Review: Future State Superman/Wonder Woman #2

Future State Superman/Wonder Woman #2 came out last week, the last part of a quick 2 part mini-series. I have to admit I enjoyed this quick and silly story. In many ways it felt like an old school The Brave and the Bold or DC Comics Presents 2 parter from the Bronze Age. Our two heroes meet. Our two heroes swap enemies to try and befuddle and win. We get a smidge of characterization about our protagonists. And they end as allies.

In the aftermath of the disappointing Kara Zor-El Superwoman and Superman of Metropolis minis, this simple little adventure tale was charming. 

Writer Dan Watters has a decent character hook baked into the story. Superman doesn't think he can take a second off, let alone a day off. He feels the pressure of protecting the world and so never rests. That contrasts nicely to the 'live for the moment' vibe I get off of the Yara Flor Wonder Woman. Thankfully, her over the top anger and haughtiness is tamped down a bit in this issue. Add in the scientific Solaris and the 'dude bro' Sun God Kuat and you have a nice cauldron of players. The result is a story which nicely meshes humor and pathos.

Leila Del Luca's art is wild and vibrant, giving us some nice oomph to the story telling. In particular, Del Luca's Wonder Woman is stunning and powerful, a bit different from the somewhat gaunt Superman.

In short, this was a fun story. And goodness knows I need some fun in my life these days.

On to the book.

Review: Superman/Wonder Woman #29

Superman/Wonder Woman #29 came out this week and is an important issue for fans of the super-family for a number of reasons. The Final Days of Superman is coming to an end as #Rebirth is right around the corner. This arc is basically the foundation for the upcoming super-titles. So within this issue, we get some set-up for the Supergirl book, the Super-sons book, and the upcoming Superman books. Previously, we have seen the beginnings of the New Superman book.

Despite having to reset the landscape, writer Peter Tomasi does a great job making this story be compelling on its own. There is more to this arc than just establishing where the #Rebirth books will be in the next couple of months. Tomasi is dealing with the fallout of The Truth. And for the most part, I have been very satisfied with this read. There is something very classic about the feel of these characters. Gone is the deconstructed, brooding versions of these characters. Instead, we get heroes.

All that said, this book is probably the last issue of the Clark/Diana romance. And, surprisingly, there isn't any romance in this issue at all. I wondered if this would be the place we would see one last kiss. Instead, there is one last brawl. As someone who never really understood the Superman/Wonder Woman relationship, I still felt let down that there wasn't one last tender scene.

The art on the book is just wonderful. The cover is by Karl Kerschl and showcases Supergirl and Wonder Woman in action and both look determined. The internal art is by a favorite of mine, Jorge Jimenez. Jimenez shined on an arc of Smallville and brings a stylized kinetic feel to his work. His stuff really catches the eye. And as he is on the upcoming Super-Sons book, it makes sense for him to be here.

And let me say it is hard to write a review when there are three Supermen in the book. So, for clarity:
Fire-Superman=bad guy avatar
Superman = New 52 Superman
PF-Superman = Pre-Flashpoint Superman


On to the book.

Review: Superman/Wonder Woman #28

Superman/Wonder Woman #28 came out last week and was the first sort of stumble by Peter Tomasi since he started the post-Truth rehabilitation of the character of Superman.

Now, as a reviewer, I have to acknowledge my own biases when I look at these books. And frankly, I have never been someone to get behind the the Clark/Diana romance. It has just never felt right to me. So I always have side-eyed the relationship and this title, waiting for someone to write the characters in a way that felt natural.

I also have to acknowledge that another of the things I have very much liked about Tomasi's current run is that it seems to re-establishing some classic elements of the Superman mythos. He is good friends with Batman. He is loved by Alfred. He cares about Supergirl and wants her to carry on in his absence. He has a good relationship with Lois. These last few super-issues have been wonderful to a fan like me who has questioned a lot of what has happened to Superman over the last 10 years or so.

This issue seemed to look backwards instead of looking forward. I suppose the relationship with Wonder Woman needed to be addressed. We had to deal with some of the lingering subplots from the prior years. But after the joy of the last weeks, this felt like a step backwards as it brought back things I would rather forget or move away from - the Diana romance and Ulysses.

The art is done by Ed Benes. With Benes you know what you are getting. There is a cheesecake feel to Diana throughout the book (although this isn't as gratuitous as other Benes books.) But even Benes feels like a look back.

And I desperately want to move forward. On to the book ...

Review: Superman/Wonder Woman Annual #2

A while back I decided to drop Superman/Wonder Woman from my monthly review crawl. The characters in that title were simply warped versions of the Superman and Wonder Woman who I have come to enjoy over my life of reading comics. Superman wouldn't be cruel or brutal. Wonder Woman wouldn't be a killing machine or a Stepford wife. But most of all, I didn't feel that the relationship this book was built on was ever portrayed in a way that made it seem realistic or plausible.

