World’s Finest #19
Writer: Paul Levitz Art: R.B. Silva / Joe B. Weems
DC’s New 52’s World’s Finest series is an under rated comic. The idea of using superman’s and batman’s female counterparts (Powergirl and Huntress) was a good idea, but having them come from Earth 2 is just plain genius. In World’s Finest #19, it is the beginning of the crossover between Batman/Superman and World’s Finest. How does it rate so far? Lets check it out.
The Story is taking place after Desaad has wrecked havoc to not only the Earth, but to Powergirl and Starr industries. Desaad caused Powergirl’s powers to become incredibly unstable and she has been trying to find a way to get her powers back to normal. Mixed in with that dilemma, Helena aka Huntress is trying desperately to find a way to get back to Earth 2 by the help with her “father” Batman. Most of this book was showing Powergirl trying to stabalize her powers and trying not to use her absolute last alternative in doing so (Not going to spoil it for you). Also, her court troubles mixed in with all of this thanks to Desaad, one can only feel bad for what she is dealing with. I for one am tired of seeing this. Paul Levitz has been writing about Powergirl’s “issues” for over 6 books (well after the Desaad story arc ended). This has been stretched for so long, there was a mini story arc introducing a new villain! One could easily get a little confused on what is going on but hopefully, the crossover will bring Powergirl’s and Huntress’ goal back into focus in trying to get back home. What is a little more upsetting is that everything that Huntress has done throughout Levitz’s run has been all about going back to Earth 2 while Powergirl is all over the place. As upsetting as some of the story has been, it has still kept me captivated to not drop it. There are great points in the story that has been making me want more. The biggest is the friendship and understanding between Helena and Karen (Powergirl).
The art was beautifully done by the team of R.B. Silva and comic veteran Joe B. Weems. Some parts are very welled portrayed like when Helena meets her dad (but not her dad) Batman for the first time. But there are times where you are wondering “Wow, this is plain awful” It seems like both of the art styles clashes between one another too much and causes no consistency. A person can see a prime example of this by the turn of the page where Powergirl is trying to control her powers on one page and on the next page, the scene is darker and moodier with Helena trying to find the Batcave.
Even though World’s Finest has been a steady comic, this chapter to me was a little disappointing. Especially since this issue is the gateway issue to an epic crossover storyline. One will have to see what Levitz is working for and hopefully, it will make more sense when things begin to normalize.
