“Death in Paradise”
Writer: Mark Waid
Artists: Gleb Melnikov
Color Artist: Tamra Bonvillain
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Review by Bryant Lucas
The Caped Crusader and Man of Steel visit Paradise Island to help catch a killer in this month’s Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #30.
A mysterious murder has occurred on Paradise Island, and with all leads exhausted, Wonder Woman turns to Batman, Robin, and Superman for help in catching the killer. The problem? No boys allowed. The Amazons, skeptical of their male guests, barely tolerate the trio as they comb the island for clues. The clock is ticking—the World’s Finest must solve the crime before the Amazons’ patience wears thin, leading to their swift ejection from the island.
Origin of the Trinity
Mark Waid has been crafting his unique corner of the DC Universe for over two years now—time really does fly. With that in mind, I’m a bit surprised that he hasn’t introduced Wonder Woman until now. Sure, she’s made a few background appearances, and Wonder Girl played a significant role in World’s Finest: Teen Titans. But it’s here, in World’s Finest #30, that Waid finally delves into the Trinity’s first adventure together. And honestly, the story is a lot of fun—brief, but enjoyable. In this playful, one-off tale, Batman, Robin, and Superman find themselves in a completely foreign world. This isn’t their usual lineup of villains; they’re in the realm of gods, monsters, and yes, giant kangaroos (because, believe it or not, there are kangaroos on Paradise Island). Watching these heroes navigate the dangers of Greek mythology is pretty cool.
I will say the pacing feels rushed, but there’s only so much a writer can accomplish in a single issue. As far as filler issues go, this might be the weakest of Waid’s “one-and-dones.” In previous issues, he’s often used these standalone stories to explore smaller, more character-driven narratives. Here, he delivers a story that could have easily filled an entire arc. Nevertheless, World’s Finest #30 retains all the charm readers have come to expect from this series. In short, the script is solid, just a bit condensed.
Melnikov is Not Mora
No one compares to Dan Mora. No. One. He’s one of the greatest comic book artists of all time, so adjusting to a new artist after Mora has set the standard for a series is tough. Gelb Melnikov is fine—in fact, there are moments where his work is fun and intriguing. His pencils have a certain buoyancy that gives the issue a light, playful feel. However, the issue also feels somewhat dated. Some of the designs, particularly the villain, have a distinctly ’90s vibe. The villain’s costume, for instance, is rather revealing, which feels out of step with the post-#MeToo era of comics. It’s a design that harkens back to a time when the goal seemed to be showing as much skin as possible without crossing the line from “teen” to “mature” rating.
Melnikov also draws Robin in a rather peculiar way. For starters, Robin looks significantly younger in this issue compared to previous ones. Granted, this issue is set before the beginning of the series, so that might explain it. But there’s more: his eyes are enormous, almost anime-like in their design. It wouldn’t be a big deal, except that no other character is drawn this way. Strangely, it works, as it plays into the “wide-eyed youth” trope. Then there’s Robin’s costume—specifically his shorts. While Dick Grayson’s original costume featured the iconic green speedo, the World’s Finest design has him in what look like green biking shorts. The odd thing is that his shorts are often shrouded in shadow for some reason. This could be an inking or coloring choice, but it’s odd nonetheless. It’s almost as if they’re intentionally trying to obscure Robin’s waist. In any case, the art in this issue has some unusual quirks.
Conclusion
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #30 is a fine issue, but it’s nothing to write home about. Waid’s script is quick-paced and enjoyable, but it doesn’t have enough room to fully develop. Melnikov’s art is… well, odd. It’s not that it strays too far from the typical superhero comic book style; it’s just so eclectic that it feels undefined. It’s definitely a step down from Dan Mora’s work.
Final Verdict: This issue is the definition of serviceable.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
