If there's one opportunity for comics at DC to get really crazy, it's when 5th-dimensional imps show up. Starting with Mr. Mxyztplk way back in 1944, they can show up and use their near limitless powers to create havoc and mayhem for their respective hero. Bat-Mite added a twist on things by framing all of his problems as coming from a fan instead of (intentional) tormentor. Now, the World's Finest need to deal with them both at the same time as an interdimensional villain sets their sights on Earth's heroes.

The story's over the top and absurd tone is set from the get go with a ridiculous opening splash page that's everything you could ask for. It's a self-aware blend of cool and dumb that highlights the contrast between our usual heroes and the reality-bending who refuse to take anything seriously. They're a perfect fit for a series like this one that can fully utilize their chaos.

What immediately sticks out is that, ironically, Mr. Mxyztplk is the odd one out among all the other imps. Everyone else seems to follow the rule set by Bat-Mite, where they dress like their respective 3rd-dimensional hero/villain and want to do everything they can to help them. I suppose that works much better for the plot, but as a result Mxyztplk is a bit of a square peg forced into a round hole to fit in with the others. They make it work with a gag scene where Batman intimidates him into behaving, but it feels off given his normal behavior.

Where the story really shines is in its showcase of overpowered hero vs villain fights, especially the art. Mora gets a chance to go wild with these, with everyone having just about any power you (or at least the imps) could imagine. As always, his drawings are full of exciting, dynamic action as the characters battle among grandiose explosions and spectacular powers. Tamra Bonvillain's colors especially elevate these sequences with their vibrant color palette that feels equally at home during the dramatic moments as with the exciting action.

The fight setups themselves are exciting, as you never know what might happen next with their unpredictable and ever-changing powers. They're over the top ridiculous in all the ways you would want from a story like this as the dynamics are constantly changing from page to page. This is, however, a bit of a double-edged sword. When everyone's powers are constantly changing at the whims of all-powerful beings, it can be difficult to get a sense of the stakes. It's reminiscent of schoolyard imaginary fights where "I have an invincibility shield" is quickly countered with "oh yeah? well I have a laser that shoots through invincibility shields" and so on.

I think this is also why all of the imps we see follow in the "fanboy" model of Bat-Mite. It means that they have a reason to want their personal hero to succeed and do so by giving them a power up. The problem with all-powerful beings is that the conflict can never be about fighting them directly. I don't know how you would even approach an imp vs imp fight in a story like this, given for all intents and purposes they can do anything. That's why the "this is all a test" conceit is necessary to make the story work.

Recommended If

• You love crazy, over the top action
• Comics are at their best when they get really weird with it
• Q episodes were your favorite ones in Star Trek

Overall

Just as you'd expect from a story like this, it's full of over the top exciting action and ridiculous powers, giving Mora and Bonvillain's art a chance to shine. The "I can do whatever I want" aspect of their abilities can make identifying the stakes or rules of the conflict a bit hard to parse out, but if you move past that and just enjoy the spectacle, it's a lot of fun.

Score: 8/10

DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review.