A few years ago, Marvel released a one shot written by Garth Ennis titled "Punisher Kills The Marvel Universe". The title pretty much summed up the plot as it was nothing more than the Punisher going on an insane killing spree and murdering every notable superhero in the Marvel Universe. It had nothing much in the way of plot, but there was a certain visceral thrill for many in seeing someone put a decisive, violent end to costumed characters. Personally, I found it mean spirited and hateful and not particularly entertaining. Which brings us to Evan Dorkin. Dorkin is most famous for creating "Milk And Cheese- Dairy Products Gone Bad". That strip is somewhat amusing in a mean spirited, hateful sort of way. Intriguing, but best enjoyed in small doses. When reigned in, Dorkin can be hillarious.
World's Funnest begins with Mr. Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite bedeviling the Superman/Batman team. As they argue and try to "one-up" each other, things get out of hand and they kill both heroes. Soon they are chasing one another through the many various DC Universes, creating havok and ultimately destroying each of them. Along the way, they visit the world of the Superfriends (I have to admit a little guilty satisfaction at seeing the end of Wendy and Marvin), the Dark Knight future and painted world of Kingdom Come. Dorkin is joined by a host of great artists like Frank Miller, Alex Ross, Phil Jimenez and Bruce Timm. Each contributes a few pages, making each universe look great before it is destroyed.
So the question has to be "is it any good?" As I said before, this kind of humor is best enjoyed in small doses. At 62 pages this one runs dangerously close to over doing the premise. The variety of artists help to make the book seem fresh past the expiration of the joke, however. While Frank Miller and Alex Ross were obvious choices to illustrate their respective universes, many of the more unusual choices were the most inspired. Frank Cho's work on the Quality Comics section makes me wish for a Phantom Lady solo book. For me, the fanboy thrill of Jamie Hernandez illustrating the Marvel Family is worth the price of the book. Long time comic fans will have a blast seeing neglected characters such as Space Cabbie, the Atomic Knights and Kamandi in brief glimpses. Ultimately, this book works where the Punisher one did not. Having multiple universes destroyed by two magical imps rather than a homicidal maniac simply makes for a more fun comic. Despite the carnage, there is a sense of whimsy that lifts the story from the usual grim fare. In the middle of the book, Bat-Mite lands in the present day DC Universe. Finding it grim and humorless, he decides that they are all evil imposters created by Mxyzpltk. Sometimes I know just how he feels.