So why is Superman/Wonder Woman Annual #2 being reviewed here? Well, I picked it up because two creators whose work always entertain and who I think are being woefully underused by DC appear in the credits. K. Perkins and Sholly Fisch both provide stories here and, no surprise, tell very compelling stories.

But for me, this issue answered some questions I have had about this relationship. It dealt with one of the biggest stumbling blocks of these two being together. And it showed how this relationship has slowly sort of crumbled. And for that I thought I needed to give it some space here.

Peter Tomasi and Keith Champagne both write other portions of the Annual. And the art is a wonderful mix. Marco Santucci, ChrisCross, Ken Lashley, and Matthew Clark provide the pencils. The book is really beautiful throughout.

The book opens with Clark walking through the Kent farmhouse, thinking about how loving and supportive Martha and Jon's relationship was, and thinking he might have found that in Diana. We see him reach into Ma's jewelry box.

But this is clearly early in the relationship. It is those dizzying, electric, physical part of a long term relationship. After a battle, while in the watchtower, the two can't keep their hands off each other. Superman removes her boots and it is implied things get quite hotter. (In fact, pics did get hotter. Yanick Paquette did the layouts of this issue and showed a significantly steamier scene.)

Who hasn't been in this sort of torrid part of a relationship where everything is forever rosy and hormones are raging.

But this scene is sort of replayed a couple of times in this issue and that is key for understanding what has happened to this romance.

The first story, written by Champagne and drawn by ChrisCross, shows an early double date, with Clark and Diana having dinner in Atlantis with Arthur and Mera. The two women break off and talk about Di's new beau.

Yes, the two women only talk about the men in their lives. But they do it in such a familiar way, you sense they have had many other conversations. They are friends so, of course, Mera is going to talk about this new development.

Diana talks about being worried about how complicated a romance might be. Mera discusses the hurdles that Arthur and her have overcome. It shows how true love and respect can overcome a lot. And since this is the beginning of this relationship, I can see how this might be positive reinforcement for Diana to continue to be with Clark.

The art and color in this section is stunning. And I like how this again shows just how wonderful anything and everything can be in the early parts of a fling.

The next story is written by K. Perkins with art by Ken Lashley. And this was my favorite story of the Annual because it addressed one of my biggest problems with the relationship. How could Clark deal with Diana being the God of War?

Now I read and enjoyed the Azzarello/Chiang Wonder Woman run, but in my heart considered it an elaborate Elseworlds and not canon. But it was clear that DC did not think that way.

So we get a story where Superman and Wonder Woman fight Dichara, an angry demigod. Superman is surprised when Dichara stops the fight because of Diana's station.

I like the rougher feel to Lashley's art here. It works in the battle. And it works in the more raw emotional sequences too.

Wonder Woman goes to Olympus and then returns to Clark's apartment afterwards.

Notice that Clark is near naked in this whole story. Wonder Woman is post-battle and removes her costume to change into pajamas. But there isn't the flirty, sexy, physical ending we saw in the earlier story. The relationship is more serious now, more real, more complex.

Diana tells him she is the God of War. She didn't tell him because she knew it might come between them. Not exactly a solid relationship move to keep a major truth from your partner. And Clark reminds her how she questioned his 'other life' as Clark and that her title is probable on par with his secret identity.

He poses a thought, one I have asked myself since this all unfolded in the comics.

How can Clark, who fights for truth and peace, who loathes war, be with her?

And how can she be an ambassador of peace, a bastion of love, AND the God of War? She says all wars spring from love. And that is a pretty skewed view of the world.

This doesn't sound like Diana to me, the one I have read all these years. And that is a big part of the problem here.

And look at the cold nature of Clark in that second panel. He can't even look at her.

Clark here says that her life as the God of War is going to affect them. How could it not.
And she realizes that there is a lot left unsaid between them.

Finally, the two of them aren't acting like infatuated and titillated teens. This is real relationship work here, trying to find their way through problems, and realizing maybe things aren't meant to be. And the book is addressing, head on, how her role on Olympus is troublesome to this whirlwind romance.

The last panel of the story is Clark watching the news, hearing about the horrors of war around the globe, and staring ahead. This is her life. Not his.

The next story is by Sholly Fisch and Matthew Clark. It includes a cool Easter Egg, a movie poster of Rita Farr being in 'Brunch at Tiffany's'.

But it tells a story of an aborted date night. Clark, temporarily powerless from using his flare power, pre-The Truth, is cooking dinner for Diana. Unfortunately, a JLA emergency calls her away. She joins the team fighting the Galactic Golem. Clark is left behind.

The dinner remains on the table uneaten. Clark heads to bed. Diana returns.

Again, we don't see him cradling her calf and removing her boot. There aren't libidinous giggles. There isn't an amorous interaction. Things have changed from that infatuation stage.

Clark is angry he was left behind. He felt, even powerless, he could help. And Diana won't hear it. She thinks this is Clark's ego. He can't always be the hero. He can't always be involved.

