Batman/Superman: World's Finest: The Devil Nezha (Comics) | Review

Kicking off another legendary run, acclaimed writer Mark Waid (Indestructible Hulk: Gods and Monster, Indestructible Hulk: Humanity Bomb) and artist Dan Mora (Detective Comics: Arkham Rising, Detective Comics: Fear State) throws Superman into a devastating power overload crisis that forces Batman to make impossible choices.

This masterful opening arc establishes everything that makes their World's Finest collaboration genuinely special while carefully setting up complex storylines and character developments that will ripple through future volumes like the critically acclaimed Strange Visitor arc.

What happens when the Man of Steel becomes too powerful for his own good? The Devil Nezha answers that terrifying question by putting both legendary heroes in uncharted territory where traditional solutions don't work and everything becomes dangerous.

This isn't just another typical team-up story but the solid foundation for one of DC's most compelling ongoing partnerships, complete with young Dick Grayson as Robin and meaningful guest appearances that feel earned rather than forced or contrived.

The story begins with what seems like a routine mission against Metallo and Poison Ivy but everything changes when Superman receives a chemical attack that supercharges his powers to dangerous levels. His abilities become a ticking time bomb that threatens everyone around him, including the very people he's trying to protect.

The chemical enhancement doesn't just amplify Superman's existing abilities but creates entirely new power manifestations that even he doesn't recognize, making every interaction with civilians a potential catastrophe that weighs heavily on his conscience.

Batman realizes that conventional methods won't solve this crisis and makes the desperate decision to recruit the Doom Patrol for their expertise, revealing how seriously Bruce takes the threat while showing his willingness to work outside his comfort zone to save Clark.

The mysterious Devil Nezha emerges as the primary antagonist of the latest arc but the real conflict centers on Superman's struggle to control his near limitless powers that have spiraled beyond his understanding. The villain serves as both an external threat and a mirror for Clark's internal battle with his own enhanced abilities.

What makes this compelling is how Waid uses the power overload concept to explore the fundamental trust between Batman and Superman. Bruce must help his friend while staying out of range of abilities that could accidentally vaporize him.

Meanwhile, Clark grapples with the absolutely terrifying possibility that he might become the very dangerous threat he's spent his entire heroic life fighting against, potentially destroying everything and everyone he's worked tirelessly to protect and save throughout his career.

The psychological toll becomes as dangerous as the physical threat, with Clark's famous optimism cracking under the pressure of potentially becoming an unstoppable force of destruction despite his best intentions and unshakable moral compass.

The surprise involvement of Doom Patrol adds unpredictability to the mix, bringing their unique brand of organized chaos to a situation that already feels barely contained. Their interactions with both Batman and Superman create some of the arc's most memorable moments while advancing the plot premise in unexpected directions.

Robin's role becomes crucial as he serves as the emotional anchor for both adult heroes during this crisis. Dick Grayson's presence reminds them of what they're fighting to protect while providing moments of levity that prevent the story from becoming too heavy.

His eventual displacement in time sets up the dramatic events and emotional consequences that will define future storylines, creating lasting impacts that ripple through subsequent arcs and character developments in meaningful ways throughout the entire series.

The pacing builds tension methodically and deliberately, allowing each character development beat to land before escalating to the next crisis. Waid clearly understands that the best superhero stories are about people first and powers second, making every action sequence feel like it has real stakes for the characters involved.

Dan Mora's artwork immediately establishes the visual language that will define this entire series. His character designs feel both classic and contemporary, capturing the timeless appeal of these heroes while giving them a fresh energy that feels distinctly modern.

Mora's Superman radiates power and warmth simultaneously, which becomes crucial when showing his internal struggle with enhanced abilities. The visual representation of Clark's supercharged state feels genuinely dangerous without losing his essential humanity while Batman maintains his usual calculated intensity.

Mark Waid's writing captures the voices of these iconic characters perfectly, avoiding the trap of making them sound interchangeable. His dialogue feels natural while respecting the established personalities that have made these heroes endure for decades.

The way Waid handles Superman's power overload crisis shows his understanding of character dynamics and comic-book science fiction. He provides just enough explanation to make the threat feel real without bogging down the story in exposition. The emotional core remains front and center throughout every development.

The Devil Nezha succeeds as both an introduction to Waid and Mora's collaborative vision and a standalone story that works for new readers. The arc establishes the creative team's approach to these characters while setting up future storylines that will pay off in later volumes.

This volume works perfectly as an entry point for readers unfamiliar with recent DC continuity, though longtime fans will appreciate the subtle references and character moments. The story connects to future arcs like Strange Visitor through Robin's time displacement, creating a larger narrative structure that rewards ongoing readership.

The creative team proves they understand what makes the World's Finest partnership special while bringing fresh perspective to these legendary characters. By the end, you understand why Batman and Superman work together and why their friendship has endured across decades.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest: The Devil Nezha collects the opening arc of Mark Waid and Dan Mora's celebrated run, available in trade paperback and hardcover. Readers can pick it up in at comic shops and bookstores, or digitally on ComiXology, Kindle and DC Universe Infinite.