Publisher: DC/Marvel Comics
Writers: Mark Waid & Tom King
Artists: Jorge Jimenez & Jim Lee
Colorists: Tomeu Morey & Alex Sinclair
Release Date: 25th March 2026

[Review Part 1]  [Review Part 2]  [Review Part 3]

It’s probably a daunting task to open a publication specifically touted as celebrating fifty years of DC/Marvel crossovers. But Mark Waid’s Truth, Justice and Great Responsibility arguably rises to the challenge, thanks largely to its American author wasting absolutely no time on explaining how the two leading comic‑book universes share a merged existence. Instead, he simply throws his audience knee‑deep into an enthralling adventure in which Doctor Octopus and Brainiac join forces to ensure that “world upon world will bow before the genius of Otto Octavius.”

The notion of the Daily Bugle’s photographer and the Daily Planet’s reporter sharing an assignment together makes perfect sense, and logically positions the protagonists for an early clash with their deadly adversaries. Splendidly sketched by Jorge Jimenez, these confrontations even contain a few surprises for fans of such team‑ups—most notable of which is Superman encountering Doc Ock wielding a set of arms powered by synthetic Kryptonite: “I read about you… before the accident that turned you..! It’s not too late… to reform..!”

Equally scintillating is the anthology’s second yarn, The World’s Finest, which cleverly follows the exploits of Lois Lane and Mary Jane as their beloveds battle a giant Sentinel‑248. Penned by Tom King and dynamically drawn by Jim Lee, this nine‑pager provides a genuinely intriguing insight into the lives of two of the central heroes’ most beloved supporting cast members. Indeed, the sheer number of coincidences between the two women is sincerely surprising, as they swap notes on just how dangerous their lives can be.

The tale also features a rather impressive cameo by Gambit, who arrives to aid both Spider‑Man and Superman as they tackle their huge, indestructible foe. His short‑lived appearance is particularly welcome, as it subsequently gives Lois a wonderful moment in the spotlight: she rummages through her handbag for the set of playing cards she uses to gain detainee access at Stryker’s Island – a deck immediately put to good use by Chris Claremont’s co‑creation, bringing the pulse‑pounding punch‑up to a suitably satisfying end.

The writer of this piece was: Simon Moore
Simon Tweets from @Blaxkleric ‏
You can read more of his reviews at The Brown Bag