Comic Title: Showcase Presents:World's Finest Vol. 4 TPB
Publisher: DC
Cover Date: 2013
On Sale Date: November 21, 2012 Direct Market Date November 21, 2012
Source: ComicList, New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Direct Market Date November 21, 2012
Source: Previews, #287

Cover Price: $19.99
Page Count: 520

See Also: The Guide to Graphic Novels and Collected Editions

Title: "Race to Save the Universe"
Pages: 22

Feature(s):
Superman (of Earth-1)
Flash (Barry Allen of Earth-1)

Writer: Dennis J. O'Neil
Penciller: Dick Dillin
Inker: Joe Giella
Letterer: John Costanza

Reprinted From:
World's Finest Comics #198 (1970)

Feature Character(s)

• Superman (last appearance in Justice League of America #84; next appearance in World's Finest Comics #199)
• Flash (last appearance in Justice League of America #84; next appearance in World's Finest Comics #199)

Supporting Character(s)

• Jimmy Olsen (last appearance in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #136; next appearance in World's Finest Comics #199)

Villain(s)

• The Anachronids (next appearance in World's Finest Comics #199)
• The Devourers (a giant creature; no further appearances)
• General Zod (last appearance in Adventure Comics #395; next appearance in World's Finest Comics #199)
• Jax-Ur (last appearance in Adventure Comics #395; next appearance in World's Finest Comics #199)
• Professor Vakox (last appearance in Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #98; next appearance in World's Finest Comics #199)
• Kru-El (last appearance in Adventure Comics #395; next appearance in World's Finest Comics #199)

Guest Appearance(s)

• Batman (last appearance in Justice League of America #84; next appearance in World's Finest Comics #199)
• Guardians of the Universe (last appearance in Green Lantern #80; next appearance in World's Finest Comics #199)

Other Character(s)

• Maximus Flavius (a Roman soldier; next appearance in World's Finest Comics #199)
• A group of Romans (no further appearances)

Comments:
This is the third race between Superman and the Flash. The first was seen in Superman #199. The second was in Flash #175.

This story continues in World's Finest Comics #199.

Synopsis:
The Guardians of the Universe summon Superman to Oa. They explain that a group called the Anachronids is speeding across space and disrupting the natural flow of the universe. To combat the menace, the Guardians ask Superman and the Flash to speed in the opposite direction to enact a balance. Because the Flash cannot survive in space, the Guardians grant him a device which allows him to endure space. It also creates a surface for him to run. Flash suggests to Superman that they use the opportunity to race in order to find out who is really the fastest.

As the race begins, Superman and the Flash encounter the Anachronids. The creatures trigger a nearby sun to go super-nova. Superman and the Flash enter a dimensional portal where they are briefly trapped. Once they escape, they resume their race. When they capture one of the Anachronids, they discover it to be a robot which disintegrates. Superman suspects he knows who is responsible for its construction.

Meanwhile, a time distortion caused by the Anachronids has caused Jimmy Olsen to the transported back in time to Ancient Rome where he is to be executed as a spy.