In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #23, Batman and Superman must confront Gog and Magog before the pair lead an invasion of Apokolips.
Title: Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #23 – “Return to Kingdom Come Part 4”
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Dan Mora
Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
Letters: Steve Wands
Main Cover: Dan Mora
Variant Covers: Jason Shawn Alexander, Sebastian Fiumara, Dan Mora & Michael Walsh
Release Date: January 16, 2024
Please Note: This comic book review may contain spoilers
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #23 opens in Gog’s Saharan Citadel on Earth-22 (better known as the Kingdom Come universe). Gog tells Boy Thunder, who has recently been transformed into “Magog,” that his new name means “gateway” in Gog’s language. Gog also reveals that he’s spent centuries preventing Earth-22 from discovering the multiverse, answering a puzzling question the main Superman and Batman have had since Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #19.
When David, or “Boy Thunder” entered Earth-22, Gog took notice, seeing David as an opportunity to cross the multiverse and conquer new worlds. Gog commands Magog to rally their army and prepare to invade. Before they get too far into that thought, Kingdom Come Superman and Batman join forces with the main Superman and Batman and drop in on Gog.
For fans of multiversal trippiness, the art opening this issue is fantastic. Naturally, readers would expect nothing less from Artist Dan Mora and Colorist Tamra Bonvillain. Here, their styles beautifully render the wild colors and interspatial architecture of legends like Jack Kirby, something very classic comics and New Gods-inspired.
The Batmen take on Magog while the Supermen go after Gog. In true Clark Kent fashion, both Supermen offer Gog an opportunity to stand down and explain himself. Gog smirks, his horrible, purplish lips curling like a remorseless, deadened Darkseid smile. Then he blasts the Supermen. Meanwhile, Magog, in zealous anger, tries to shout to the Batmen that Gog only wants to lift all the heroes up.
As both sets fight their villain, the Supermen challenge Gog on his desire to send all of Earth’s superheroes at the might of Apokolips. Gog wants to reclaim what was rightfully his, nothing that his heroes know that they’ll ascend when they die in noble combat.
Batman, the main Batman, tries to reason with Magog. He reminds David that Superman saw him as a son, that the two of them never stopped searching for Boy Thunder when he was lost in the multiverse. When Magog pushes back, Batman once more reminds David, as he has in past issues, that Superman never lies, that he saw potential in David. Batman pleased with Magog to stop being so self-pitying and see the good.
It’s a beautiful moment, one filled with heart and pain. The action sequences are intense, but they slow down for a couple of brief, emotionally charged panels that remind readers, and Magog, of the past, and show the hesitation and momentary self-reflection on David’s face.
Gog, on the other hand, is on the verge of destroying the Supermen. He has Earth-22 Superman in his grasp, when suddenly, Magog appears with the other heroes of Earth-22. He’s switched sides and is now leading the Justice League against their would-be god. It’s a stunning entrance, featuring some fan-favorite characters like Green Lantern, Captain Marvel, the Flash, and more.
As Gog tears through the Justice League, the main Batman seeks out his Superman. He’s noticed that Gog’s ability to bend people to his will, to use this kind of mind control, is eerily similar to the Anti-Life Equation. As Batman frees Superman, the two wonder if Gog has the secret to the one thing Darkseid has constantly been seeking.
The two Supermen rally, and they punch Gog right on his giant chin. It’s a fun panel, followed immediately by a tender moment between Magog and the main Superman. While David is remorseless, that classic Superman positivity counters the negativity, rallying David to help him stop the Boom Tube that Gog opened. However, before they can close it, Darkseid arrives.
Writer Mark Waid has been tying connections between Kingdom Come and the New Gods, conjuring up new mythos that plays into a DC staple. Yet, if you asked me a few issues ago if this road would lead to Darkseid, I would have doubted it. Though we expect Darkseid to appear this issue, it’s still a fulfilling ending that gets us excited for that final act.
More importantly, the reunion with David and his subsequent reconnection with Superman, is the heart of this story. That army of mind-controlled Justice Leaguers is left to the wayside, making up only a few panels, while Mora and Waid make Superman, Batman, and Magog center-stage. It’s a pivot one barely notices, adding much-needed cohesion to a multiversal adventure that helps to keep it grounded and fixed on its heroes.
Editor’s Note: DC Comics provided TBU with an advanced copy of this comic for review purposes. You can find this comic and help support TBU in the process by purchasing this issue digitally through Amazon or a physical copy of the title through Things From Another World.
