energy that makes Joker so charming and yet so diabolically dangerous.
High Stakes at Wayne Manor and DC Universe Cameos
Waid also uses this chaos to showcase the broader DC Universe, bringing in Hawkman, Hawkgirl, and the Atom. Seeing them involved makes the book feel like a true DC event rather than just a vacuum-sealed Batman/Superman adventure. The fallout from The Mergers’ attacks is equally terrifying and slightly hilarious. We watch as Green Lantern forgets how to operate his ring and Green Arrow stares blankly at his bow, while surgeons and pilots across the globe lose all professional knowledge. It’s literally a world on the brink, and it’s all Joker’s doing.
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Lois Lane and the Burden of Secrets
Amidst the chaos between The Merger and Fusion, Waid provides a grounded, three-page interlude with Lois and Clark. Lois is understandably frustrated about being kept in the dark for so long, which sparks a great internal debate: Does Superman owe his secret to anyone?
One of the coolest character beats here is the realization that, even when Clark dodges questions to protect his identity, he never actually lies; he just gets creative with his excuses. It’s a small, nuanced detail, but it shows exactly how well Waid understands these icons.
Batman and Superman’s Bond
By the end of the issue, the legendary “bro-ship” is on full display. Watching Batman and Superman pour coffee for each other and talk about watching a football is exactly the kind of wholesome content the medium needs more of. Hearing Batman call Superman his “best friend” is the absolute cherry on top of a fantastic arc.
The Art of Adrián Gutiérrez and Tamra Bonvillain
Adrian Gutierrez is an absolute star. His style is kinetic and dynamic, with the scenes featuring Poison Ivy looking particularly stunning. When you add Tamra Bonvillain’s colors (especially the way she utilizes about five different shades of green to make Ivy pop), the art settles into top-tier territory.
Finally, Steve Wands’ letters continue to impress. The way he distinguishes the dialogue within “The Merger” is incredibly clever; Joker’s speech is italicized and jagged while Lex’s remains traditional. You can practically “hear” the two voices fighting for dominance within the same speech bubble.
Final Verdict: Is World’s Finest Still DC’s Best Book?
Ultimately, World’s Finest #47 is a blast. It’s fun, light-hearted, and unapologetically comic booky. The ending also leaves a massive hook for the future, as The Fusion entity seems to still be around in some form. Whether he’s a new permanent fixture or a lingering cosmic side-effect, I’m definitely here for it.
If Mark Waid stays on this book for 100 issues, you won’t hear me complaining.
Read More from KPB Comics:
‘Batman/Superman: World’s Finest’ #47 | The Ultimate Celebration of the DC Universe
World’s Finest #47 is a blast. It’s fun, light-hearted, and unapologetically comic booky. The ending leaves us with a lingering question: the Fusion seems to still be around as its own entity. Whether he’s a new permanent fixture or a lingering cosmic side-effect, I’m definitely here for it.
