Description

World’s Finest                              Trade Paperback Lot
Writer: Dave Gibbons
Artist: Steve Rude
Inker: Karl Kesel
Colorist: Steve Oliff
Letterer: Bill Oakley
Editors: Mike Carlin, Jonathan Peterson & Jenette Kahn
All Covers by: Steve Rude

Why has Superman’s nemesis Lex Luthor suddenly decided to take an interest in building orphanages? And why has the Joker decided to invest in Metropolis real estate? Whatever the answer is, you can be certain that these two arch-villains are up to no good. World’s Finest is a three-book series pitting Superman and Batman against their greatest foes.

Story/Spoilers
In issue #1, “Worlds Apart”, Many years ago, a kid lost his parents, the Monks; and he was taken by an elder man that took care of him in his orphanage. The man taught this kid the value of crimes and society’s perception of them. All the kids in the orphanage were part of this man’s crime ring, acting on his behalf and doing all the dirty work. The Monks kid became part of the gang, although reluctantly at first, he eventually started to enjoy the criminal capers. However, once the orphanage’s illegal activities were exposed, the man was taken by the authorities and the orphanage was closed. Before leaving, the man left the Monks kid a special ring, as a token of his personal appreciation. Many years later, the dark and mysterious Gotham City has a protector who is not afraid of chasing down the criminals that endanger the city. Batman is chasing down a couple of these, who have stolen a jewel store and he saves young children from being harmed by one of the thugs. The remaining criminal makes an escape attempt, but finds himself cornered in a dead end alley. As Batman approaches, the man pulls out a deck of cards and takes one to his mouth, tossing the rest to Batman. The man immediately collapses and dies with a rictus grin in his face. Batman takes the card from his mouth and recognizes the Joker’s trademark. Metropolis on the other hand, is a bright and honest city in which businesses thrive and people abide the laws. Their protector, Superman keeps a close eye on the city, giving its citizens hope and keeping the streets safe from dangers. When a traffic accident develops into a street brawl, Superman intervenes and stops the white-collar men from attacking the bus driver. It is then that Superman learns that these men carry Drugs with them and he takes them to the Metropolis Police Department, only to find out that Lex Luthor has already send their legal team to prevent the thugs from going to prison, much to his frustration. Later in Midway City, a new orphanage has been opened with the combined efforts of Reverends Adam Monks and Oliver Fulbright, thanks to an anonymous benefactor.

Many people from the neighboring cities have been invited to the opening ceremony, including Bruce Wayne and Commissioner Gordon from Gotham and Perry White, Clark Kent and Lois Lane from Metropolis. Among the discussions in the place is the fact that Lex Luthor was outbid by the mysterious benefactor for the orphanage. Seeing such notorious personalities from different cities got some of the orphans discussing who is a better hero, Batman or Superman. Part of the ceremony was the screening of the last recording done by the previous owner of the orphanage, Byron Wilie, prior to his death, in which he apologizes for his past crimes and asks for forgiveness. Even though the guests are shocked to see such video, most of them agree that it was a good thing coming from a bad man. Once the ceremony is over, everyone returns to their resting places, but Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne can’t help but have disturbing nightmares about their traumatizing pasts. In the meantime and unknown to everyone, Lex Luthor has arrived to Gotham in order to buy an old abandoned house and start the slow process to take control of that city. However, Luthor doesn’t expect that the house that he intends to buy belongs to the Joker. During the sour first meeting, Joker and Luthor come to an agreement in which Joker gives Luthor the place for five million dollars and the chance to roam the streets of Metropolis for a month without interference. Once the deal is finished, both criminals set their respective plans in motion, to start over in different places. That night, the Bat-Signal summons Batman to a building that has been set on fire by a faulty machine owned by Luthor’s company. Batman makes haste towards the place and once he gets there, he learns that the building will collapse entirely if the machine is not stopped. Since none of the employees are authorized to stop the machine, the towering device that stands next to the burning building will eventually explode and blow the entire block away. Batman decides to take action and climbs to the top of the machine with his Batrope. Once there, Batman attaches plastic explosives to the machine and sets the timer to explode in 30 seconds, to give him time to descend. Unfortunately, the machine starts collapsing into the sewers, but only a few inches. This sudden shift caused Batman to lose his grip and he was barely able to grab a hold of the ledge of the machine. Right then, Luthor suddenly arrives at the place and using a master control, he deactivates the machine, ending the threat. However, Batman’s explosive is still active and the Dark Knight is forced to jump down as the machine explodes. Luthor watches as Batman falls to the streets and tells Gordon that once he is in control of Gotham, he will have vigilantes like Batman shot on sight. The next day, things are not any better in Metropolis, as the news start broadcasting the theft of a playing card company. Superman goes out to investigate, only to find that a couple of fat men, dressed as clowns are wreaking havoc in the streets by crushing several vehicles with a monster truck while leaving laughing gas and slime on the way. Superman deals first with the laughing gas and removes the source before opening a hydrant to get rid of the gas with water. He then goes to stop the fat men, but they toss a bomb to the crowd, forcing Superman to take the bomb and fly to the heavens, where it explodes safely.

