1716 ( )

This graphic novel collects the first 7 issues of this story arc, which is one that I haven't managed to follow in the New 52. I knew of it's implications, of course...it's difficult to read anything current in the DC Universe and not know of this romance of titans, but I wanted to finally delve into the story and see for myself.

First, I'll say that I've read reviews and heard strong opinions on whether or not this is sensationalist storytelling on DC's part to put Superman and Wonder Woman together as a couple. I also have reservations about this, but I'm not reviewing that editorial decision. That is what it is, and there's no point in reading any review of this collection if you disagree with the plot so entirely.

That said, the writing in these issues is strong. I really haven't read Soule's work until this, and I'm impressed with the way he crafts his dialogue. These are two of the most primary characters in the DC Universe...no small undertaking to handle on the page, and he does so deftly. What is actually quite fascinating about the romantic concept here is how both characters are developed in ways that we didn't see coming. Superman's desire to maintain a dual identity is as much for the protection of his emotional well being as it is for the protection of those he loves here...and Wonder Woman sees this as a weakness that she has difficulty reconciling. Both struggle to balance the selflessness of their role to protect their world with the very human selfishness of wanting to be happy with someone else. In doing so, Soule is wrestling with the role of the hero, the failings that come from the humanity of the heroes viewed by the public as gods among us, and the heightened repercussions of their choices. As Wonder Woman frets over the tragedy that inevitably befalls the hero, Batman chastises Superman:

"You two have a spat, and the world burns? How can you not be aware of the stakes of what you're doing?"

I appreciate how Wonder Woman, particularly, is handled in this collection. After her strong start in the New 52, I was worried that she would be overly romanticized or weakened here. I'm glad that quite the opposite is true. We feel her trepidation and insecurities surrounding their relationship...the vulnerabilities that any of us have when being involved with someone. Yet, she is still the adept warrior who needs no help from Superman, and in fact arrives to save him in a critical moment. Both are recognized as the most powerful heroes on the planet, a just due that is all too easily missed when writing Wonder Woman.

I can also say that, for the first time, I felt that I truly heard Diana's voice in Soule's writing.

Unfortunately, what Soule does so beautifully with dialogue and character development, he misses in overall plot. The storyline of battling escaped Kryptonians bent of world destruction is merely a forgettable vehicle with which to convey the larger issues presented here, and the climactic fight scene feels dismissive and bordering on unbelievable.

I was a fan of Daniel's artwork in the Justice League, and he performs just as well here for the most part. He's a bit more inconsistent in these pages, however, particularly in facial expressions, which leave especially our protagonists looking oddly unfamiliar in several panels.

I respect what DC's trying to do here, and the way in which they are exploring the characters. There is quite a bit within these pages that is thought provoking, and indicative of the angst with which we see heroes in the "real world" today. I wish that a more thorough plot had been used to convey this adventure, as the final pages fell quite flat and were disappointing. Overall, this concept is off to a good start, but has much room to improve. ( )

Recommended by Anne. She thinks Superman is scorching. I think Wonder Woman is smoking hot. In any case, they join forces to battle Zod and Faora, who like Superman have come to Earth to find they have extraordinary powers. Meanwhile, Superman manages to piss off some of Wonder Woman's deity relatives. Between these and some mysterious and unexplained deep sea shenanigans (setting the stage for the next book), the pair get pretty beaten up and tossed in a nuclear power plant tower. The budding relationship between the two is ill-explained, but seems to be based on both being something more than human. Great, colorful illustrations but the characters do not appear consistent. Action packed fun. ( )

It was interesting to see Superman in a different relationship (other then Lois Lane); I think many people like to speculate about Superman and Wonder Woman as a couple and this title does not disappoint. ( )

If you want this to make sense, read at least the first 3 Wonder Woman books. Interestingly, you don't need to read the Superman books. You might want to read the first couple of Justice League books too so that you understand the set up. ( )