Vol. 01, Issue 04 | December 2006

[tmelange]

WORLD'S FINEST ROUND-UP | December 06

[Volume 01, Issue 04]

Welcome to this edition of the World's Finest Round-Up, a pairing-specific summary of the prior month's events for fans who like their information bundled by One True Pairing. This issue of the World's Finest Round-Up recaps fandom activity concerning the Superman/Batman pairing that took place on LiveJournal and elsewhere during the month of December 2006. This month's editor is tmelange.

If you would like to view an easier-to-read text version of this newsletter go HERE.

If you are interested in this newsletter's governing constraints (what gets included or excluded), please review THIS POST on the issue.

[This Month in Fiction]

Complete

• Holiday in the Sun, Day One, Day Two, Day Three, Day Four, Day Five, and Epilogue, by evangelene | Slash, Adult, DCU | Superman gets all hot and bothered after a trip to the Sun. Bruce takes the heat. A series of related PWPs for the worlds_finest monthly challenge: Challenge #6 - In Heat.
• A Nice Relaxing Conversation by aravistarkheena | Slash, PG, DCU | A slice of life drabble.
• Silent Night, Lonely Knight by cmer | Slash, PG, Toonverse | Batman has monitor duty on Christmas eve. An outtake of the JLA episode "Comfort and Joy"
• In These Hands by merfilly | Slash, R, DCU| A drabble in the Fantasies Become... universe which includes Desert Burning and Lips.
• Intruder by merfilly | Slash, PG, DCU | A double drabble featuring Clark/Kyle Rayner and a jealous Bruce.
• Christmas Carols and Belinda's Fists by daybreak25 | Slash, PG, DCU, genderbender | Sex pollen might as well be the answer to everything. It certianly fills in plot holes. Except--what if the characters aren't having mindless sex? Hmm....
• Music of the Spheres: Syncopation, Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Interlude VI and Interlude VII, by jen_in_japan | Slash, R, Batman Begins/Superman Returns | Another arc in the Music of the Spheres universe. Harvey Dent begins his tenure as Gotham D.A., and deals with meeting both his old friend, Bruce Wayne, and his fellow crusader, Batman. The interludes are slice of life, not directly related to the plot in Syncopation.
• Impasse by arch_schatten | Slash, PG, DCU | Alfred is evil. Bruce is absentminded. Clark is a victim.
• Birthdays by scotchsour | Slash, R, DCU | On your special day you don't get to be alone. And if Batman has anything to say about it, not even the Man of Steel.
• Hurry by merfilly | Slash, R, DCU | A drabble for the worlds_finest monthly challenge: Challenge #7 - Close Call. Alfred catches Bruce and Clark in a compromising position...almost.
• Close Call by scotchsour | Slash, PG, DCU | Bruce apparently think he can do anything if he put his mind to it, Richard says differently. Too bad Clark didn't get the memo. For the worlds_finest monthly challenge: Challenge #7 - Close Call.
• Never Let You Go by damo_in_japan | Slash, PG, DCU, deathfic | A take on the classic science fiction short story "The Cold Equations".
• Untitled S/B Joker-rape h/c fic by teh_no | Slash, R, DCU | A parody.
• Announcement II by bradygirl_12 | Slash, PG, DCU | The Press Conference. Lois’ POV. Continuation of Announcement I.
• Rain by bradygirl_12 | Slash, PG, DCU | Turmoil laced with rain.
• The Maddest Trick A Man Can Ever Play by marag | Slash, PG-13, DCU | Batman does not celebrate New Year's Eve. But Superman does.
• Main Courses are Overrated by kayim | Slash, Adult, DCU | Bruce Wayne prepares a meal.
• Time And Place (1/4) by bradygirl_12 | Slash, PG, DCU | Down through the years, across time and space, Clark and Bruce's love endures.
• One Knight in Kandor by jen_in_japan | Slash, PG, DCU | Bruce Wayne is kidnapped and finds himself in Kandor, which is currently ruled by the brainwashed Ultraman.
• A Perfect Moment by greeneyelove | Slash, PG, DCU | Clark has a perfect moment with his lover.
• How Bruce Got a Notch in His Ear by rubynye | Slash, R, DCU | A ficlet of Bruce and Clark at sixteen.
• Beneath the Facades by greeneyelove | Slash, PG, DCU | A drabble of Bruce and Clark sap.
• The Knight by greeneyelove | Slash, PG, DCU | A drabble. Clark fills a role no other could.
• One, Two, Three by Djinn rec'd this month by paulasj | Slash, Adult, DCU, threesome (Bruce/Diana/Clark) | There are always misconceptions in the world...
• This month the World's Finest Awards contest First Time's the Charm took place.
  