This distraction allows the fat men to escape through the sewers and when Superman takes the manhole cover to chase them, he gets a pie in the face with a spring mechanism. The people on the streets laugh at the hero, but the hardest laugh among them is the Joker, who pretends to be a tourist, who just happened to be at the place to watch the scene. The next night, Batman talks to Gordon on the roof of the GCPD Headquarters and he tells him how awful he feels knowing that he was manipulated by Luthor. Gordon tries to cheer him up by telling him about Superman’s encounter with the Joker in Metropolis. Meanwhile, Superman is talking to Perry on the rooftop of the Daily Planet, sharing the same thoughts as Batman, and Perry does exactly what Gordon did; only he tells Superman about Batman’s encounter with Luthor. It is then that both heroes realize that they are both fighting the same battle and that an alliance seems like the best approach. In the meantime, Joker gets himself more comfortable with his new surroundings in Metropolis as he starts planning several other crimes, while Luthor does the same in Gotham. Learning that his presence in Gotham is being well received by the public eye so far, Luthor continues his plans of expanding his criminal empire to Gotham, but not before he gives himself to his most basic needs with his hired help. Later on, it is Open Day at the Midway Orphanage and many of the guests that were first invited have returned in order to stay updated with the progress of the place. All the kids at the orphanage have prepared their most valuable items to put on display, but one among them caught the attention of both Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent. It is a scrapbook where two of the kids have drawn Batman and Superman, explaining why they are their favorite heroes. After this touching moment, Bruce asks Clark to meet him outside of the building. When they find themselves alone, they realize they need to work together to stop Joker and Luthor, but Bruce is reluctant to actually “team-up”. Instead, they decide that each of them will suddenly have important business affairs in each other’s cities in their civilian identities and this will help them understand what their enemies are plotting. Once the Open Day is over, the guests retire from the orphanage, unaware that Reverend Monks has a dark secret with a mysterious man inside the place.

Next in issue #2, “Worlds Collide”, According to the plan, Clark Kent arrives in Gotham City to make a report about Luthor’s activities in Gotham and upon his arrival, he is welcomed by Alfred, who was instructed to assist Clark by locating him in a hotel and also go alongside him around the city. At that moment, Bruce Wayne is doing the same as he arrives at Metropolis and is welcomed by an eager Jimmy Olsen and a reluctant Lois Lane, who was assigned to cover Bruce’s investigation of the development areas of Metropolis. That night, Superman goes out on patrol in Gotham City. At that moment, a couple of Luthor’s henchmen are threatening people of an old building to abandon the place, but when they refuse, the thugs decide to weaken the building’s structure and make it collapse. Superman arrives in time to prevent the building from falling down and killing all the innocents. Upon listening to the news, Luthor is frustrated that his enemy has followed him to Gotham. The next morning, the people of Metropolis are distracted as Tweedledum and Tweedledee create a big juggling scene in the middle of the streets, while other hoods wearing clown masks break into a pawn shop. Batman spots the scene from the top of a nearby building and he jumps to the scene, kicking the masked hoods out of the shop. The Metropolis Police Department arrive shortly after Batman has dealt with the criminals and the officers decide to turn a blind eye on Batman’s presence in Metropolis, even if just for a moment. Unknown to all of them, the Tweeds have escaped through the sewers and they are closely followed by the Joker, who is shocked yet delighted that Batman has followed him. Meanwhile at the Midway Orphanage, Reverend Oliver Monks is having secret phone conversations with an unknown man behind the back of his partner, Reverend Adam Fulbright. At that moment, Clark Kent has a dialogue with the people he rescued the other night, although none of them know he is the man who saved them. It is here that Clark learns that Luthor’s plan involves the seize of large areas of Gotham for a purpose still undisclosed. That night, a couple of Joker’s henchmen attempt to sabotage one of LexCorp’s properties in Gotham by placing explosives, but they are discovered by Luthor’s men. The Joker’s henchmen would’ve been killed if Superman hadn’t arrived in time to save them, but the whole affair has left him curious. So the next morning, Clark Kent is waiting at the exact place for Luthor to arrive and much to Clark’s surprise, he arrives alongside Reverend Monks. When Clark attempts to question Luthor about his affairs in Gotham, he is removed by force, but not before he gets a glimpse of the blue-prints for a Gotham Orphanage and Monks’ face of guilt and shame. At that moment in Metropolis, Bruce Wayne is supposed to meet with Lois for an interview, but she has sent Jimmy to ask the questions. Bruce decides to cut the interview short as he had expected to have a moment with Lois by himself and instead, he goes to investigate Luthor’s businesses, to find any connection with the Joker. Disguised as a homeless person, Batman witnesses how the Tweed brothers use smoke bombs to create a distraction while a couple of Joker’s men place an explosive in the LexCorp building. Batman takes down the masked men, but when the police arrives, he is forced to leave the scene.

