What is the deal with the relationship between Superman and Wonder Woman? Are they really broken up and if they are did they go “all the way”? Those are some of the questions answered in the latest annual, but is it good?
Superman/Wonder Woman Annual #2 (DC Comics)
This issue is bookended with Superman looking through a photo album recounting the love his parents had at such a young age; a love that sprouted into experiencing their entire lives together. Thinking about his parents is a good jumping point into his love life with Wonder Woman, which quickly jumps to their sex life. Wowza!
Why does this book matter?
If you’re like me you want to know what the deal is between these two characters. Ever since the New 52 dropped on us their relationship status (even if it was a murky explanation of it) we’ve all wondered if they’re legit. It makes a hell of a lot of sense for the two to hook up, but on the other hand since the reveal things have changed; Wonder Woman has become a literal God of War and Superman has lost many of his abilities. Sounds like a classic case of one person getting a promotion and more time at work while the other is part time and sitting at home watching TV. We all know how that ends…
Is that love or lust?
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
The opening and closing chapter is written by Peter J. Tomasi as Superman reminisces to open the book and then reveals a very big decision at the end. Tomasi opens and closes the book with a somber tone as Superman seems to have some regrets about his relationship with Wonder Woman. This somber tone takes up the first and last page so the story in between matters quite a bit if it can stick the landing at the end. I think it does.
Tomasi takes the story to a time when Superman and Wonder Woman were fully in love, making out and taking each other’s clothes off. Frankly I haven’t seen Superman get sexual in so long so it was a bit of a shock; that’s not to say it’s gratuitous and indecent — the scene works and it’s tasteful.
Touching.
Marco Santucci does a good job with these two short pages. It’s a cinematic layout with wider panels and he does a great job telling the story in only a few panels.
The second story is written by Keith Champagne with art by ChrisCross. The story is short and sweet as Wonder Woman and Mera discuss the problems and joys of being with Aquaman and Superman. However brief this is basically a scene explaining their relationship isn’t just lust which is helpful coming off that first story! The art by Chriscross features thinner line work that makes for some neat effects, especially with the underwater scenes.
The fourth story, written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Matthew Clark is the best of the bunch as we witness a depowered Clark attempting to make Wonder Woman a nice meal. Wonder Woman must go off and do some God business and Superman is hurt she won’t take him. The dolt just burnt his hand on a pan for crying out loud, but his heart still wants to fight. Fisch does a fantastic job balancing the complexity of their fight without ever having one or the other concede defeat. I was worried Wonder Woman would come out apologizing but she doesn’t and she’s stronger for it. Clark’s art has a Jim Lee sort of feel leading up to the fight in which it jumps into a heavily inked Leinil Francis Yu look and feel. They’re angry and the darkness does a lot to convey their darker nature as they fight. It’s also capped off with a great double page spread.
It can’t be perfect can it?
I wasn’t a big fan of the third story written by K. Perkins and drawn by Ken Lashley. It’s basically one big fight sequence with a god/relative of Wonder Woman’s. It serves to show they are of different worlds and in its conclusion that Wonder Woman’s role as a God of War conflicts with Superman’s ideology, but too much time is spent on the fight that goes on too long. It does however end showing both reluctantly going to bed angry and we all know that’s a great way to ruin a relationship!
Now that’s love.
Is It Good?
This is a must read for anyone even slightly interested in learning more about what went wrong with Wonder Woman and Superman’s relationship. The stories are tastefully written and complex. You’re going to come away from this read thinking these superheroes are very human indeed.
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