In this review of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44, with Batman and Superman otherwise occupied, it’s down to podcast enthusiast Robin to infiltrate a top secret facility (with an unexpected/unwanted assist from Supergirl).
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44 main cover by Dan Mora (DC Comics)
BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #44
Written by MARK WAID and MARK RUSSELL
Art by LUCAS MEYER
Main Cover: DAN MORA
Variant Covers: JORGE FORNÉS, ADRIÁN GUTIÉRREZ, LUCAS MEYER
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 10/15/25
This review contains spoilers
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44 begins with Batman and Superman foiling a Toyman/Mad Hatter team-up as Batman explains that Robin is otherwise occupied infiltrating a research facility and Superman recommends back up from Supergirl which both heroes realize could prove problematic. As Robin drives to Ardora Labs, Supergirl follows from above at a discreet distance as she listens in to his choice of podcast (sidekicks).
A totally “incognito” Robin “bluffs” his way past Ardora’s receptionist, and encounters resistance from numerous armed guards. Supergirl crashes the party to help, but she is incapacitated by the very kryptonite that the facility is manufacturing, (of course it’s part of a Lex Luthor scheme).
Supergirl wakes up wrapped in kryptonite chains, and even worse she is tied up with Robin, who explains his plan wasn’t reckless, it was calculated, but he likes to improvise when things fall apart. The duo’s argument is overheard by a podcast-loving guard who offers some sage relationship advice before going next door to get some pizza.
After the guard leaves, Supergirl and Robin are able to snag the guard’s keycard and escape…right into the pizza party full of security guards next door. Robin, still tethered to Supergirl, carries her on his back as the pair take the offensive against the startled guards. A stray bullet hits the kryptonite chains, weakening them enough for Supergirl to break free (it’s an obligatory move for any Super person really).
Robin and Supergirl mop up the remaining guards and Robin hits the self-destruct button as he and Supergirl share a kiss while the facility explodes behind them.
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44 ends early the next morning, as Batman discovers Supergirl and Robin (now in costume?) making out in Robin’s car, while Superman does a coffee run. A frustrated Supergirl grabs a coffee and flies off, leaving the others bewildered.
Batman and Superman unwillingly play matchmaker… (DC Comics)
Analysis
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44 features the “substitute” World’s Finest team of Robin and Supergirl, with a fun and absurdist done-in-one storyline that had dangerous implications for Supergirl and Superman, (it doesn’t, but it could have). Also, while it isn’t entirely made clear, the Ardora Labs personnel likely made it out alive before the facility self-destructed. It would be an extremely bad look to get that Robin/Supergirl moment only to mar it with preventable deaths, (this isn’t a Zack Snyder movie after all).
Also, the Robin/Supergirl romance subplot is a strange addition to the DC mythos (of which Mark Waid is quite familiar since he is currently chronicling it in comic book form), but even though Dick and Barbara Gordon seem to keep finding each other after every DC Universe reset (which is fine), it makes sense (and is a fun idea) to see Robin play the field with mixed results, as he did in New Teen Titans (Starfire).
From the podcast subplot, to the company pizza party, to Robin’s idea of “civilian clothes”, to the countless clever quips, co-writer Mark Russell’s fingerprints are all over the script for Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44. Mark Waid previously set up the recurring Robin/Supergirl awkward romance subplot, and his World’s Finest run has always had more humor, especially in his depiction of Dick Grayson as competent but overconfident.
Artist Lucas Meyer ably captures the cool action sequences and the countless instances of absurdist comedy peppered throughout Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44. Meyer’s realistic style is reminiscent of Yannick Paquette or Terry Dodson, with energetic figure work, and expressive close-ups (Supergirl). Meyer’s thick, clean, bold linework is a standout and his costume designs and backgrounds enrich the environment.
Final Thoughts
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #44 is another in a long line of homeruns for this series. The “substitute” World’s Finest team (and new co-writer) inject a healthy dose of humor into this done-in-one tale that would otherwise just be a cool action story, with Batman and Superman playing a support role. The outstanding art just adds to the overall enjoyment.
