In this review of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43, as the “Bizarro World Tour” continues, a solution to saving the square-shaped planet from destruction manifests itself from an unexpected source (two actually), as a potential cure to the anti-Bizarro virus gives Batzarro and Bizarro #1 the chance to return to “normal”, but why would they?
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43 main cover by Dan Mora (DC Comics)
BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #43
Written by MARK WAID
Art by ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ, SEAN IZAAKSE
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN and ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ
1:25 variant cover by JAMES HARREN
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 9/17/25
This review contains spoilers
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43 begins as both World’s Finest teams work to prevent the destruction of Bizarro World, while the alien “forward-thinking” virus pits its citizens against each other. As Superman, Batman, Robin, Batzarro and Bizarro #1 helpfully rehash last issue’s salient plot points, Superman explains that Bizarro World’s cube-shaped design only exists because of specific modifications that counter the gravitational pull of the planet’s core…but that core is now expanding on its own (due to Bizarro Brainiac’s enlarging ray).
As Bizarro World continues to shake apart, Robin absent-mindedly chews the square-shaped bubble gum he found in Bizarro Lex Luthor’s lab, and unintentionally stumbles onto a solution to use the enlarging ray to expand the planet and match the core’s new size. While the Supermen implement Robin’s plan, Batman, Batzarro and Robin track down the world’s leading virologist, Bizarro Bibbo Bibbowski.
Bizarro Bibbo concocts a cure (using carrots, don’t ask), and despite an explanation from Batzarro, the illogical thinking nearly breaks Robin’s brain. Meanwhile, Superman successfully enlarges Bizarro World, but Bizarro #1 discovers the true extent of the damage from Bizarro Brainiac, and risks his life to stabilize the planet core, (with a timely assist from both Superman and Bizarro Krypto).
As Batman, Robin and Batzarro prepare to disperse the cure, Robin asks why Batzarro would want to go back to the way he was before. “Because I was happy,” Batzarro tells him. Back in the Batzarro Batcave, with the population cured and the planet stabilized, Batman, Superman and Robin return to Earth.
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43 ends as Batzarro and Bizarro #1 pause for a moment and exchange a few words, before taking the cure and reverting back to Bizarro status.
Analysis
Wow, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43 is jam-packed full of action, plot twists and character beats without feeling overstuffed. Writer Mark Waid clearly revels in deconstructing Silver Age concepts such as Bizarro World, while adding his own indelible stamp to the mythos. Waid’s script is peppered with clever dialogue, emotional beats and sharp humor (mostly from Robin), while providing a rudimentary crash course in planetary science and virology.
While Robin is again the standout character of “Bizarro World Tour”(as the reader’s surrogate), Bizarro #1 is its beating heart, as the opening sequence of Batman Superman: World’s Finest #43 forces the hero to look on in shock and dismay as the world he created now hovers on the brink of destruction.
However, forward-thinking Bizarro #1 and Batzarro aren’t carbon copies of Superman and Batman, although they are similar. Waid distinguishes the Bizarros from their counterparts by adding the burden of remembering their previous existence (ignorance is bliss), with subtext that the anti-Bizarro virus has forced the duo to grow up and face true responsibility as heroes.
Artist Adrian Gutierrez has already cemented himself as the heir apparent to original series artist Dan Mora, with breathtaking visuals that might echo Mora’s established style, but are truly his own. From the cool Superman/Bizarro #1 flying scenes, to the visual gags (Robin and his world-saving square shaped bubble gum), that sequence with Bizarro #1 and Batzarro near the end, the movie-inspired Bizarro Krypto design, and that dynamic final shot.
Gutierrez’s art adds subtle touches such as the visible stitching from the Batzarro logo, and the sadness that forward-thinking Batzarro carries on his face, transforming the former carefree “hero” into an even darker knight than Batman.
Final Thoughts
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #43 wraps up “Bizarro World Tour” with a flurry of action, exposition and humor that explores the concept Bizarro World and its citizens as more than just flawed, distorted reflections of the DCU. And as with every issue in this series, Batman Superman: World’s Finest #43 is a joy to read.
