“We Are Yesterday” Part One
Writer: Mark Waid
Artists: Clayton Henry
Color Artist: Tamra Bonvillain
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by Bryant Lucas
The cosmos cracks under the weight of evolution, as the Justice League faces a simian uprising in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #38!
When a high-tech jet piloted by Hal Jordan is downed by mysterious forces in the Congo Basin, Batman and Superman spring into action. Their investigation points to Gorilla Grodd, whose declaration of war on humankind sets the Justice League on a collision course with Gorilla City. However, Grodd’s plans go far deeper than anticipated. A mind-swap with Superman, a titan with kryptonite vision, and an ominous glimpse into the future combine to form a bombastic and thrilling kickoff to a time-travel monkey business saga.
Ape Escape: Simian Shenanigans and Supreme Stakes
Mark Waid wastes no time with World’s Finest #38, launching readers into a whirlwind of espionage, mind-swapping, and interspecies war. Waid’s signature flair for fast-paced storytelling shines, balancing heavy sci-fi concepts with snappy banter and emotional beats. His characterization remains sharp—Superman’s resilience, Batman’s intellect, and Flash’s wit all ring true. The introduction of Titano and the Grodd twist are handled with surgical precision, raising the stakes dramatically while still leaving room for future reveals. If there’s a minor critique, it’s that some exposition leans heavy—but in a six-part arc, it’s a forgivable setup.
Monkeys, Muscles, and Mayhem
Clayton Henry’s linework is kinetic and expressive, perfectly suited to the globe-trotting, gorilla-punching tone of the issue. His character designs strike a great balance between classic superhero aesthetics and modern sleekness. Titano looks terrifying and tragic, while Grodd, both present and future, exudes power and menace. Tamra Bonvillain’s colors elevate the action to blockbuster levels, with vivid jungle palettes, glowing kryptonite blasts, and speedster streaks that demand attention. The action beats are crystal clear, and the quieter moments carry emotional weight—a visual triumph from start to finish.
Conclusion
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #38 opens this World’s Finest/Justice League Unlimited crossover with a bang—literally and metaphorically. With top-tier writing, sharp visuals, and a villain twist that reframes the entire conflict, this first chapter promises an arc of epic proportions. Waid and Henry are a dynamite duo, setting the bar high for what’s shaping up to be a time-twisting, crisis in time with bananas stakes.
Final Verdict: Grodd’s not monkeying around—and neither should you.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment