A new look at Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #20 reveals the return of Mark Waid and offers more than a trip down memory lane with Kingdom Come.
First look at the unexpected
Did you think you knew everything about Kingdom Come? Think again. Waid and Dan Mora are about to derail all our expectations in the next issue of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest. With a plot that promises to be much more than a revisit, the new Heir to the Kingdom arc pits both characters against distorted versions of themselves and other iconic heroes. And yes, that includes a jaded Superman and a war-hungry Wonder Woman.
Do you remember Boy Thunder? Well he’s going to be back. For those who don’t remember, Boy Thunder made his first appearance in issue #7 of this series, and this new chapter promises to bring him back in a way that will change the course of the Kingdom Come universe. It sounds exciting? It is, especially when you take into account that Boy Thunder is destined to become the villain Magog.
The essence of Kingdom Come in modern comics
Beyond the new issue, we can talk about a clear nod to the four-issue miniseries published in 1996 by DC Comics, which changed the perception we had about superheroes. In an era where excess dominated superhero comics, Mark Waid and Alex Ross showed us a future where icons like Batman and Superman had fallen from grace, replaced by a new generation of irresponsible and amoral heroes, led by Magog.
For comic lovers, This is not the first time that DC returns to the Kingdom universe. He already did it in previous installments of Batman / Superman: World’s Finest. But, in Waid’s own words, this time is different. “Even if you think you already know the ending, there are massive surprises at play,” the author promises.
The connection between the 90s and today in comics
However, One might wonder why a return to Kingdom Come is especially relevant today.. The Kingdom Come universe was a response to the 90s era, where superheroes became more violent and morally ambivalent. It showed us a possible future that made fans stop and think about the kind of heroes they really wanted to see.
By bringing him back in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #20, DC seems to be making a statement. With the recent trend of exploring darker and more complicated themes in the world of comics, the return to this universe can serve as a mirror to current times. It is an opportunity to once again question the morality and implications of being a superhero in an increasingly complex world.. As the superhero genre continues to evolve, Kingdom Come once again serves as a powerful and timely reminder of the responsibilities and dangers that come with power.
Details to take into account for this edition
For the fans who can’t wait, DC has already revealed four pages without letters from the edition, with a main cover by Dan Mora. Additionally, there will be variant covers by Björn Barends, David Nakayama, Daniel Sampere and Chrissie Zullo, including one featuring Magog’s aluminum foil helmet.
So fans, mark your calendars for next October 17, which is when World’s Finest #20 goes on sale. Given the mix of nostalgia and novelty, along with the possibility of exploring more about characters like Boy Thunder, this installment promises to be a turning point for both fans of the Kingdom Come universe and for new readers who want to immerse themselves in this alternative world full of of complex heroes and villains.