  
• arch_schatten
  
• Heaven Tonight | NC-17, deathfic | Clark’s memories run rampage during his first New Year’s night without Bruce.
• damo_in_japan
  
• The Mask Behind the Man | PG-13, deathfic | Tumbling Rock Magazine interviews Bruce Wayne about the day he killed Superman twelve years ago.
• Unmaking Movies | PG-13 | Warner Brothers announces the long awaited Superman/Batman movie.
• You Better, You Bet | NC-17 | Clark makes a bet with Bruce in the Batcave.
• evangelene
  
• Bats and Other Party Animals | PG | New Year’s party at the Watchtower! Be there, or be Batman.
• First Time for Everything | Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 | NC-17 | Months after returning to Earth, Superman decides it's time to meet Gotham's new protector. Bruce reluctantly accepts that the two men may have more in common than he thought. In short, two loners find comfort in each other…just in time for the holidays.
• godiloveslash
  
• One Last Smile | PG, deathfic | Clark says goodbye.
• What are you Wearing? | PG | Bruce and Clark wear party hats.
• ignited
  
• The Return | R | Clark comes back to life. Bruce deals with the repercussions.
• jen_in_japan
  
• Bound and Determined | PG | Superman and Batman get tied together by the Lasso of Truth.
• Equals | Adult | Of names and needs.
• Four First Kisses | R | After a murder Bruce Wayne cannot accept, how far will he go to set things right again?
• merfilly
  
• Give My Regards | PG-13 | New Year's Eve is traditionally the night Jim Gordon and Batman renew their pledge to one another, for Gotham.
• paulasj
  
• Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot | PG-13 | How it all began…
• paxwolf
  
• Just a Minute | PG | Bruce Wayne discovers his feelings may be returned after all from his one true love, but that might not lead to any happy endings for either of them.
• Resolutions | PG | Superman is powerless and clueless, Batman is conflicted and resolved.
• Room Enough | PG | Superman contemplates the largeness of love.
• Shifted | PG | Just as Batman is despairing that he'll never get what longs for, he gets an answer that for the first time that gives him hope.
• Trust | R | Batman comes to realize for the first time that trusting Superman might just be possible. This leads to other very important realizations along the way. Set after the episodes "Demon Reborn", and "Legacy", and before "Secret Origins".
• quiet__tiger
  
• In With the New | PG | Bruce and Clark are both tired of the same old things.
• scotchsour
  
• Hello | PG-13 | Some actions are better than words.
• taro_twist
  
• Regret | PG-13 | Clark seizes the moment, but it might have been the wrong moment to seize.
• tmelange
  
• A Certain Thought That Lingers | Adult | Batman is faced with an unintended consequence of a decision: he is bonded to Superman for life. Will he accept the change in their relationship, or will he hurt the both of them, trying to find a way out?
• trascendenza
  
• Late | G | Kal gives Bruce a gift.
• Rooftop | R | PWP mush.
• This Isn't Me | R | Kal and Bruce struggle.
• vigilante_wake
  
• A New Beginning | PG-13 | Clark faces his first holiday season since his father died. Bruce plays therapist and also performs a musical number.
• This month the 2006 Superman/Batman Secret Santa Exchange took place over at superbatsanta. This list of fiction is as follows:
  
  
• jen_in_japan
  
• Dilectus Meus Mihi... | PG-13 | Due to some sort of attack or accident, Clark loses his memory, doesn't recognize Bruce at all. Bruce has to teach him everything from the beginning. Will Clark fall in love with Bruce again?
• A Wedding Present | PG | Movieverse Clark comes back from Krypton to discover that, not only is Lois engaged, but Bruce is, too (it's up to you who he's engaged to ... Talia, Selina, Diana ... hell, Wally ... your pick, as long as it's not an OC). To Clark's surprise, finding out about Bruce's engagement is even more painful than finding out about Lois's. Will Clark manage to be honest with himself about his feelings for Bruce? And will he fight for the man he loves, or do the "right thing" and let it go?"
• The Wolf and the Star | NC-17 | Clark is just out of college, has yet to become Superman, and is traveling the world (sort of like in Birthright, where he's doing freelance reporting, although you can make up another reason for him to be running around as well, like saving people anonymously). While traveling, he runs into a young Bruce Wayne (from the Batman Begins-verse) while Bruce is also traveling the world and trying to understand the criminal underworld by working as a criminal. Misunderstandings ensue, but what they lead to is your choice.
• kayim
  