It, once again, shows how these two might not walk in lockstep, or even understand each other. It also gives us some background into Diana's actions in The Truth when Clark is truly depowered.

These blips are part of the bigger canvas. We are reminded of The Atlantis War, Super-Doom, the Darkseid War, and everything else that has strained the couple.

It turns out that Clark has been holding that engagement ring from the opening pages all along, waiting for the right time to propose. But now he realizes that maybe he and Diana aren't Jon and Martha.

This all makes sense to me as someone who has questioned this couple from the beginning. But, of course, DC and Tomasi needs to add the grim-dark nature of the current DC universe. Clark wonders if he'll ever find love. And he thinks that might be a good thing. Yeesh ...

Still, I have to applaud this issue for showing us all the problems that might spring from this love affair. It shows us that early, physical, glittering love and how that can tarnish when deeper issues are dealt with. They each build on each other nicely, especially when we see the different endings of a post-battle adrenaline rush. And it focused on some of the problems I have had trying to wrap my head around this romance.

Overall grade: B+

March 2016 Solicits

The DC Comics solicits for March recently were released and there was a lot to look forward to. I know what you are thinking - 'that sounds like optimism'. Well, I am optimistic. And it seems like I am going to be broke as well.

The solicits can be found in lots of places but here is a link to Newsarama's coverage:
http://www.newsarama.com/27169-dc-comics-full-march-2016-solicitations.html

But it has been a while since I have truly been looking forward to a month as much as this one. I can only hope that I'm not let down.

JUSTICE LEAGUE 3001 #10
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS

After a brutal defeat by Lady Styx’s legion, the remaining members of the Justice League are forced into hiding—but there are eyes everywhere. How do you hide in plain sight? You create secret identities. But will that be enough to elude Styx’s deadliest bounty hunter, Eclipso?

Another month, another month without 'Final Issue' linked to the solicit.

This book is so good. I'm not the biggest fan of Scott Kolins so I'll have to deal a bit with the lack of Howard Porter.

I love this all-female team. And the idea of the team being on the run makes sense given the outright corruption and darkness of the universe they are in.

And this is the second cover in a row with Supergirl front and center. And this looks like a different costume than the last. Could this Silver Age Supergirl be adopting the 'Adventure Comics' sensibilities of many different looks?

DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #10
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Art by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE and LAURA BRAGA
Cover by ANT LUCIA

While Lex Luthor continues to manipulate events behind the scenes, Kate Kane remains in the clutches of the Nazi Edel Nacht, who lays out his plans for world conquest. The inexperienced Huntress is determined to go rescue her, with or without Catwoman’s help. And Zatanna makes plans to cause trouble in the outside world, even as she remains imprisoned in the Joker’s Daughter’s cabaret.

Supergirl isn't mentioned in the solicit but this is the only other print book that Supergirl appears in.

Bennett has been doing a great job on this book. And I am thrilled to see Marguerite Sauvage back on art. The cover, with Luthor pulling the strings, is a grabbing as well!

SUPERMAN #50
Written by GENE LUEN YANG
Art by HOWARD PORTER
Cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON

Superman returns in all his glory in this very special issue that sees the Man of Steel back to full power as he faces his greatest enemy and also comes face to face with the pre-Flashpoint Kal-El! At last, it’s the meeting of the Supermen you’ve been waiting for!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

First the good news. Superman has his powers back. He has his costume back. He is meeting the stranded pre-Flashpoint Kal. That is all good news. I will be happy if 'The Truth' fades into the background like 'Doomed' and 'Grounded'. Let's just get some Superman stories without gimmicks and deconstruction!

Now the bad news.
The cover is pretty bad. Superman's rib cage is just anatomically awful. Those are some Liefeld Captain America dimensions there.

And I hope this 'opaque polybagged' trick is a short-lived fad.

ACTION COMICS #50
Written by GREG PAK and AARON KUDER
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
Polybagged variant cover by MARTIN ANSIN

Clark battles his way through Vandal Savage’s hordes to reclaim what is rightfully his—the Fortress of Solitude and his birthright! This epic anniversary issue leads to the finale of “Savage Dawn” in this month’s SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #27 and SUPERMAN #50!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

Love this cover by Kuder!
Very happy to see him back on internal art here. And looks like we come to an end of the Savage story. No mention of going back in time so maybe there will be no 'secret ID' rewrite.

And what of Hordr Root?

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #27
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by ED BENES
Polybagged variant cover by CHARLIE ADLARD

“Savage Dawn” continues from this month’s ACTION COMICS #50! A comet drawn by Vandal Savage to Earth is wreaking havoc across the globe—and empowering his children in the most dangerous way possible!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in.
I suppose I'll get this issue given it ties in with the conclusion.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #30
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by ROBSON ROCHA
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Polybagged variant cover by TONY MOORE

The mystery of why Batman and Superman were brought into a cosmic murder case is revealed—and the ramifications for Superman are huge!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

A vague solicit for a vague story from the past. Glad Paquette remains on covers.

