Worlds’ Finest #3 continues to tell the story of Helena Wayne and Karen Starr, outcasts from their world (Earth 2, detailed elsewhere) and trying to find a place for themselves on Nu-Earth (which really needs a name, DC folks). As with the last two issues, Power Girl and Huntress battle Hakkou, a powerful radiation villain. Hakkou (who looks suspiciously like the Anti-Monitor to me) knows a lot more than he should, seemingly aware of other Earths and that PG and Huntress are “not from around here.” Something about his powers seems to oddly weaken Power Girl, leaving Huntress to drive him off and save her more powerful friend.
We see a lot of shots of their history on Nu-Earth, as they try to establish themselves. Huntress did a lot of research on their “counterparts” here, which Power Girl has no interest in, and actively avoids viewing. In at least a passing nod to things that fans have fussed about, we do see Karen in a white dress at one point that bears a great similarity to her “classic” PG costume that many of us (me, too) miss.
The characterizations here seem a bit odd to me. Huntress pretty much works, being driven and serious, fitting for Batman’s daughter. Her being done right is no great surprise, as writer Paul Levitz both created the character many years ago, and also wrote her recent, enjoyable miniseries just before this title started. Karen has her assistant, who we’ve seen before, but we still don’t know how Karen got her or why she knows Karen’s secret, or at least about her powers, which Karen seems to be trying to hide from about everyone on Nu-Earth. Karen seems playful and flirty early in the issue, which is perfect for her.
Later, when she’s trying to find a way to get home, she finds out Michael (Mr Terrific) Holt is working on something, she puts on a very tight, short dress with a fair amount of cleavage and says “I’ll see how hands-on Mister Holt can be.” Now, considering in the Mr Terrific book they were lovers, and it appears she was at least partially using him to get some things she needed to get back home, this just seems really wrong. Rather than dig a hole for myself and debate all manner of sexual politics, I will say that this part seems a bit out of character for me and let it go there for now.
Basically, the issue is a fight with the big bad guy which will continue next issue, and lots of flashbacks. It’s not a bad issue, but it’s not great. Honestly, in general, I expect more of Levitz, especially when he’s writing Huntress.
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