Hours later, Bruce finally meets with Lois, who couldn’t be less excited to talk with the rich playboy from Gotham. Lois considers that Bruce being interested in the development areas of Metropolis is hypocritical, but her stand regarding him changes considerably when Bruce deals with Lex Luthor, who just arrived at the place, and gives away the fact that he is very aware of Luthor’s corrupt businesses. In his last day in Gotham, Clark Kent learns that the Midway Orphanage is throwing a Christmas party with Lex Luthor as the guest of honor and doing some background research, he learns that Reverend Monks is also a doctor. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne has a conversation with Perry White in which he learns that Monks might have also been involved with the old owner of the Gotham and Metropolis orphanages, Byron Wylie. True to Bruce’s discovery, Reverend Monks was an orphan kid taken by Byron into his orphanages, where he not only learned to survive, but he also learned the criminal ways of Byron. Over the years, Byron and Monks remained close and when Monks graduated from medicine school, he was responsible for faking Byron’s death and took him to Midway Orphanage with him, behind Flubright’s back. However, Monks has now gotten tired of taking care of Byron and he has made a deal with Lex Luthor, who wants to buy the Midway Orphanage. This decision is not supported by the elder Byron, which leads to several discussions among them. The kids at the orphanage notice strange noises coming from the cellar, but Reverend Fulbright ignores the kids’ warnings as being their imagination. Later, Bruce has an encounter with the Joker in the streets of Metropolis, but Bruce only gets a piece of paper from the madman. Moments later, Bruce arrives at the Daily Planet, where Clark Kent is waiting for him. The two of them go to the rooftop of the building to discuss in private and they both agree that they need to attend the Christmas party at the Midway Orphanage to further investigate the business between Luthor and Monks. The day of the party arrives, but Reverend Fulbright is attacked while he is dressing as Santa Claus by an unknown person. Hours later, the party starts and the kids have a nice Christmas celebration, with many important guests like Superman watching the whole event. However, nobody seems to notice or care about the Santa Claus in the corner. In the middle of the party, Reverend Monks decides that it’s time to make the announcement with Lex Luthor and he reveals that he will sell Midway Orphanage to Luthor, who then announces that he will open new orphanages in Gotham and Metropolis and he would close Midway Orphanage and make it his private mansion.

As the two of them get ready to sign the deal, Superman interrupts and tells everyone about Monks connection with the old Byron Wylie. Things don’t look good for Luthor or Monks and the Santa Claus in the corner starts to leave when Batman strikes him down and reveals him as the Joker. Batman deduced that Joker would be at the party, because the paper he took from the madman as Bruce Wayne had the phone number of Monks, who is finally exposed for being connected to the Joker and Luthor. The reverend breaks under the pressure and he confesses that he continued a life of crime, following Byron’s teachings. As an adult, he deceived everyone and convinced them he was a good man, but Joker learned the truth and started blackmailing him with exposing his criminal past. Eventually, Luthor also learned of this past and he also blackmailed Monks, forcing the man to sell the orphanage, making Luthor look good in the public eye. In the middle of this confession, Byron appears and reveals that he is still alive, thanks to Monks who faked his death. Superman attempts to stop Byron, but the man has prepared a trap in the orphanage and soon, the whole place starts burning. Batman, Superman and the other guests get busy taking all the kids to safety, but in the midst of the confusion, the Joker and Luthor disappear. Once everyone is safely outside, the heroes realize that Monks and Byron are still inside, but it is too late to save them, as the whole burning house collapses on top of them and they are singed in flames. Once all the guests and the kids are gone, Batman and Superman remain behind.

