Countdown to BvS: 4. Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

Batman v. Superman is fast approaching! Are you ready for the greatest gladiator match in the history of the world? We'll definitely see a no holds barred match between the two pillars of the DC universe. Despite their differences, we're also expecting a team up between the two (or three, or seven) at the latter part of the movie.

The great thing about Batman and Superman is that despite their differences, they can set it aside and work together to bring down a bigger threat. They have different methods but both has the same mission--and that is to defeat the bad guys.

Their fights are always considered to be great. But focusing on the greatest gladiator match in the history of the world might blindside us from the better stories--Dark Knight and Big Blue's team-ups.  Here's a list which we think are the best team ups they had in comics.

4. Superman #76: The Mightiest Team in the World

The list wouldn't make sense if we didn't include Superman and Batman's very first team up. There was a time where Batman was able to rid the streets of Gotham from crime. As such, Bruce Wayne decided to take a cruise for vacation. Clark, on the other hand, was "forced" by Lois Lane to go on a cruise with her.

Boarding the same ship, Bruce was forced to share a room with Clark because the ship was overcrowded. When a crime broke out, Clark and Bruce accidently reveals their secret identities to each other. Formed by a common goal of catching the bad guy, they decided to work together. And in doing so, they were able to convince Lois, who was close to revealing their secret identities, that they are not Batman and Superman.

The story ended with the World's Finest catching the criminal and Robin landing a date with Lois Lane. Yup, that's not a typo. Robin and Lois went on a date.

3. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

A meteor filled with kryptonite was headed towards Earth when President Luthor tried to manipulate everything. Making it to appear that Superman, with the help of Batman, killed Metallo, President Luthor declared the two as enemies of the State. With no where to hide, the two finds themselves pitted against both heroes and villains because of the bounty placed on their heads.

Later on, it is found out that Luthor had every intention of letting the kryptonite meteor to hit Earth. His purpose is to change the world and he thinks that this is his opportunity to reach that goal.

The ending will make some people shed a tear. But the highlight of this story is Batman and Superman against the WHOLE WORLD. Seeing these two characters battle with the entire DC roster will make every DC fanboy faint.

The origin of Bruce and Clark's first meeting was also tackled in this novel. It tells a story where these two characters met during their childhood years. It has a feel good vibe to it which will make everyone think that both were destined to be BFFs.

2. Batman/Superman: Cross World (New 52)

This story has a weird feeling to it. Cross World will exercise those brain muscles of yours because its the first meeting between Batman & Superman of Earth 0 and Batman & Superman from Earth 2. Yes, its quite taxing to read, but this story will stand the test of time.

The premise of the story is that Batman & Superman of Earth 0 are just starting to understand their powers and abilities. On the other side, you've got an experienced Batman & Superman from Earth 2. The spirit sent by Darkseid tried to manipulate the four in order to see which among the two Earths has the gull to stop the god of Apokolips.

The events in this book was used later on as premises for World's End and Justice League: Origins. This book also features the great work of artist Jae Lee!

1. World's Finest #142

The very first appearance of Composite Superman! This comicbook is a classic! Batman, Robin, and Superman received a message stating that someone knows their secret identities and that they have to go the Black Mountain if they want their secrets kept.

The three were surprised to see a person who's half green Superman and half Batman. This "superhero" calls himself as Composite Superman. Claiming to have the powers of The Legion of Super-Heroes, he was able to learn the secret identities of the World's Finest. He promises to keep this secret under the condition that the two will allow him to be the third partner.

In their "team up" it appears that Composite Superman is trying to out do Superman and Batman. He also avers that he is superior to the two. Later on, Composite Superman's real intention becomes evident. His true intention is to feel relevant by seeking to upstage Batman and Superman. 

When the greatest detective realized this intention, they tried to confront Composite. But Composite's powers are overwhelming for the World's Finest. Realizing that Composite's powers grow weaker every time he uses it, the two tried to persevere the pain and allowed his powers to drain. With the resilience of the two, they were able to make Composite disappear.