• Facing Fears | G | Movieverse - Young Bruce runs away to Metropolis a few months after his parent's deaths and meets Clark, who is visiting the city for the first time with his parents. A good bit of Martha and Jonathan interraction with a happy Alfred reunion.
• Christmas Miracles | G | Someone in the League (comic or toon) can see that Supes and Bats are crazy about each other, but those two are, as ever, oblivious. The Leaguer (bonus if it's Wally or Diana-or both!) sets out to get them together and out of everyone else's hair.
• Letting Go | PG | Stealing a scenario from JLA #0 (Bruce and Diana in the Fortress), how did Bruce react during Clark's battle with Doomsday (The Death of Superman) and Clark's death/the aftermath (World Without A Superman)?
• merfilly
  
• Invisible Sun | PG | Batman and Superman's friendship and unsaid feelings from the point of view of J'onn.
• Embarrassing As It May Be | Adult | A story based on the Sins of Youth, Young Justice storyline where both Bruce and Clark are kids.
• Green-Eyed Monsters | PG-13 | Bruce interacting with Clark and Lois, jealous Bruce extra.
• sasha_anu
  
• Worth Living For | R | In the JLA Elseworlds "Shogun of Steel," Hoshi (Clark) is a samurai and Hana (Bruce) a female ninja. I'd like another scene or an alternate end to that storyline.
• A World Without Superman | PG-13 | Movieverse - Set during Clark's five year absence, Bruce deals with the absence. The "how" is up to the writer.
• vigilante_wake
  
• Bat-Seat Driver | PG | Bruce lets Clark drive the Batmobile after a fight to help him get out of the dog house...But freaks out when Clark is behind the wheel.
• calliopes_pen
  
• The Other Side Of Sanity | PG | In an attempt to get the world to know and trust the League more, Flash comes up with the brilliant idea of having cameramen video tape them all day. Unfortunately, Batman would pick now to start revealing his feelings to Superman.
• trascendenza
  
• Special Delivery | R | Bruce and Clark, first time, sex pollen.
• Surprise! | R | Bruce, Clark, and a playboy bunny suit.
• And Gifts Are Given Freely | R | Bruce and Clark at a Christmas party with their friends.
• One Wedding and an Admission | G | A fanfic wherein Clark and Bruce attend a wedding (anyone is fine--use your imagination) separately, but realize their feelings by the wedding reception.
• arch_schatten
  
• Spring, It Never Was | NC-17 | Batman watches Superman and Mr. Terrific having sex on the Watchtower monitors (keeping in mind Mr. Terrific is invisible and inaudible to all electronics).
• Five First Times | R | A relationshippy, physical first time-first kiss, first time they had sex, first time they performed X sex act with each other, first time Clark patched up Bruce, first time Bruce patched up Clark, first time Bruce convinced Clark to dance with him, you get the general idea. Costumes or no, knowing each others' secret identities or no, up to you. I'm very easygoing on canon.
• tmelange
  
• Foresight | Adult | A mature Bruce goes back in time to prevent teenager Clark from making a wrong choice that will compromise their future happiness.
• A Spoonful of Sun | PG | All-Star Superman-verse - Clark Kent decides to "interview" his best friend Bruce Wayne (not All-Star Batman; I’d imagine he’d be slightly Silver Age in this particular verse) but really just wants to talk to him about Clark's solar overload/impending death. How will Bruce react and what will he do?
• In Words Writ Large | PG | Batman's feelings and thoughts after he finds out Superman left for Krypton without saying goodbye, you can also include if desired his thoughts during Superman's four year absence and his reaction to Clark's return. You can include things from the comics, make it AU, whatever you want to add.
• Two Fish, One Swimming Upstream | PG | An angsty love triangle involving Clark/Bruce/Lex. Clark is torn and conflicted about both, while Bruce and Lex are jealous/possessive about having to share Clark with the other.
• wachey
  
• Stupid Dog | R | Knockabout comedy, based on a little misunderstanding between Bruce and Clark.
• Perchance to Dream | R | A fic based around the Justice League episode called “For the man who has everything.” A fic where Clark's Dream World is being with Bruce! When the plant gets torn off…Clark tells Bruce about the dream world and tells him that they were a couple in the world...and cue in the Slashy goodness!
• This is How I Feel | PG-13 | Superman tells Batman what he has dreamt.
• paxwolf
  
• Before the Dawn Part 1 and Part 2 | PG | Hurt/comfort, Bruce caring for Clark and giving him a kiss.
• taro_twist
  
• A Year Without Batman Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 | PG | Brucie gets kidnapped, Batman is not amused, Bruce has to balance the act. Meanwhile Clark Kent investigates the high profile kidnapping and Superman saves the day. Even though Batman could have totally handled it himself...
• evangelene
  