Any ideas about the guy in the background?

SUPERMAN: LOIS and CLARK #6
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by LEE WEEKS and MARCO SANTUCCI

Can even this Superman save Lois from the deadly vengeance of Intergang? Or will young Jon have to be the one to step up to this challenge?

Great cover here. Seeing the victims in the scope is a nice, iconic image.
I do like that the main villain here is something like Intergang and not a single villain. Will the whole 'oblivion stone' side plot tie in here eventually?

SUPERMAN: THE COMING OF THE SUPERMEN #2
Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS

The terror of Apokolips continues as the combined might of Kal-El and the warriors from Kandor fight back against Darkseid’s legions!

I get the sense I am not going to get all this series. This cover just doesn't work for me. I like the basic premise. I like Fourth World characters. But ... we'll see.

SUPERGIRL: THE SILVER AGE OMNIBUS HC
Written by OTTO BINDER, LEO DORFMAN and JERRY SIEGEL
Art by JIM MOONEY and AL PLASTINO
Cover by DARWYN COOKE
On sale MAY 18 • 688 pg, FC, $75.00 US
Collecting the Girl of Steel’s adventures from ACTION COMICS #252-307! As Superman’s secret weapon, Supergirl must adjust to life in the Midvale Orphange. The stories alternate between tales about friends and school, Supergirl’s efforts to master her new powers, and time-travel jaunts into the far future and distant past.

Oh my god!
This is a big surprise. A big, beautiful, expensive prize.
That is one big omnibus. It sports a gorgeous cover by Darwuyn Cooke who seems built to draw Silver Age characters.

But it is $75.00!
And I already have the two archives. And all these stories in the Showcase volumes. And a bunch of the floppies.
Do I need this book????
Can I say no????

SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL VOL. 9 TP
Written by JOHN BYRNE, ROGER STERN and JERRY ORDWAY
Art by JOHN BYRNE, JERRY ORDWAY, RON FRENZ and others
Cover by JOHN BYRNE

In these tales from SUPERMAN #19-22, SUPERMAN ANNUAL #2 and ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #441-444, the mysterious Supergirl meets Superman for the first time! Plus, the Man of Steel faces Mr. Mxyzptlk, runs into the Doom Patrol and battles Metallo! And Lex Luthor is tricked into releasing criminals from the Phantom Zone—and it’s up to Superman to clean up his mess.

Another surprise!
This volume of the Man of Steel includes the Supergirl saga, the introduction of Matrix and the Pocket Universe.
I don't think this is enough to have me buy this. But for people interested in learning about the reboot of Supergirl, the origins are here.

SUPERMAN: EMPEROR JOKER TP
Written by JEPH LOEB and others
Art by ED McGUINNESS and others
Cover by ED McGUINNESS and DEXTER VINES

Collecting the unforgettable, twisted story originally from SUPERMAN #160-161, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #582-583, SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL #104-105, ACTION COMICS #769-770 and SUPERMAN: EMPEROR JOKER #1. In this tale of a reality gone wrong, Superman must struggle against The Joker, Emperor of the universe!

Another surprise!
This was a crazy, wild story arc. It reintroduces Bizarro. It has some of the best Supergirl covers of the time and includes the flame-winged angel in the story. The art in all the titles is beautiful.

I would think this was a shoe-in for me to buy. But given the Supergirl show statue, the Cooke action figure, and the omnibus, I might have to skip it!

Anyways, start squirreling away the holiday money you get. A lot of cool stuff arrives in spring.

 

January 2016 Solicits

The complete DC Solicits for January 2016 have dropped and there was a couple of nice surprises in the mix. I will be covering most of the super-solicits here but if you want to look at all the solicits, head to Newsarama here: http://www.newsarama.com/26405-dc-comics-full-january-2016-solicitations.html

A couple of notes before the solicits.

First off, again there is no Supergirl solo title solicit this month. I am done trying to figure out this decision by DC Comics. It makes no sense to me at all.

Second, I am not going to cover the Max Landis' American Alien solicits here. Sorry. Just no.

Third, there are a bunch of books which look so interesting to me. There is a great Birds of Prey reunion over in Batgirl. There is a Dick/Kory reunion in Starfire. The Legend of Wonder Woman by Renae DeLiz looks intriguing. And I may or may not be into Titans Hunt, but Hawk and Dove are there. That is a big lure.

On to the solicits.

JUSTICE LEAGUE 3001 #8

Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS

As Lady Styx’s legion reigns over the Commonwealth, an all-new Justice League rises from the ashes of the old. But can they topple a tyrant who’s embraced by the very people she’s conquered?

How great is it that Supergirl is finally on the cover, front and center, in an iconic pose. Her costume is a bit garish to me, a throwback to some of the wonky variants from the Adventure run in the 70s.

