Superman/Wonder Woman #8 Review

Written by: Charles Soule
Art by: Tony Daniel
Cove Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 14, 2014

Did You Hear the One About Batman?

Charles Soule has made Superman/Wonder Woman a great book by not only showing the power couple's growing relationship, but also making it fit perfectly in each character's New 52 world.  These are the exact reasons why this second chapter (or third if you include Doomed #1...I hate chapter numbers) is such a success.

Without spoiling everything, the Superman/Doomsday fight changed Clark.  He is not the good guy he usually is.  While his appearance is a bit off (to say the least), this new attitude is so shocking because it's still Clark.  It's like he's a teenage trouble maker on Jerry Springer, "He does what he wants".  He's rude, sexed up like Color me Badd and makes fun of Batman.  Yea, he went there.  It's actually pretty funny.



Those who care about him most notice the difference and arrive to help.  Of course, that means Wonder Woman and a certain Caped Crusader who was recently made fun of.  Even though Superman calls her out on not returning an "I Love You", Wonder Woman shows her true love by taking all the abuse this changed Superman can give her.  He keeps giving it and she keeps taking it.  I have to say, some of the things he says are not that crazy to readers of the regular book and when this event is over, will make it stronger.

Batman's inclusion is not a surprise, but he ends up being there just to point Wonder Woman in the right direction.  She takes his advise and brings Clark out of his daze for now.  Batman is always right. Superman is not cured, but it buys them some time to figure something out.  If they don't, people (and heroes) will die.

There is also a bit with Wonder Woman and Lois Lane.  It seemed out of place and just a way to force the two together to discuss the relationship.  I was not a fan of it.  However, Wonder Woman displays a new power that comes from being the God of War.  It's pretty cool and comes in handy to help Lois out of a jam.

Like I said at the beginning, I love this book because it fits so well in each character's world.  That is the highlight here.  Whether it's this new GOW power or Superman yelling at Diana about the First Born, it just works. I'm sure this event will continue to have repercussions in this book, but I also hope it flows into Wonder Woman proper as well.  This is the least action oriented issue of the event and it doesn't matter. The characterization and interaction make up for it.

The only thing I didn't like about this issue is not really the fault of Charles Soule or Tony S. Daniel.  DC really enjoys spoiling things and did so again.  Like the Subway scene in Batman Eternal, they spoiled the big reveal in this book with solicits and cover image releases.  It's such a big moment and could have be awesome, but when it happens, the surprise is not there.  It's still good, but should have been awesome.

Tony S. Daniel has made this book a delight to look at and this issue is no different.  Diana looks beautiful and Superman looks horrible...like he should.  There is not much action, but he makes the somewhat quiet scenes pop.

Bits and Pieces:

Superman/Wonder Woman #8 slows down the Doomed story and makes it that much better.  Those who love Superman are there to help him, even if it seems like he doesn't want it.  The big surprise was already spoiled by DC, but it's still pretty cool and Tony S. Daniel makes everything look great.  I am looking forward to see how this all ends, but also the fallout in this book and the New 52 as a whole.

8.8/10