• Lost Together | R | From the Justice League Animated Series, the episode where Superman is presumed dead: a story where BOTH Superman and Batman are sent into the desolate future. Bonus: Batman is hurt (hurt/comfort).
• ignited
  
• Satellite Of Love | PG-13 | Security cameras pick Superman and Batman together on a mission or on the tower, and the feed is broadcast over the whole Watchtower. The other characters' reactions.
• Halting | PG | Clark gets hurt bad and Bruce takes care of him...at first he acts like he isn't affected by seeing Clark hurt, but soon he freaks out and begans to act like a mother hen.
• damo_in_japan
• Trust, like clear blue water | PG | I would love a reflective piece from either POV just looking at how the friendship has evolved over the years.
• About Face | PG | In the aftermath of a JLA mission, Batman and Superman switch bodies. They try to deal with that, finding a cure, and most importantly solving the mystery of/stopping their foe. Would be nice to see a little more serious/mission-oriented piece rather than wacky fun as they reflect on the situation and how they try to adapt/get a deeper understanding of their differences and methods along the journey.
• etain_anders
  
• Untitled | PG | After they get together, Superman is forced to take care of a sick and very snippy and grumpy Batman. Alfred is either out of town or down with the some bug, leading Superman to take care of both of them.
• Untitled | PG | Clark going back in time (physically or in spirit form, they don't have to actually interact, but if they do, huzzah!) and meeting a wild 20 year old Bruce, who is doing something (author's choice) Clark never thought Bruce would.

[This Month in Art]

• rai_daydreamer posted Which One Will You Marry? (PG).
• wachey posted original artwork of Clark and Bruce to worlds_finest.
• batfan_sarah posted two fan comics to worlds_finest
• rai_daydreamer posted five original artworks and two comics-based pieces HERE.
• rai_daydreamer posted The First Kiss of the New Year.
• rai_daydreamer posted three original artworks based on stories submitted to the World's Finest Awards contest, which can be found HERE.
• yazzle posted I Thought We Hated Magic.
• tmelange posted three pieces of original S/B artwork by _audrey HERE.
• sasha_anu posted an original S/B comic spoof.
• taro_twist posted From Memory and Sleep for the Secret Santa Exchange.
• spix_in_lj posted Clark turned to face Bruce once more and floated up, slowly... and Fragments for the Secret Santa Exchange.
• rai_daydreamer posted Bath and Fireplace for the Secret Santa Exchange.
• vejiita4eva posted Rain for the Secret Santa Exchange.
• samibee posted More for the Secret Santa Exchange.
• dragong posted Feathers for the Secret Santa Exchange.
• yazzle posted Birthday for the Secret Santa Exchange.

[This Month in Scans]

• tmelange posted scans from Batman & The Spirit to worlds_finest. The book can be downloaded from the S/B Team-Up page HERE.
• tmelange posted scans from a World's Finest graphic novel 150-pager that was published in 1990 (Gubson, Rude) to worlds_finest. The book can be downloaded from the S/B Team-Up page HERE.
• evangelene posted scans from Darwyn Cooke's New Frontier books. It can be found in its entirety on the S/B Team-Up page.
• evangelene posted scans from of Superman Confidential to worlds_finest. The entire issue can be downloaded from the Team-Up page.
• tmelange posted scans from JLA #04 and A DCU Holiday.

[This Month in Photo Manips]

• PC02 posted photo manips of scans from Frontiers to worlds_finest.
• tmelange posted six photo manips by PC02 HERE.
• tmelange posted a S/B animation with photo manips by PC02 HERE.

[This Month in Icons]

• This month's icon album can be found HERE, and features icons made by trascendenza, louisemcgregor, magnolia_simms, and tmelange. Please READ the note at the bottom of the table that explains how to give proper CREDIT for the use of icons.

[This Month in Fanvids]

• damo_in_japan posted a S/B fan video based on "World's Finest" from Superman:TAS and is set to When in Rome's "The Promise."
• damo_in_japan posted a S/B fan video The Rescue.
• damo_in_japan posted a Superman Returns/Batman Begins fan video called Breathe and two others called Such Great Heights and You're a Friend of Mine.

[This Month's General Fandom News & Activity]

• tmelange launched a Superman/Batman Slash Fanfiction Archive.

Did the World's Finest Round-Up miss anything? Questions? Suggestions? Corrections? Additions? Links? Leave a comment or send an email to tmelange(at)gmail dot com. We want this to be as complete a summary of S/B fandom activity as possible. We welcome your input.