Thursday, August 7, 2014

Superman/Wonder Woman Annual #1 Review

Written by: Charles Soule
Art by: Ed Benes, Tony Daniel, Pascal Alixe, Cliff Richards and Jack Herbert
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: August 7, 2014

Epic


The Doomed story is really heating up.  I am a huge fan of Charles Soule and Superman/Wonder Woman is one of my favorite books, so I am hoping this Annual rebounds from (what I thought was) a lackluster last issue.  Unlike that issue, this Annual gives us a good dose of Superman and Wonder Woman.  Imagine that.  What's even better, we get a massive amount of guest stars ranging from Steel to Simon Baz and almost everyone in between.



The book begins with a brief Superdoom versus Cyborg Superman fight.  Actually, Cyborg Superman does more insulting and taunting than fighting.  He has reveals Brainiac's plan (too conveniently?) and Superdoom heads off to Earth.

Meanwhile, most of the Justice League are trying to figure out a plan.  Actually a couple of plans.  Batman is trying to figure out how to save Superman by getting rid of the Kryptonite in the atmosphere, while the rest figure out what to do about Brainiac's approaching fleet.  With all these heroes involved, guess who comes up with the plan?  Electrical Engineer, Lana Lang, of course!  She's riding shotgun with Steel in their Rocket ship and has noticed a pattern in Brainiac's fleet.  The plan boils down to beating the holy hell out of it.  Sounds good to me.  Every hero is ready for War and then Superdoom arrives.  I'd say Oh snap if people still said that.  The hell with it, Oh Snap!

Charles Soule has done a great job showing the inner conflict between Clark and Doomsday and it continues here.  This may sound crazy, but I'm starting to enjoy Doomsday.  He's downright hilarious.  Clark just wants to do the right thing and Doomsday is happy to lead him into disaster.  Disaster meaning heading back to Earth.

On Earth, all hell has broken out.  If you have a favorite hero, chances are they are fighting Brainiac somewhere on Earth.  It's so awesome.  In the middle of it all is Superdoom.  Doomsday is winning the inner battle, but on the outside he is kicking Brainiac ass. Then he crosses the line and Wonder Woman shows up.

What follows is some great interaction between Wonder Woman, Clark and Doomsday.  I wish it stayed between the three of them and ended a bit differently, but Wonder Woman certainly showed her resolve and strength. Wonder Woman may not save her man, but at least he's back.

The book ends with Steel being the hero he's always been and a huge cliffhanger.  I mean HUGE.  I can't wait to see what happens, but also who is involved.  This event has quickly become epic.

Bits and Pieces:

I can't stress how good this issue was.  It pretty much had everything.  A great story, non-stop action and incredible art.  Charles Soule has given the reader what I think is the best Superman: Doomed chapter yet.  Highly Recommended.

9.6/10

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