Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Jim Lee, David Finch, Ivan Reis
Publisher: DC Comics
So, if you follow comics, then you know that DC revealed last week the teaser cover of Superman and Wonder Woman ready to lock lips. And yes, their announcement also said that it’s no gimmick, this is the real deal, which sent the fanboys, fangirls, and media outlets into either outrage or praise. So let me first start off by saying this, I don’t mind it. Although I’ve never really been a fan of Superman, I always felt that his relationship with Lois felt more forced than anything. It always seemed to me that it was more used to try to ground him, make him seem more human, when in reality Superman was never meant to be that way. Sure we’d like him to be, but he’s not. Superman may believe in the human spirit, but he’s far from it. But we’ll leave that for more in depth coverage as Man of Steel gets closer.
Justice League 12 is a book that is pretty much overshadowed with the kiss, when in reality there is so much more. I’m not saying that more is good, as it was just ok in my book. The plot was simple, the League has been pretty much set up to look like a volatile group in front of the world. The villain, a former fan turned hater, feels the league is responsible for the deaths of his family and for his personal health. The story ends up being a battle of will against evil spirits, a dark vs. light, really. It’s a spiritual theme that can be found in all art forms and in life. No matter how much darkness there is, the light always stands out. The light always wins. You know the saying, “what is done in the dark will come out to the light.” But here is the thing, although the light wins, there are still consequences, and there are still ramifications. Justice League 12 ends with that hanging over there heads. They’ve been exposed. Are they the team that the world needs? What is that team exactly? Some question whether the world is worse because of them. In reality, the world is bad, no matter what. And they can save the world 1000 times over, but that doesn’t mean they can save everyone. So because of that should they stop? One of them did stop, and decided to quit because they need a scapegoat. How that is going to turn out, only time will tell.
So, what you’ve been waiting for, the kiss. Well, like I said in the beginning, I’ve always felt Lois and Clark felt more forced. And I for one always felt that the perfect pairing for Superman was Wonder Woman. With that being said, I felt this was a bit forced. I haven’t read the previous issues, so if there has been some type of hints about their relationship, then maybe it will make sense for me. But in this issue, it just felt like nothing more than a rebound. The whole reason Wonder Woman ended her relationship with her Colonel boyfriend, is because she’s Wonder Woman. It’s that whole “I can’t be with you because then my enemies will come after you to get to me.” She grew up not knowing or having any of this type of emotions. And the fact that this same person was used against them in this story, made it worse. So what you have is a lonely heartbroken Wonder Woman who realizes she has to entirely cut herself off from any human relationship. That’s tough, because all this is new to her and she embraced it. For the first time, she feels lonely. So here comes Superman to console her. If there’s anyone that can relate, it’s him. Neither of them is from this world. Neither of them is human. Superman uses his alter ego to protect those he loves. And as they share to each other the same emotions, the kiss heard around the world takes place. Well, not heard, but seen, on four pages of a comic book. And I guess that is my take on it. Am I supposed to believe that this is the real deal and not a gimmick? It just seems like two lonely people with a bunch of pent up emotions that decided to just let it all out. I feel that no matter who would’ve been there, Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, etc., all could’ve replaced Superman in some sense. I guess I don’t like the storyline that pits vulnerable heartbroken girl who kisses the first guy that “understands her.” It’s that love that lets you know that you don’t need to try to find it in man. It’s why I can’t buy the relationship just yet. Again, if there have been hints throughout the first eleven issues, then it will make sense to me, but based on these four pages, I’m sorry to say Supes, you are just a rebound. But I also realize it’s a reality. So many young girls feel that loneliness and turn to a guy to try to fill that void. Problem is, none of them will. But Christ can fill it with a love that is unconditional. A love that lifts you up, gives you strength, courage, self-esteem.
The end teasers of the book seems like DC is taking a page from Marvel, and setting up a Civil War type storyline. Hero vs. hero in the DC universe? I sure hope not. Copying storylines just reeks of desperation. Keep things fresh and new, please. And please, stick to your words and don’t let the Wonder Woman and Superman thing be a gimmick. Take advantage and build that relationship. Let it flourish and actually mean something. The world is filled enough with celebrities treating relationships and marriage like it’s a pair of underwear that you change everyday, we don’t need to see our superheroes doing the same thing.
