In the recent years DC comics has gone on and on several times about their 'Big Three'. Those three being Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. These three are touted as the cornerstones of the DC. There was even a recent weekly series (Trinity by Kurt Busiek) covering how absolutely essential they are to the fabric of the DC universe. The problem is that I just don't buy it. No matter how many times they say it, I do not see Wonder Woman being on the same level as Batman and Superman.
I'm willing to admit Wonder Woman is entertaining. I can even admit to buying the book during Amazon's Attack, and I continued to buy it. Princess Diane has a fascinating story and origin and I think she can make sense as a mythology/ magic hero next to Bruce Wayne as a technology hero and Clark Kent as a science hero. I can easily see the symbolism and the convenience of a female presence showing the opportunity to empower young female readers as well as male.
The biggest proof of these point is purely in the titles. At most given times Batman will have at least 4 titles (at this time 'Batman', 'Batman and Robin', 'Batman: Streets of Gotham', 'Batman Confidential' and "Detective Comics') along with any mini series (currently 'Batman: Widening Gyre'). Superman is generally in the same boat with ongoing (Currently, Superman, Action Comics) and limited ('Superman: New Krypton', 'New Krypton's Last Stand') series. Not to mention Superman's big event 'War of the Supermen' on the horizon. Wonder Woman has been featured in other books since her debut in 1941, she's had membership in the Justice Society of America (As a secretary to start) and in the current continuity is a founding member of the Justice League of America, but she hasn't had more than one ongoing title.
The reason for this is simple. Wonder Woman isn't as popular as the other two. This is reflected in comics and in the movies. Warner Brothers has understandably put a lot behind the supposed reboot that will come with a new Superman movie, and the recent press release with Christopher Nolan made every fanboys dreams of another Christian Bake Batman come true. Meanwhile the talks of a Wonder Woman remains in movie limbo.
Now this isn't to say Wonder Woman isn't a good read. Since taking over the title Gail Simone has taken us readers through all the roles Princess Diane holds in her life. New villains have been developed and even after being around for nearly 70 years it even feels like she's matured in that time. However that doesn't mean she earns a place at the top of the DC mountain more than the Flash or Green Lantern.
While it may be convenient to have Wonder Woman standing shoulder to shoulder with the worlds greatest detective and the big blue boy scout, its a lie.
Comments
bsokol Thu, Mar 4th, 2010 at 10:09 AM I totally agree with this, and I've always assumed that Wonder Woman was only there because she was a woman. I think she may be the strongest female character DC has, but still not at the level of Batman and Superman. If they really needed Wonder Woman to be the third pillar, then they should have elevated her character through good stories to put her at Batman and Superman's level, instead of just telling us we have to accept it. If they did try this, then they didn't do a very good job.
Unshaven Kyle Fri, Mar 5th, 2010 at 11:22 PM
A funny note, Wonder Woman was not part of the original DC big three. Back in the 70
s Aquaman was pushed as the third biggest hero making up DC. I think Wonder Woman is a better pick than him, and I Gail Simone does have her going in good directions but she isn't there yet.
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