SUPERMAN/ WONDER WOMAN #4 by Charles Soule, Tony Daniel, and Paulo Siqueira
Another month brings us another installment of this fantastic series. Charles Soule's pinpoint characterization is spot on in this issue and it hits you right from the start. On page two you get a wonderful conversation in which Superman explains to his Amazonian love just why he feels the need for a secret identity and a life away from the cape. If you're someone that has asked "why not be a Big Blue God 24/ 7?", then this is one conversation you can't miss.
Zod emerges as the tremendous threat we all knew he would be. As usual, he's a hero in his own mind and takes advantage of Superman's ignorance of Kryptonian culture and technology. What he does is for his lady, Faora, but there could be a grand scheme at play. The tension between Zod and Kal-El quickly escalates and the action is presented sublimely by the mighty Tony Daniel. The looming mystery that is Doomsday is also addressed and will make you wonder what's to come with that jagged-boned bruiser.
This issue also features a back up story written by Soule and illustrated by Paulo Siqueira, who does a rather nice job and the transition of artists will not jar you. This co-feature deals with how the world reacts now that Superman and Wonder Woman's relationship is now public knowledge. You will see how Flash, Green Lantern, Batman, the mass media, and even Lex Luthor handle the news. Lex's conversation with a corrections officer that tells him Superman and Wonder Woman are "doin' it" is priceless. Clark spends some time at Cat Grant's party as another mystery is presented in this book: just who provided her with the information of the power couple's romantic activities? Meanwhile, Diana spends time with her sister, Hessia, to let off some steam and gives an inspiring speech to a group of young female martial artists.
Walker, Texas Ranger's "Kick Drugs Out of America" program couldn't have said it any better. I also really liked how Siqueira drew a casually dressed Diana.
Even though this issue unexpectedly featured two stories, I assure you that one is just as good as the other. When
Man of Steel 2 hits theaters in 2015, I believe the trade paperback for this book will get a strong push. Not only because it features the first film's villains (Zod and Faora) and one that is likely to appear in the second (Doomsday), but because it's such an enjoyable read. Uninitiated audiences would be hard pressed to find a better primer. That doesn't mean YOU should wait for the trade.
Score: 9/10
In case you missed my interviews with comic book writers this week, I will link them below.
Charles Soule
John Layman