Aquaman, and they’ve never looked more badass. But this team-up isn’t just about striking visuals and aquatic-themed fashion—it’s a mission that will push the duo’s morals to their absolute limits.

Mark Waid and Adrián Gutiérrez’s Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #37 hasn’t hit shelves yet, but it’s already generating buzz thanks to its striking main cover by Dan Mora. The artwork showcases an epic scene featuring the trio of the King of Atlantis, the Man of Steel, and the Dark Knight, ed by Arthur’s seahorse steed.

What stands out most about the cover is the distinct costumes worn by Superman and Batman, seemingly designed for their submarine environment. Bruce dons a Batsuit heavily inspired by Black Manta’s iconic design, while Superman wears armor reminiscent of Aquaman’s armor from the Absolute Power crisis event.

Batman Debuts New Black Manta-Inspired Armor for Aquaman Team-Up

Cover B Card Stock Variant by Sanford Greene for Black Manta #1 (2021)

Batman’s Black Manta-inspired gear features a sleek, solid black armored suit with red accents, and is complemented by silver weaponry and a breathing apparatus. While the suit retains Batman’s signature bat-like aesthetic—including a full-face helmet with bat ears and a glowing red bat symbol on his chest—the color scheme and design unmistakably evoke Black Manta. This connection is especially evident in the glowing red eye lenses of the helmet, reminiscent of the Aquaman villain’s iconic look, as well as the giant arm spear, which aligns with Black Manta’s weaponry.

What makes this visual similarity particularly intriguing is the implication that Batman deliberately modeled the suit after Black Manta’s design. This suggests that Bruce recognized the villain’s underwater suit as the most practical choice for human operation in such an environment. In a way, this serves as high praise for Black Manta—earning the respect of the Batman, who adapted the design for his own use. The choice to create a Black Manta-inspired suit was undoubtedly unexpected, as it’s not something fans would have anticipated. Yet, it’s undeniably one of Batman’s most badass suits to date.

Superman Borrows Aquaman’s Absolute Power Armor for High Seas Adventure

Cover G Resistance Card Stock Variant by Dan Mora for Absolute Power #1 (2024)

Even though Batman’s costume redesign is the most dramatic and eye-catching, he isn’t the only one sporting an upgrade on this cover. Superman also gets a notable update to his usual attire. While still wearing his classic Superman suit, the Man of Steel has added silver armor, most prominently along his arms and shoulders. For some fans, this armor might feel familiar, as it closely resembles the gear Aquaman wore in Absolute Power when he had temporarily lost his superhuman abilities. However, Superman’s adoption of this legendary armor has nothing to do with a loss of powers.

Instead, the armor upgrade likely serves one of two purposes. The most plausible explanation is that Superman is wearing the armor to adapt to the challenges of a high-seas adventure, as he’s unaccustomed to operating in aquatic environments. The gear may provide him with the extra edge needed to navigate and fight in this new terrain. Alternatively, the armor could simply be a stylistic choice by artist Dan Mora, who clearly succeeded in making the Man of Steel look even more formidable. Whether for practicality or pure visual appeal, Superman’s new look is undeniably epic.

Aquaman Will Push the Limits of Superman & Batman’s Morals

Cover E 1:25 Card Stock Variant by for Yasmine Putri Batman / Superman: World's Finest #37

Adding to the excitement of the March 19, 2025 release of Batman / Superman: World's Finest #37 is the issue’s intriguing synopsis, which teases a moral dilemma that could challenge the duo’s unshakable code. The synopsis asks, “Superman and Batman have a code against killing... but does a king of Atlantis?” This raises the question of how they will respond if Aquaman chooses to kill, testing their convictions in a scenario where inaction could be as damning as direct involvement. Superman and Batman may be forced into a situation where they have to stand against Aquaman, promising some entertaining drama.

Batman / Superman: World's Finest #37 will be released on March 19, 2025, from DC Comics!