They discuss their next step in capturing Luthor and Joker, but since it is Christmas, Superman has brought a present for Batman. The Dark Knight opens the package and finds the classic film “Zorro” inside and the memories come back to him. Superman realizes that he has made a mistake, but Batman simply says that he has already seen the movie. Batman tells Superman that he can spend Christmas with him in Wayne Manor, but Superman says that he usually spends Christmas with friends. Once again, Superman realizes he’s being insensitive and he tries to fix his mistake by clarifying that its friends in Metropolis. Batman doesn’t listen and as Superman leaves wishing him “Happy Holidays”, to which Batman simply replies that crime doesn’t take holidays as he drives away in the Batmobile. Meanwhile, Luthor is driving back to Metropolis, when he hears Christmas Carols coming from the truck of his car. He and his thugs get down to investigate and when they open the truck, the Joker comes from inside, laughing at them. Joker tells Luthor that he still has one more week to be allowed in Metropolis as part of their initial agreement, but Luthor refuses to deal with Joker anymore and he tosses the madman on the road before leaving in his car. Soon, the Tweeds arrive in a Joker-Christmas-sled, pulled by reindeers and they head towards Metropolis, where Joker still has unfinished businesses.

Finally in issue #3, “Worlds at War”, Some days have passed since the Christmas incident at the Midway Orphanage and New Year’s Eve has come. Surprisingly to all, crime has been minimal both in Gotham City and Metropolis, but the authorities feel like this is just the calm before the storm. Bruce Wayne spends the night at home along with Alfred, while Clark Kent is joined by his friends at the Daily Planet. When midnight approaches, Clark and the others decide to walk downtown and witness the coming of the new year with the crowds on the streets and in the meantime, Bruce watches Gotham from Wayne Manor. The countdown begins, but before it could reach zero, a large section of Gotham is bombed and Metropolis goes on a complete blackout. Both Clark and Bruce know that their enemies have made their move. The authorities in Gotham try to keep control of the chaos created by the explosions, which are mainly connected to buildings owned by the Joker. Although the police and fire departments manage to contain the fires in many areas of the city, Crime Alley is the neighborhood that is the most affected by the vicious attack. Batman arrives in time to assist the efforts of saving people trapped in the burning buildings, but even then, everything feels like small achievements as the chaos and destruction continue to spread. In the meantime, Joker managed to survive the attack by escaping through the sewers and he knows that this was caused by none other than Lex Luthor. However, the Clown Prince of Crime has an ace up his sleeve that will make Luthor regret his actions. The damage control in Gotham is not working, as there is not enough manpower to control the fires. Commissioner Gordon discusses some tactical plans with Batman to stop the fires, but they know only a miracle can help them. It is then that Superman arrives and explains that the blackout in Metropolis is under control and that he is much needed in Gotham at the moment.