This seems to be the 'all female' League that Giffen and De Matteis hinted at. I'm on board!

I keep waiting for the 'Final Issue' tag. But I am going to enjoy this book while it lasts!

DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #8
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Art by LAURA BRAGA and MARIA LAURA SANAPO
Cover by ANT LUCIA

Now serving on the side of the Allies as part of the Amanda Waller’s Bombshells program, Supergirl and Stargirl wonder if they still are being used as instruments of propaganda. Meanwhile, mythological creatures and the undead legions of Tenebrus attack the Allied forces, bringing Wonder Woman into the fray. Can she count on the newest Bombshells to help?

How great is it that Supergirl is finally on the cover, flanking Wonder Woman with her sister Stargirl! Finally!

I like that Supergirl is trying to work through her life as a person and as a symbol. I am looking forward to reading the story where she defects. That should be something of a major moment for this character, something that shouldn't happen easily. And I hope she continues to question it.

Lastly, love the Wonder Woman 'You Can Do It' Bombshell costume.

SUPERMAN: LOIS and CLARK #4
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by LEE WEEKS

The mysteries surrounding Lois and Clark are just starting to unfold! In this issue find out what happened to the man who would have been the Cyborg Superman! Learn what else is hidden in this Superman’s Fortress! And discover why Lois gave Clark his new, black uniform!

We finally have a Superman comic I can get behind. This is a 12 issue mini-series so we are 1/3 through at this point. Certainly the solicit is a great one, hinting at mysteries still to unfold. And a Fortress specific to this Superman ... fascinating. And I keep wondering why this Superman, who wants to remain hidden, would wear a S-shield costume. So why would Lois give him one?

I don't know if I like seeing Lois brandishing a gun. 

ACTION COMICS #48
Written by GREG PAK and AARON KUDER
Art and cover by AARON KUDER

“The Savage Dawn” begins! Following recent events in the SUPERMAN ANNUAL, Superman is becoming increasingly desperate to regain his powers! The situation is dire, as he must rescue his fellow Justice Leaguers and save the lives of the soldiers facing Vandal Savage!

Onto the fallout of The Truth, a story which still seems to be falling out.

Savage Dawn is a nice name given the Vandal Savage/Dawn Patrol elements. I am guessing this costume Superman is wearing is a sort of solar boosting exoskeleton.

I was hoping that this would be over by now. At least we get Pak/Kuder together.

SUPERMAN #48
Written by GENE LUEN YANG
Art and cover by HOWARD PORTER

“The Savage Dawn” continues! Time is running out, and Superman must make a fateful choice! Can he risk exposing himself to the one thing that could save him: Kryptonite?

Enter the Howard Porter era of Superman. I love Porter's art so I am on board for that.

And the idea that Kryptonite might be the cure for what is happening is at least innovative. Am I curious about this story? Yes. And honestly, I haven't been curious about the Super-books other than when they will reset to something classic.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #28
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by ROBSON ROCHA
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

It’s an untold tale from the early days of Bruce and Clark’s crime-fighting careers! A new 3-part epic from another time begins here as Batman and Superman are pitted against a menace that will test their partnership—and their friendship!

With James Gordon as Batman and Superman depowered, having a Batman/Superman book is tricky. How do you wrangle those two to interact? The answer is 'with some difficulty'. Currently, the book is Superman/Bat-Family. So now we get a three parter of the 'pre-Truth' days.

I am a bit worrisome about Tom 'Injustice' Taylor writing this. But love the Paquette cover.

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #25
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by DOUG MAHNKE
Cover by ED BENES

“The Savage Dawn” continues! Diana presents a badly wounded Superman to the Greek Gods to see if they will restore him to his former self. But before they can decide, they first must determine if he is truly worthy.

Are they still a couple?? Hard to tell from this solicit.

I haven't read the Wonder Woman book since Azzarello/Chiang run ended. Glad to see those versions of the greek gods still around.

All this said ... I am ready for the depowered, angry Superman stories to be done. Let's rewrite history with Vandal Savage!

SUPERGIRL (TV) SUPERGIRL STATUE
SCULPTED BY ADAM ROSS
In the new CBS series from Warner Bros. Television, Supergirl, born Kara Zor-El on the doomed planet Krypton, arrived on Earth many years after being lost in the Phantom Zone. Raised by her adopted family, the Danvers, Kara grew up in the shadow of her foster sister, Alex, and learned to hide the phenomenal powers she shares with her famous cousin, Superman. Years later, living in National City and working as an assistant at Catco Worldwide Media, Kara decides to embrace her superhuman abilities and become the hero she was always destined to be. With the help of Daily Planet photographer James Olsen, her bioengineer sister Alex, and the research of the super-secret, off-the-grid Department of Extra-Normal Operations (DEO), Kara takes to the skies to protect her world.
Measures Approximately 12.5" Tall
$130.00 US • On Sale March 2016 

So if this is solicited in this month's previews, that gives us all 5 months to save up. Can we all out $26 bucks a month aside?

