At first glance, it might seem like the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel are complete opposites—night and day, so to speak. But their partnership endures over the decades thanks to their mutual dedication to justice and never-ending determination for the greater good. Their methods might be different, but at heart Batman and Superman both believe in putting innocent lives above their own and through this, have found mutual respect and admiration.
But that’s not to say the road to friendship hasn’t been bumpy at times. Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent have met for the “first” time more than once over the years, and every meeting of the two heroes is a momentous one. Let’s revisit just a few of the first team-ups of the World’s Finest, the DC Universe’s unlikeliest friends!
Superman #76 (1952)
“The first tale of the Superman-Batman team ever printed!” proclaims the first page of Superman #76. The lighthearted story that follows takes Bruce and Clark on some much-needed vacations. In a twist of fate, the two do-gooders end up not just on the same cruise, but as roommates sharing the same cabin. They quickly discover each other’s superhero identities and promise to keep their mutual secrets safe.
After Lois Lane talks her way on board to get a story, Batman and Superman must juggle their secret identities, a crime investigation and the spirited reporter in an adventure you can revisit again and again. And if you’ve never witnessed Lois teasing Superman during the Golden Age, you’re in for a special treat.
The Man of Steel #3 (1986)
Superman and Batman met again for the first time in 1986’s The Man of Steel #3, this time in costume on the dark streets of Gotham City. As Batman swings across the city and monologues about the need to keep Gotham’s lowlifes afraid of him, Superman grabs his rope to turn the masked vigilante in to the police. Batman talks his way into joining forces to stop Magpie, a thief on a killing spree, and Superman begins to understand the Dark Knight’s drastically different methods to reach their shared goal.
While not as whimsical as some of their other first adventures together, this retelling shines a bright spotlight on the two heroes’ personalities and ideals.
Superman/Batman Annual #1 (2006)
Of all the times Bruce and Clark have first met over the years, this 2006 telling might be one of the funniest—and is certainly the most irreverent. In a nod to their earlier meeting on the cruise ship in Superman #76, “Stop Me if You’ve Heard this One” in Superman/Batman Annual #1 puts the pair on the same boat and the same cabin once again. While the two are acquainted in their superhero personas, their relationship is polite at best. Bruce and Clark, however, get along like oil and water. Clark is trying to cover the Bermuda Triangle cruise for the Daily Planet, and Bruce is trying to keep up his cover as a playboy billionaire.
When evil versions of themselves from another universe show up, secrets come out and “sheer, undiluted awesomeness” follow. According to the narrator, anyway.
Batman/Superman #1 (2013)
The New 52 gave us the darkest version of the tale so far. Clark Kent tracks down an undercover Bruce Wayne in Gotham as he chases a story for the Metropolis Daily Star, and they meet in costume in Metropolis following a related lead. In this universe, the Dark Knight immediately clocks the overwhelming strength of Superman as a threat, and the Man of Steel sees Batman as a dangerous monster. Just as the two clash, they’re transported to another Earth, where they meet…themselves?
This initial team-up of Bruce and Clark takes place over four issues of Batman/Superman as everything you know about the World’s Finest gets turned on its head for an origin story unlike any other.
Batman/Superman: World's Finest #18 (2023)
In the most recent retelling of Superman and Batman’s first meetup, an unusual case brings together the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight. When the Riddler leaves a brainteaser that only Superman can read in Mark Waid and Travis Moore’s Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #18, Batman quickly gets involved to track the super-villain down. While Superman respects Batman’s privacy, he asks him for his real name to help him trust him. The Dark Knight initially declines. Shortly after, however, Bruce Wayne requests an exclusive interview with the Daily Planet—with Clark Kent. Thanks to satellite tracking and his deductive skills, Bruce has already determined Clark is Superman. And thanks to his being, well, Superman, Clark discovers his new partner’s identity as well.
Their friendship forms quickly from there as more Kryptonian riddles and mysteriously missing persons require both of their considerable talents. The two-part tale feels timeless and includes a wink to their 1986 meeting with a brief but magnificent cameo by Magpie.
BONUS: Superman: The Animated Series, “World's Finest” (1997)
This three-episode arc of Superman: The Animated Series is a World’s Finest partnership for the ages! When the Joker steals an artifact made of kryptonite, Batman’s investigation takes him to Metropolis while on the super-villain’s trail. The Dark Knight causes a ruckus to get Superman’s attention and warn him about the kryptonite, and they don’t waste much time in uncovering each other’s secret identities.
Their spirit of friendly competition—especially when it comes to Lois Lane—make this a meeting to remember. And, of course, you should never miss any chance you get to hear the combined talents of Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly and Mark Hamill! Even if you’ve seen this meeting of the World’s Finest before, now’s the perfect time to watch it again.
Kelly Knox writes about all-ages comics and animation for DC.com, and the author of several nonfiction books about some of your favorite film franchises. Follow her on X at @kelly_knox and Bluesky at @kelly-knox.com to talk superheroes, comics and pop culture.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Kelly Knox and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.
