Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42

In this review of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42, the world tour continues as the secret behind the fast-spreading virus and its devastating impact on Bizarro World are revealed. Also introducing the weird threat of Brainzarro (hey, I didn’t name him).

BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #42
Written by MARK WAID
Art by ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
Main Cover: DAN MORA
Variant Covers: MICHAEL CHO, ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ, MARIO FOCCILLO
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 8/20/25

This review contains some spoilers 

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42 begins in the Bizarro World Batcave where Batman, Robin and Superman are greeted by Batzarro and Bizarro #1 (speaking normally due to the fast-spreading virus that is infecting the populace and creating mass havoc across the planet).  The Bizarro World’s Finest ask for the heroes’ help in tracking down the cause of this pandemic, and Bizarro #1’s super-hearing picks up an attack on Bizarro Metropolis by Brainzarro.

As Superman and Bizarro #1 streak towards the chaos, Batzarro, Batman and Robin take the Bizarro Batmobile out for a spin to get help from Bizarro Lex Luthor (this is exhausting) . Superman and Bizarro #1 encounter the hideous-looking and still backwards-talking Brainzarro, whose enlarging ray is wreaking havoc on Bizarro Metropolis’ buildings. Bizarro #1 goes for the enlarging ray, while Superman gets trapped in Brainzarro’s sticky force field (of course).

Meanwhile, Robin asks why this plague isn’t a good thing, but both Batzarro and Batman explain that “opposite speak” is just shorthand for how Bizarro World citizens see the universe, and the virus is an unwanted assault on their bodily autonomy (I’m paraphrasing). They arrive at Bizarro Lexcorp to find “Casual Friday” Bizarro Lex and his office decked out in Bizarro #1 merch. Thankfully though, Lex has located the origin of the virus in Uncentral City, (don’t ask).

Back in Bizarro Metropolis, a frustrated Superman launches skyward, dragging Brainzarro with him. Bizarro #1 tries to dismantle the enlarging ray but is grabbed by a giant-sized Bizarro #1 clone. Superman manages to shake free of Brainzarro’s sticky force field and hurls the villain into the giant clone which in turn frees Bizarro #1. The pair quickly join Batman, Batzarro and Robin at virus hot zone and discover an unusual spacecraft with a dead alien inside.

Superman speed reads through a journal written in Interlac, and recounts the tragic events surrounding an alien explorer named Krylak III, who observed Bizarro World’s evolution. Krylak tried to warn its people that their cube-shaped planet is vulnerable to gravitational devastation but their is a communication gap. After Krylak’s warnings fail, he takes drastic measures to help by synthesizing a virus to rewrite their brains, which tragically affects Krylak as well.

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42 ends with the heroes realizing that Krylak’s assessment is correct and that Bizarro World is on the brink of destruction.

Analysis 

Whew, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42 is a remarkably taut story and despite multiple characters and story beats it is still a fast-paced thriller. Writer Mark Waid continues to successfully tap into his vast knowledge of DC Comics lore to create new takes on classic concepts, honoring their history with some surprising twists for a modern audience. Waid’s sharp dialogue is helpful in conveying plot elements, and he continues to make Robin the MVP of one-liners in this series (although Superman and Batman manage to get in a couple).

The tragic backstory behind the (anti) Bizarro virus and its creator Krylak III, is both relatable and saddening, especially when the former explorer endures a personal hell of his own making, no matter how well-intentioned. The story is reminiscent of Stephen King’s short story, “The End of the Whole Mess” with a similar plot, but this could entirely be a coincidence.

The only weak point in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42 is that Brainzarro is really just an okay villain, more visually impressive than anything to do with his personality or powers.

The Bizarro “World’s Finest” heroes are sometimes unintentionally funny, but their dual burdens from the infection that stole their identities, and from seeing their fellow infected citizens pitted against the uninfected, where previously there was only (Bizarro) harmony, weighs heavily on the pair.

Artist Adrian Gutierrez is a solid successor to former series artist Dan Mora. Gutierrez’s artwork maintains the look (and feel) established by Mora, but with his own distinct touches. That Brainzarro design is impressive (ugh) and Gutierrez also nails the various visual gags scattered throughout Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42, (that Robin bubble gum scene, Bizarro Lex) and is equally capable at handling the quieter, emotional scenes.

Final Thoughts 

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #42 is another impressive installment in this enjoyable series, full of action, humor, heart and surprises for both new and longtime fans.

Adam Koppel

Who strikes fear into the darkest of hearts in Gotham City? Not me, I'm too busy reading comics and writing reviews.