Love this statue! So iconic!

 

Review: Superman/Wonder Woman #22

Superman/Wonder Woman #22 came out this week, a dreary and brutal chapter in 'The Truth'. It is one of the worst books I have read in quite some time. It is relentless in its darkness. It is full of off-kilter characterization. And some of the scenes feel forced.

Now I have never quite understood why Superman and Wonder Woman are romantically involved. The relationship has never been presented in a way that seems to make sense. These characters don't seem to belong together as a couple. Emotionally, these two seem pretty different. So from the beginning, I have been a bit flummoxed by the title.

And  I have had my issues with the entire overarching story of The Truth since its inception. I have wondered why DC can't seem to handle Superman these days, trying to twist him into something he isn't .. for example, the current angry, mean-spirited, depowered jerk.

This issue seemed to encapsulate all of these things. It distilled all the things I don't like about the current DCU and the state of the Superman comics into something so purely awful that it is almost toxic. Peter Tomasi writes about as dark, bitter, and violent world as I have read. These aren't the characters I have read for the last 3 plus decades. None of these characters are likeable. None are heroes. I can't root for any of these people. This is a superhero world looked at through a mirror darkly.

Listen, I read these books to follow the characters and review. But Tomasi may have finally forced my hand. And so I will end this review with a question for all of you.

So this review is simply going to be highlighting the awful character behavior in this book.

Let's start out with the punch heard around the world.

Lana, who has outright disliked and isolated Clark since Doomed, decides that Lois' reveal is just too egregious to go unpunished. So, like the rational person she is, Lana decides the thing to do is to plant a right hook into Lois' jaw.

Lana punches Lois.

In this current DC universe, this is a natural response for someone. In fact, Lois isn't surprised by it. She is more surprised that it took so long to happen.

But for me, almost as bad as the punch is the following panel and the reaction of others. Steel looks sad that he witnessed it. But he doesn't speak up. He didn't try to stop Lana. He silently accepts it. And Diana, she looks absolutely bored. She could not care less about these two. She doesn't tell them that fighting each other won't help Clark. No one seems shocked. This isn't a surprising turn of events in the current DCU. That is depressing.

If you want to see what is wrong with the Superman books right now, these two panels are a prime example.

Lost in all this is the fact that Lois revealed Clark's secret so he didn't die in that energy draining chair.

Superman has fled to the JLA satellite. He is going to take a shuttle closer to the sun so he can try to repower. When Clark arrives, the Flash shows up and sees how injured Superman is.

Superman's response to his friend is to knock him out.

Superman, in trouble and needing help, decides his best option is to beat his friend unconscious. 

Because that makes sense. Superman should always beat up other heroes. That is what the Kents taught him.

We never quite hear if the proximity to the sun helps Superman. But he pushes his shuttle so much that the ship falls apart in deep space. Wonder Woman, who was following him in another ship, teleports into his ship and then teleports them both back to the satellite.

Now we finally get to the scene from the 8-page preview from Convergence. There is a slight word change here. Clark now says he doesn't know if he loves Diana, as opposed to 'I don't love you'.

But why does this scene even happen? If the Flash can teleport Superman away why is Diana chasing him in another ship. If she can communicate with him on radio, why follow? Did she think she was going to use her ship to make him get off course? And why does Diana teleport into Clark's evaporating ship to then teleport back to the satellite?

Why? To set up this dramatic scene of Superman declaring his non-love to Diana with the sun behind them. To get to this face-to-face in deep space the characters have to do things that don't make sense.

This ludicrous set-up - a shuttle chase that doesn't need to happen, a needless teleport to put them face-to-face - to make this scene possible makes the whole scene feel forced.

Back in the JLA headquarters, Clark admits that he is upset because Diana interrogated his friends. And so he says he is questioning the relationship.

Diana asks outright if Superman won't fight for their love. He says he won't.

You would think that I would be happy that Superman finally realizes that these two are ill-suited for each other. But instead I am surprised at Diana's non-response. She doesn't challenge him. She doesn't walk away. She doesn't do anything. She will allow him to brood and decide about their relationship's health. She will give Superman time to work this out while she waits. She is passive.

That doesn't sound like Diana.

With the 'race to the sun' plot point out of the way, Clark and Diana decide to hunt down the energy-draining villains from the last issue. We still don't know if it helped Clark.  So that whole space scene feels unnecessary, meaningless, and now even more forced. It was written to get us to that one splash of Superman telling Diana he doesn't love her.

The Flash decides to help them track these parasitic creatures, never even commenting on Superman attacking him. Does that make sense? That Flash just falls in line, not being angry or questioning of Superman's attack?

When the three can't track down the energy-drainers with technology, Superman decides that he'll use the Parasite as a living tracker. Luckily he has been working on 'special gloves' which allow him to touch the Parasite without being drained. Good thing that deus ex machina was lying around. (Think they'll be around the next time there is a Parasite story? Unlikely.)

