“Shadows Fall” Part Three
Writer: Mark Waid
Artists: Adrián Gutiérrez
Color Artist: Tamra Bonvillain
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Review by Bryant Lucas
Darkness falls across the DCU as Eclipso’s plot comes to fruition in this month’s Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #33.
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #33 weaves together high-stakes action with deeply personal moments with Superman fighting to save lives in the void of space and Batman grappling with the emotionally charged task of confronting a possessed Bruce Gordon. Meanwhile, the Justice Society steps up, reclaiming their role as stalwart defenders and mentors to the next generation.
A Collision of Legends
Mark Waid delivers a fast-paced and satisfying end to the “Shadows Fall” arc. Eclipso’s chaos has pushed both teams to their limits, forcing unlikely collaborations and raising the stakes for every hero involved. Superman races to the International Space Station, risking everything under red sunlight. Meanwhile, Batman confronts a possessed James Gordon, offering a grounded, emotional centerpiece to the issue.
One of the highlights here is Waid’s use of the Justice Society. The team doesn’t feel shoehorned into the story but rather integral to the resolution. Jay Garrick’s rousing moment about the Society’s legacy is a powerful reminder of their place in DC history. Their role as mentors to the Justice League feels earned, and the balance between the two teams strikes the right tone.
However, the issue isn’t without its flaws. The sheer number of moving parts—multiple heroes scattered across various locales, each grappling with their own crises—leaves the pacing feeling rushed at times. Some moments, like the Justice Society’s internal struggles with their own insecurities, could have benefited from more breathing room. These scenes offer compelling emotional beats but are sometimes overshadowed by the relentless pace of the larger plot.
Kinetic and Compelling Artwork
Adrián Gutiérrez’s pencils bring an energy that perfectly matches the intensity of the script. The action sequences, especially Superman’s struggle in space and Batman’s face-off with Gordon, are dynamic and thrilling. Gutiérrez’s clean lines and sense of movement make every panel feel alive.
Matt Herms’ colors complement Gutiérrez’s work beautifully, maintaining continuity with previous issues while enhancing the emotional beats. From the vivid greens of the Justice Society’s attacks to the overwhelming reds of Superman’s fight under the sun, Herms’ palette adds depth and texture to the chaos.
The collaboration between Gutiérrez and Herms ensures that the art never feels like a step down from Dan Mora’s earlier work on the series. If Gutiérrez sticks around, I won’t be complaining.
A Grand Finale
“Shadows Fall” Part Three sticks the landing with a conclusion that is both action-packed and heartfelt. Eclipso is ultimately defeated through teamwork and sacrifice, and the epilogue teases lighter adventures to come. Waid has proven once again that World’s Finest is a playground for everything that makes DC fun—big stakes, great characters, and just the right amount of Silver Age nostalgia.
Conclusion
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #33 is a fitting conclusion to an excellent arc. The story hits all the right notes, the art is top-tier, and the emotional beats stick. It’s not revolutionary, but it doesn’t need to be.
Final Verdict: A solid entry that blends classic superhero action with modern storytelling flair.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment