Batman/Superman: World's Finest closes out another story arc, and it's sad to say that it's starting to feel a bit tired as it approaches three years. The underlying appeal is still there, Batman and Superman are still going on fun adventures together, but a number of the same problems keep showing up and becoming more pronounced. Namely, the stories often fail to execute on the ideas that act as the premises for a given plot. The idea of a classic take on Batman and Superman's relationship still holds enough potential to carry the series, but it shouldn't have to do it alone.

A good example of what I mean is actually in the opening pages of the issue. Last month left off on a big cliffhanger where Eclipso turned all of the heroes into crystal. It was a decent enough "how will they get out of this one?" scenario that it turns out is resolved in the most anticlimactic way possible. In less than two pages Robin shows up, says that Batman always has a plan, and pulls out an amulet that instantly cures them. Was this amulet ever mentioned before or again? Not at all. Anyways, that conflict is over now so we're moving on before the title card even hits. It didn't matter.

In fact, the idea of the story simply making up new abilities to either create or solve problem is becoming a running theme. In the last arc, I often talked about how it was tough to get a solid sense of the narrative stakes because the rules were never clearly defined. I was willing to give it somewhat of a pass there because of the nature of the fifth-dimensional imps, but every time it happens I lose some tolerance.

In this issue alone we get multiple instances of what feel like deus ex machinas to quickly resolve problems that the heroes are facing. Eclipso magically manipulating characters' insecurities in order to control them? Turns out all you need is for Robin to tell them that actually they shouldn't feel insecure and that fixes it. Eclipso now totally free and proven stronger than the Justice League? Well just have Superman super crush his destroyed crystal together and it will automatically imprison him. All of these are plot beats that could definitely work, but they just have no build up so it feels rushed and out of left field.

It's possible that the reason they feel rushed is because there simply wasn't enough time to properly develop them in the story's three issues. However, if that's the case, then I have to ask: why is the JSA here? On one level I certainly get it. If your series is essentially an homage to classic superhero comics, then the JSA almost have to show up out of obligation. The problem is that they never felt like they added much to the story, especially with its breakneck pace to fit everything in.

A good middle chunk of the issue is devoted to Eclipso causing various crises (not the event kind) around the globe that the heroes need to respond to. None of them really affect the overall plot, but each allows a different JL/JSA team up group to have a bit of a mini-adventure. The problem is that each one only gets maybe a couple pages devoted to it so we never have enough time to get invested in what's happening, especially since it doesn't pertain to anything else. This is felt most egregiously when Green Arrow's group gets involved in an international war that is never explained or elaborated upon.

I know I'm coming off as very negative on this issue, but I think a lot of that is because of the high expectations the series has built up over the years. The characterizations and little moments that make me love it are still there, but for whatever reason the structural cracks in the narrative just keep getting bigger and harder to ignore. To end things on a positive note, I will say that artist Adrián Gutiérrez does a decent job replacing Dan Mora, even if he might not reach the same heights. His action scenes are filled with energy and he's able to deliver on some seriously impressive spectacle panels.

Recommended If

• The Eclipso plot has kept you interested
• You want to see members of the Justice League and JSA team up
• You don't mind a bit of a messy plot if the action is still fun

Overall

The overall appeal of the series still remains, but rushed and poorly executed plot elements make it difficult to hold it in the same exceptional regard as in the past. Too often the endearing character moments and fun action is overshadowed by diversions that don't go anywhere or underdeveloped resolutions.

Score: 6/10