This week, Wonder Woman faces one of the most difficult problems she’s ever faced, and she pulls Superman in to aid her. The problem: What to get Batman for his birthday? In a delightful issue set in a giant alien shopping mall, can the two heroes vanquish this problem, or will they fail their good friend on his most special day?
Wonder Woman #7 is a great standalone issue, and it has also answered a nagging question since the series started. That makes this a great issue for casual fans and the folks on board for whatever writer Tom King has cooked up. It’s a kind of team-up between Superman and Wonder Woman, and while they don’t punch too many villains, the tension is high as the heroes have quite a hard time figuring out what Batman should get on his birthday.
The issue starts with Wonder Woman heading towards a giant space mall. It’s busy, annoying, and even has very strict parking. King and artist Guillem March throw Wonder Woman into a fairly common domestic situation, elevated by the fact that the mall is in space and weird aliens are everywhere. It’s a great setup that plays off the strangeness of space and aliens.
Wonder Woman continues to be her surefire self, steadfast and confident, but she lets her guard down a bit in this issue. That’s because she truly trusts and admires Superman, who comes off as a kindhearted softy. King writes him like a tried and true boy scout, down to underestimating himself and seeing good in anyone. In a key scene, we learn how badly Superman wants to aid Wonder Woman, who happens to have the American government after her, and you feel their anguish over letting her go alone. It’s her choice, and it’s Amazon’s business, as she reminds him, further cementing the story in a kind of realism many superhero comics end up faltering.
There are jerks everywhere. Even in deep space.
Credit: DC Comics
There’s something quite special about the idea of two heroes we’re familiar with having a history with such a weird mall. March gets to play up the comedy of strange stores, and there’s a great mix of aliens milling about. When a threat does arise, it’s fun to see how Wonder Woman protects Superman. This is her book, and not only is she the hero in it, but she’s assertive and commanding of Superman’s attention.
King also manages to get a lot of references in for the Trinity and Superman. A familiar Superman villain pops up, and in a 5D movie, we get a bit of commentary on Batman and Superman. There’s also a play on the old adage, “Truth, justice, and the American way,” and nods to things like Batman having a Kryptonite ring. There are Easter eggs like that littered throughout that’ll please fans.
Wonder Woman #7 is a delight in a character showcase that reminds us Wonder Woman is as commanding and powerful at fighting a villain as she is present shopping. The depiction of Superman only adds to the greatness of Wonder Woman, and it’s fun to see the two interact as longtime friends. Wonder Woman #7 will be one of the happiest sights you’ll see all week.
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