So to get the Parasite, Superman and Wonder Woman attack an army helicopter which is bringing the villain to prison. Superman crashes through the copter's windshield. Because that is the safest way for him to commandeer this thing.

But think about this. Superman attacks an army helicopter to free the Parasite. Is he a hero? Because that is what I want my heroes to do, attack the civilians bringing a known super-villain to jail.

Even the art mirrors the tone. Superman, with his sunken eyes and scowl, looks like a villain 

Do you want to see a prime example of what is wrong with the DCU, look at this panel.

And Wonder Woman is along for the ride. She wants to help Clark.  She doesn't question this idea by Clark. She doesn't try to talk him out of it. She doesn't try to alter the plan. She is on board for an assault. She is the doting girlfriend who just listens to her man ... because that sounds like Diana.

She uses her sword to cut her way into the ship, coming within inches of skewering an innocent guard with her sword. The guards shoot wildly in bay.

How no one dies is almost too far-fetched to buy. How does this thing even stay in the air? How does no innocent get injured?

Is this how I want Wonder Woman to act? Following her man blindly, attacking innocents? So quick to unsheath her sword that she almost kills someone?

Horrific.

But the assault is a success. Superman and Wonder Woman are able to grab the Parasite, still shackled in a giant device.

He is helpless.

Superman body slams him into the ground from the copter.

Wonder Woman bashes him across the face.

Because battering and torturing someone helpless, even a villain, is what I want my heroes to do. After all they should inspire me.

And Superman?

He decides to pile on.

When Parasite asks why he has been kidnapped (because that is what this is ... a kidnapping), Superman responds with a boot to the face.

Superman angrily kicks someone helpless in the face.

Because nothing says 'Superman' more than him lashing out angrily at everyone in the world. Nothing says 'I'm here to help' like a kick in the kisser.

Have I shown you enough? Do you see how Peter Tomasi has no idea of who these characters are? That Eddie Berganza shows just how wrong a choice he is to edit the super-books? That the DCU is a horrible place filled with horrible people. A place where there is no distinction between good and evil.

Nothing here has felt right. Nothing here is heroic. Nothing in this plot is good or compelling.

It is a shame because I love Doug Mahnke. The art is beautiful even if the subject matter is horrible. Look at this panel with Diana springing into action. I paused here because it is so dynamic and sharp. Put Doug Mahnke on a book more deserving of his stuff. I also like the cover by Cary Nord is actually quite pleasing to the eye. It is like a lure to get you to buy the book. Then you read the inside and feel you have been taken.

But the bottom line is that there is nothing I can get behind in this book. It starts with Lana punching Lois. It continues with Superman attacking innocent guards to spring a super-villain. And it ends with Superman and Wonder Woman physically abusing a helpless villain.

This isn't Superman. This isn't Wonder Woman.

So a question.

Do I continue to review this book, hopefully informing people and keeping them away from it?
Or do I vote with my dollars and drop the book?

Because this an awful book with awful characterization.
Or maybe this is just the sort of world DC Comics wants to be publishing right now, which isn't for me.

Overall grade: D- (raised from F because of Mahnke)

Review: Superman/Wonder Woman #21

Superman/Wonder Woman #21 came out this week, another chapter in 'The Truth', another issue where I again try to understand why these two are in a relationship. Things have been awkward in the past. Things have been tense in the past. In this issue, things are outright volatile.

Since 'The Truth' started, I have had problems with Superman's personality. His reliance on the solar flare power, knowing it would weaken him, seemed misguided. He has been downright stupid dragging Jimmy into danger and blaming Lois for his problems. And he has been overly angry in almost all his books.

This issue seemed to showcase many of the flaws in Superman's character these days. Diana and Lois come across much more caring and rational here. It is even mirrored on the cover with Superman, bathed in fire, brow furrowed, glares off the cover. Meanwhile, Diana looks calm and collected.

Peter Tomasi advances the story, introducing another of the big villains and driving a wedge deeper between Clark and Diana. We also reach the point in the story for the 8-page post-Convergence preview for this story. But we also have a similar path as last issue, lots of talking punctuated with a semi-needless brawl at the end.

Thank goodness for penciler Doug Mahnke. Aided by a bevy of inkers, Mahnke continues to bring sharp art to this book. In particular, a new element of the villains attacks, energy sucking black hole creatures, look monstrous.

 The issue starts with a look at Mr. Bend. He has to run off to a meeting with the President. But before heading off, he heads to what looks like a classic villain's headquarters, complete with a wall of monitors. Bend has located Firestorm and sends the hero's coordinates off with the order to 'ingest'.

Who is Mr. Bend?

Well, my guess he is Angelo Bend, the Angle Man. I usually think of Angle Man as a Wonder Woman villain, making his presence here appropriate. But he has been more of a D-lister in the past. Here he feels more like the Calculator in the pre-New 52 universe.

