max, i think it was take our word for it--but i can't remember exactly were i saw (it was an internet location.. i'll have to search)

but even you state in your comment, that next is a superlative of near (did i get them out of order?) should it be nigh, near, next--could be.

i suppose, the (vowel) R, ending of near, and the e()t ending of next could make them semi regular..
certainly there are other semi irregular sets,
(after all worse becomes worst, not worsest--except of course, by 4 year olds who haven't quite mastered irregular ending to words)

it fun to be around young kids, and be reminded of irregular and semi irregular words, (be they verbs or compartive/superlative words, or otherwise).

my other obsession