“Day for Night, Part One” Part Three
Writer: Mark Waid
Artists: Dan Mora
Color Artist: Tamra Bonvillain
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by Sharna Jahangir
50th issue is a BIG step in the Batman/Superman issues! I am ecstatic this series has been received well, the stories have been top-notch! Let’s continue in part three: Batman and Superman pursue Dr. Destiny, who has caused global insomnia by using the Dreamstone to deprive the world of dreams. Zatanna sends the heroes into the dream realm to capture him. Inside, the villain manipulates their subconscious, trying to turn them against each other which triggers a heated argument where suppressed resentments boil over. Batman nearly kills Superman with Kryptonite, but they realize their hostility is artificially induced. Together, they turn Destiny’s own power against him, becoming “shapers” within his domain and defeating him. They return to reality, where Zatanna confirms a cell awaits Destiny at Arkham.
There is another a flashback within the issue as it recounts a competitive “fetch quest” between two teams: Jimmy Olsen & Robin vs. Supergirl & Batgirl, racing to find the legendary Egyptian Statue of Phur-la. After research leads them to Egypt and an underground cave, they accidentally release Durlan, a shapeshifting alien who had been imprisoned in magical stasis. The four young heroes must set aside their rivalry and work together to subdue him with a magic dagger. They ultimately declare the contest a tie, though bickering continues. The story ends with the group realizing the Batcave is now in shambles, and they’ll be the ones cleaning it up.
The issue emphasizes teamwork, showing both the World’s Finest duo and their younger counterparts succeeding only when they cooperate rather than compete.
The Story
Mark Waid delivers a celebratory milestone issue that perfectly balances two distinct tones. The main Dr. Destiny story is a tight, psychological thriller. Waid understands that the core appeal of this series is the Batman/Superman friendship, and he tests it brilliantly inside a dream realm where suppressed frustrations boil over. The argument feels earned, and the resolution of realizing their hostility is being manipulated reaffirms why they are the World’s Finest. It’s a smart, contained adventure with genuine stakes.
The secondary “Dream Team” flashback is pure fun. A lighthearted competition between Robin/Jimmy Olsen and Batgirl/Supergirl to find a lost artifact quickly goes off the rails when a shapeshifting Durlan appears. Waid nails the youthful banter and rivalry without letting anyone feel incompetent. If the main story is about mature partnership, the backup is about learning to cooperate under pressure.
My only critique is that this issue feels slightly fragmented making it two good stories rather than one great cohesive one. The tonal whiplash from dark dream-battles to goofy cave-comedy is a little jarring. Still, longtime readers will adore the character moments, and newcomers get a clear thesis: these heroes are stronger together. A solid, character-driven anniversary issue.
The Art
Dan Mora is the star of this book. Of course, we’re bringing in a star for the 50th issue! He draws Superman and Batman so incredibly handsomely. I love the mild blush he adds on Superman. He’s hands down my favorite comic book artist. I have purchased this issue solely to have beautiful copies of his artwork. His linework remains impossibly clean and expressive. In the dream sequence, he differentiates subtle emotional distress from full-blown nightmare chaos with masterful clarity. Action flows smoothly, and his Batman and Superman are iconic yet fresh. The backup story, also by Mora, is more playful as the young heroes crackle with personality.
Tamra Bonvillain’s colors elevate every page. The dream realm shifts from muted, anxious tones to violent, surreal splashes as Destiny loses control. In contrast, the Egyptian cave scenes are warm and dusty, grounding the fantasy. Her work gives each setting a distinct emotional heartbeat.
Steve Wands’ lettering is typically excellent. Sound effects have weight (THUMP, DREEL) without overwhelming the art. Dialogue balloons are placed intuitively, guiding the eye through busy splash pages. Crucially, he differentiates internal dream-logic from reality through subtle font and balloon-shape shifts.
LOVE the variant covers, by Adrian Gutierrez, Salvador Larroca, and Dan Mora himself, are immensely gorgeous collectibles. If anything, the sheer number of artists listed (including a “Weird Al” variant) makes the issue feel like a trade paperback sampler rather than a single statement. But the core Mora/Bonvillain/Wands team delivers top-tier superhero storytelling.