 And his orders are carried out.

We see Firestorm lured into a rescue mission that is a trap. The 'victims' morph into these black hole looking creatures, beings that turn into a huge mouth and glom onto the nuclear man.

Just like that, he's gone.

Now I think of Firestorm as a pretty powerful character. So defeating him like this, draining him and then 'ingesting' him, sets the stage that these things are powerful.

After that opening scene, we head back to the government prison where Diana is interrogating Clark's friends.

Lois has the best moments here. She might be forced to answer the questions because of the Lasso of Truth, but she doesn't have to do it nicely. She talks about how she is a reporter. It is her job to report the news, like Superman.

And yes, she understood the backlash her story of Superman's identity would bring. She answered that question truthfully. What they didn't ask her is why she did it.

But when it gets to questions about her relationship with Clark, it is getting personal. Even Diana knows they are going off the ranch.

I have to say, Lois shines here with her righteous indignation. 

Now one of my problems with last issue was Diana's decision to interrogate Clark's friends. I assumed it was Diana's way of trying to ferret out people who were going to betray or try to hurt Clark. Others assumed it was to help speed up this process. The truth would come out, satisfying the government, and freeing the people.

Tomasi lets people like me off the hook. Diana was doing this to help free Lois and everyone else. Now it is a blunt way of doing it. It isn't foolproof. Someone might say something she wasn't anticipating.

But I feel like, in her way, Diana's heart was in the right place.

 The Superman arrives. And he isn't happy.

We then get a couple of pages of Superman chastising Diana for not listening to him, for using the lasso, for not understanding his feelings. Even when she explains her thoughts ... how she asked everyone if they would allow it, how she wanted to get this over with, how she wanted to free these friends to help Superman.

But boy, this is an angry Superman. He could say 'I understand why you thought this would be good but I don't agree with you.' Instead he just berates Wonder Woman.

 He frees all his friends and we get to see Jimmy, Lana, and Lois all hug Superman and thank him for coming. It seemed too warm a response from Lana given her recent unhappiness with Clark. And we get a great moment where Cat Grant tries to get a little too close.

But it is Perry's response that stuck with me. He stops Clark from talking. Perry is still ticked off. Remember when Geoff Johns seemed to be setting up Perry as the confidante? Was making Perry a source of wisdom? Now we have a grumpy old man.

Deeper in this place, we see that the government has a bunch of super-villains in stasis pods. Why would they bring Superman's friends here? With all these villains? It seems like putting a blowtorch near explosives.

 Sure enough, the black hole beings blip in. They free all the villains and begin 'ingesting' all those that have energy powers (like Livewire). Mahnke really shines in this battle, showing the beings shift into a shape that is mostly mouth. Brrr ...

Again, Superman wants to protect everyone so he asks Steel to shepherd everyone out. But Superman isn't the old Superman. He can't fight these things on his own these days. They kick him around a bit, almost swallowing him whole.

And, as before, Diana feels like she needs to be with Clark to protect him. She is angry that Steel would let this depowered Clark try to win this fight alone.

 Everyone ends up returning to the fight to save Superman. This includes a ridiculous panel of the Planet staff lined up shooting giant energy rifles at the monsters. Are they trained? I don't know if I think the quaint Smallville folks would know how to operate these things.

Anyways, this is Diana trying to protect the man she loves. This is Superman's friends trying to protect him.

But throughout this story we have seen Superman still trying to be a self-sufficient hero. He doesn't want anyone to put themselves in danger for him. And looking around, he sees everyone he cares about in danger.

Here is the rub. Did he think about this when he kept flaring like mad? Did he think about how he was making himself weak every time he used it instead of his other powers>

Plus, this seems a little selfish. He doesn't thank them for saving him. Instead, he gets angry ... at himself as well as them.

Frankly, I am a bit sick of it.

And then, the last straw for me.

He tells Lois she betrayed him by telling the world his identity.
He tells Diana she betrayed him by going to this place to help his friends.

Betrayed.

That is a powerful word. It leaves no wiggle room for understanding why they did what he did. It carries a weight of disappointment and anger.

And it is wrong.

We know that by heading to the JLA satellite, he is flying that ship near the sun to try to recharge. This is the lead-up to the 8 page preview where he tells Diana he doesn't love her any more.

The issue ends with Mr. Bend joining Vandal Savage and Wrath in that interdimensional room.

Whew ...

So I don't think I quite agree with Diana's methods here. While fraught with danger, it was effective. And her intentions were good.

I loved Lois' attitude during the interrogation.

And the addition of Angle Man and these energy leeches is a nice wrinkle to this big villain plot.

But the character of Superman here just felt off to me. This is a far cry from the Superman in Action Comics. It is closer to the less than rational guy in Superman. And I suppose a lot of this stems from self-loathing. He knows he did this to himself. And now everyone else is paying the price.

More than ever, I am wondering why these two were together to begin with. This has never felt like love.

Overall grade: C+