With Superman at their side, Batman comes up with a plan that helps them put out the fires, by having Superman burst the main pipeline that crosses Crime Alley and which is connected to the Gotham River. The water that pours from the pipes help get the fires under control and the crisis is dealt with. Unfortunately, the people of Gotham have deduced Luthor’s involvement in the attack and an angry mob are laying siege LexCorp’s building in Gotham. The events are broadcast on the news and Batman makes haste to the place. The Dark Knight arrives in time to stop the mob from attacking the only security guard at the place, but unaware to them all, a couple of Joker’s henchmen have placed a bomb at the building’s basement. The security guard notices the bomb and foolishly attempts to stop it. The bomb detonates and he is blown to pieces along with the building. Another fire starts as a result of the explosion and Superman arrives just in time to put an end to the fire before it could spread. Joker watched the whole event on the TV and although he is not pleased with the results, he is still positive that his plan in Metropolis will still work. At that moment, Superman decides to return to Metropolis, but Batman insists on going with him, because he has deduced that Joker is planning something and that he should be the one to stop him. Superman carries Batman to Metropolis, where Batman learns that Joker also attacked Luthor’s buildings, except he disabled security and communications instead of blowing them entirely. For this reason, Luthor finds himself trapped in the penthouse of his own building, but he is soon rescued by his men, although they have bad news for him. In the meantime, Superman is attending to some emergencies in the city, when he suddenly spots Luthor’s vehicle speeding away from Metropolis. Meanwhile, Batman has started uncovering Joker’s tracks and the trail has led him to the sewers beneath the Metro Bank, the first building owned by Luthor. Batman descends to the sewers, unaware that Jimmy Olsen is following him. In the sewers, Tweedledum and Tweedledee are placing explosives and looting the money from the bank. When they start leaving, Batman intends to take them out one at a time, but once he has taken the first thug out, his plan is ruined by Jimmy, whose camera flash has warned the thug about their presence and he starts running away. Jimmy tries to fix things by summoning Superman with his signal watch, but when Superman arrives, Batman only asks him the location of the Joker’s henchmen. With the information provided by Superman, Batman captures the thug and delivers him back to the authorities. However, Batman notices that both thugs are carrying dosimeters, which are special devices that are used to detect radiation. Batman deduces that they must have been carrying them in case of a sudden radioactive outburst, and Superman finally understands what caused the blackout and why was Luthor leaving so fast. The Man of Steel flies to the nuclear power plant owned by Luthor and learns that they are having an emergency.

The chief operators have tried to solve the issue, but Superman reveals that the plant might have been sabotaged. Indeed, the core reactor has been compromised by Joker and his men and the whole thing is about to explode in a nuclear accident that would erase Metropolis from the map. Once the workers have evacuated the plant, Superman grabs the reactor and flies towards the space, where he tosses the machine and it explodes safely in the vast emptiness. Back on Earth, all that is seen is a bright flash that turns the night into day for a few seconds. Once the crisis is under control, everyone prepares to resume their usual activities. As Batman waits for Alfred to pick him in Metropolis, he talks with Superman and regrets the fact that there is no solid evidence to arrest and convict Luthor or the Joker. Superman acts optimistic, telling Batman that there is always hope, but hope is something that the Dark Knight lost a long time ago. Although their differences are clear, the heroes agreed to shake hands after a job well done, before they go on their own paths. Later, at Luthor’s office in Suicide Slum, Joker arrives to negotiate with Luthor, but the bald businessman has nothing to discuss with the clown, except inform him all the money he owes him after the chaos and destruction caused. Joker learns that he would be legally bond to pay Lex millions of dollars and so he decides to return to Gotham instead, but not before Luthor plays a prank on him. In the aftermath of the situation, the Midway Orphanage has been rebuilt thanks to the financial support of the Wayne Foundation and the new place is in good hands. At the opening ceremony, many important people from Metropolis and Gotham attend, but as time goes by, Perry White decides to leave in order to write his column for the Daily Planet. Inspired by the heroes and the villains, Perry writes about them, showcasing the fact that nobody truly knows the tormented past of all of them. He also condemns Luthor and Joker’s desire for destruction, while praising Batman and Superman’s efforts to bring peace and justice. In a closing thought, Perry remarks how different the heroes are, but he hopes that some of each others’ attitudes are taken upon by them. As Perry ends writing his column, Superman pays Luthor a visit at night, only to give him a menacing look from the shadows. Meanwhile, Batman has located Joker walking on the streets, and using the flame turbines from his Batplane, he burns the madman’s clothes, leaving him to walk the night streets of Gotham in his underwear.

Trade Paperback Lot contains: World’s Finest (1990) Issues #1-3.  DC Comics

Trade Paperbacks are bagged & boarded and will be carefully / securely packaged then shipped via USPS Priority Mail to ensure that it arrives to you perfectly and quickly.

All First Printings
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date: 1990
Format per TPB: FC, 48 pages, TPB, 10.25″ x 6.5″
ISBN: None Stated

Collectible Entertainment note: Trade Paperbacks 1,2,3 are in Very Fine to Very Fine + condition.  Beautiful Set!  Please See Scans!!  A must have for any serious World’s Finest, Superman, Batman and/or Joker collector / enthusiast.  A fun & entertaining read.  Recommended.

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