“We Are Yesterday” Part Three
Writer: Mark Waid, Christopher Cantwell, Morgan Hampton
Artists: Dan McDaid, Clayton Henry
Color Artist: John Kalisz, Neeraj Menon
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by Bryant Lucas
The past and future collide as Gorilla Grodd forms a new Legion of Doom in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest Annual 2025 #1.
This oversized annual serves as the third chapter of the “We Are Yesterday” crossover, weaving together high-octane action with introspective origin stories. Gorilla Grodd, armed with knowledge from the future, assembles a new Legion of Doom composed of the DC Universe’s most dangerous outcasts. Meanwhile, the Justice League detects dangerous shifts in the timeline and mobilizes in a desperate effort to prevent a temporal catastrophe. As time itself becomes a weapon, the heroes and villains face off in Ivy Town, Central City, and beyond—all while the story takes a powerful detour into the emotional backstory of John Stewart, who must reckon with fear, loss, and destiny.
Chronal Shenanigans and Inner Demons
Christopher Cantwell’s script strikes a deft balance between cosmic escalation and personal drama. The time-travel premise is sprawling but tightly executed, with Grodd’s future-informed villainy playing like a cerebral chess match against the Justice League. The dialogue crackles—especially Grodd’s cold, commanding monologues and the Joker’s trademark menace. Yet it’s the backup story, “That’s the Way of the World” by Morgan Hampton, that delivers the emotional gut-punch. John Stewart’s transformation from grieving brother to Green Lantern is told with rare sincerity and nuance. This double-pronged narrative offers both blockbuster spectacle and grounded, character-driven storytelling.
Kalisz and McDaid Save the (Time-Displaced) Day
Dan McDaid’s artwork revels in bombast. Characters like Grodd and Bizarro leap off the page, while the action is kinetic and gloriously chaotic—perfect for a tale spanning past, present, and future. John Kalisz’s bold coloring elevates the visuals, infusing each locale with its own tonal identity—Central City glows with sci-fi shimmer, while Grodd’s war chamber broods in amber hues. Meanwhile, Clayton Henry and Neeraj Menon handle the art for the John Stewart story, delivering crisp lines and vibrant colors that ground the narrative in emotional realism. The two art teams complement one another beautifully, showcasing both the grandeur and heart of the DC Universe.
Conclusion
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest Annual 2025 #1 is more than a crossover cash-in—it’s a thrilling, emotional entry in the We Are Yesterday saga that digs deep into what makes heroes and villains alike tick. From Grodd’s god-complex to John Stewart’s redemption arc, this issue is packed with high-stakes battles, intelligent writing, and powerful character work.
Final Verdict: Time-traveling gorillas… nuff said.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment