Story: "The World's Finest Part Two: Early Warning" (22 Pages)

Credits:

Jeph Loeb (plot, script)
Ed McGuinness (pencils)
Dexter Vines (inks)
Dave Stewart (colors)
Richard Starkings (letters)
Tom Palmer, Jr. (associate edits) Eddie Berganza (edits)
Matt Idelson ("boy wonder" - consulting edits?)

Feature Character:

Superman
Batman

Supporting Characters:

Alfred Pennyworth
Catherine Grant

Villain:

President Lex Luthor

Guest Appearance:

Captain Atom

Other Character:

Superman of the future (first appearance, next in #5)

Comment: Continues from the previous issue and continues in the next issue

Synopsis:

Batman and Superman have been buried alive by Metallo and Batman must use Superman's invulnerable body as a shield as he blasts their way out and into the sewer system. From here they make their way to the Batcave, where the kryptonite bullet in Superman's chest is removed and Batman learns what Superman came to tell him - that evidence has suddenly surfaced that Metallo (or John Corben as he was then known) may be responsible for the killing of Thomas and Martha Wayne. A version of Superman from the future suddenly appears in the Batcave, warning them to beware of Luthor and that they are about to make a mistake which will result in the death of everyone except Superman. As he disappears, Luthor reveals to the American people that an asteroid comprising remains of the planet Krypton is heading for Earth. He claims that Superman is responsible for this and offers a substatial reward (i.e. one billion dollars!) to anyone who can bring him in.