Questioning The Gods: What’s The Appeal of A Superman & Wonder Woman Romance?

October 25, 2012 By Marcell 8 comments

Superman & Wonder Woman

As we all now know, DC has made the romantic relationship of Superman & Wonder Woman canon in the “New 52″, but this doesn’t really sit well with me.

Now don’t get me wrong, I understand why people may like the pairing, “World’s strongest man with World’s strongest woman” and all that, but them being together always kind of rubbed me the wrong way.

I think my main problem with them being together is the exact reason people like them together “Strongest man with strongest woman.” The two are basically Gods in their own right, HELL Wonder Woman gets her ability from the Greek Pantheon. I think of it as if I was a person in the DC Universe, i would think that one day they would eventually think they could rule since there would be virtually no one to stop them. A stupid idea I know, but it’s not all that impossible, even though story was pretty bad, Frank Miller loosely explored the idea in his “The Dark Knight Strikes Again” story, Superman and Wonder Woman are together and have a daughter, both of them asking Clark why doesn’t he just rule over the humans since they view them as “weak”, and by the end of the story he agrees to do so. This goes against both Clark and Dianna’s character traits, but as we all know in Superhero comics, heroes can always be brainwashed or “lose their way”, so the idea itself is not impossible, per say. I;m going to move on to who i feel these characters should be with.

Lois Lane is and will always be the perfect fit for Superman, seeing as Lois is one of the best mankind has to offer. She’s smart, witty, kind, beautiful, never compromises her morals, and will always seek the truth. Clark depends on Lois to keep him in touch with his human side and remind why he does the things he does. Being the focus of a whole world’s praise and admiration constantly, it can be overwhelming, and it can get to your head, even Superman’s, but Lois keeps him humble, yes she will praise him, but she will also get him to realize that he is not better than the masses. He is human, at heart and Lois being with him lets us know this. She keeps him grounded and when your husband is a man who can literally fly, this is an important ability. The bond that they share is something that stands the test of time, and is one of those mainstays in comics that should not be uprooted in my opinion.

Wonder Woman is another matter, she has always been a strong woman obviously, and really doesn’t need a man to really complete her or validate her existence. But if I had to choose anyone to be with Princess Dianna, I would honestly say her perfect or near perfect fit would be Batman. Bruce Wayne is a tortured soul, and sure he may have Catwoman and others, something about Dianna makes her a better fit, perhaps it’s her role as the paragon of truth and kindness, or their undeniable chemistry together. I may be making this assumption because of the Justice League television show, but I still can’t shake it. It goes back to Superman & Lois, “A God with a mortal” scenario. Even in the Blackest Night, Woman Woman is able to become a Star Sapphire partly because of her unrequited love for Bruce. And while Batman may never admit it, He knows that Dianna would be one of the few women that he would possibly hang the Cape & Cowl up for. But knowing Bruce he would most likely never do it.

Based on how these characters are and their histories, I don’t think they would actually be a good fit together. For elseworlds stories sure, but not in the main universe. Especially when there are others way better suited for those roles (Lois & Batman). But that’s just my 2 cents.

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S#*! TALKING CENTRAL

Just a geek

With his history of dysfunctional relationships, I’d say Batman isn’t a suitable match for anyone. Sexy and attractive? Sure, but ever since Crisis on Infinite Earths the take on Batman is that all his relationships eventually go sour.

A lot has been made about how Batman’s this dark, brooding loner that women automatically lust after and desire. I understand why a lot of people might like it, but to me it reminds me too much of the a-hole guys who disrespect women and then expect the women to come after them. Not saying that Batman is an a-hole… okay, he can be a jerk quite often, but there’s something pleasing, too, about a story when a nice guy like Steve Trevor (traditionally; in this case Superman) is honest and straightforward about his intentions with the lady he likes.

If you compare Justice League #12 and #13 to the Justice League cartoon, one of them feels like a relationship most people can understand and attest to, in which there’s awkwardness to overcome, people have to talk things out, and in the end they have to find a way to earn the other person’s trust. I thought the cartoon was too much like wish fulfillment: I’m this awesome guy whom all the men are afraid to confront and the resident hottie therefore digs me. Wish fulfillment can be fun (after all, that’s what superhero stories are all about), but overall I thought the cartoon and that Blackest Night story ended up underdeveloping why Wonder Woman would be so persistent to be with Batman other than the fact that he’s Batman and therefore he’s cool.

Anyway, I respect your opinion. For all we know, the Superman and Wonder Woman story might end up sucking, but after two issues I find it working on a level that the cartoon never reached. And I’m guilty of wishing I were Batman plenty of times, too.
comicfan

The appeal is that it is not the typical civilain/hero troupe that you
would find with many other heroes. A woman who offers many other
challenges to him and he does not have to save her being a most
intersting aspect as well as their different povs. They have always been
close even in old canon and do share the same way of thinking and this
new Clark is way more fiesty than the old vanilla one. Makes them an
even more interesting team up/ chemistry. The person you claim for Diana
is batfanboyish fantasy that does not remotely consider WW. The cartoon was pure wishfulfillment and WW’s
role was akin to a dizzy girl crushing on a man who disses her over and
over. For her to even be with him, you’d have to ignore her powerset and
who she is and what she stands for. WW is not here to be Batman’s
therapist. Unlike Batman who treats his feelings for WW as a bother,
Superman treats with real respect. The idea women, even Wonder Women
wants a badboy is terribly cliche.
moonstar

This is such a contradictory piece.First off you say WW is from a Pantheon of Gods and that’s why she is not suitablefor Superman but she’s somehow perfect for the street level world of Batman? The woman is a demi goddess now and would kick many of Batman’s foes asses. Lois keeps Superman humble? How bizarre. Go pick up some Superman material starting from Siegal and Schuster to Maggin to new Action Comics. Clark Kent was humble and grounded long before he met Lois.And he has a social consciene hence why he does what he does..both in the newsroom and as Superman. This article sounds like fanfiction than someone who actually reads Superman and Wonder Woman and undertsands them, what they stand for etc.
Patrick

I could not disagree more. First off the fact that they are the strongest woman and man is in part reason enough to pair the two. In a world where we as humans struggle with gender roles throughout the world, it would be a refreshing site to see two of the most iconic heroes as EQUAL partners. There is no way Lois Lane or a Steve Trevor could ever fill that role as she could not be seen as the physical equal of Superman

The idea of Superman and/or Wonder Woman perhaps someday seeking to rule the world and the restraint they show in that regard is part of what makes what makes them uniquely special 9ths again equal). Superman and Wonder Woman are like gods and also may struggle with human temptations to abuse their power. Like in the example above, living in a world where people abuse their power (wealth, influence , status, etc…) Superman and Wonder Woman can serve as a model for how to respect people –even those weaker than you – and live a life of service to them given the responsibility that having their awesome powers. Again Lois could not be a party to that kind of situation or ever relate to that. Imagine Lois lecturing Superman on why he should not rob a bank…easy for Lois to say because she can’t. In the case of Wonder Woman in the same situation the ability to relate and therefore connect to the situation would make that discussion more powerful.

I totally disagree that Lois Lane is the “perfect fit” for Superman. Your assertion that she is “smart, witty, kind, beautiful, never compromises her morals, and will always seek the truth” can easily be applied to a certain Amazon warrior. But let’s look at the darker side of Lois. Lois can also be described as a bit reckless in her work often putting herself in danger. What happens if Superman has to choose between saving Lois Lane and another person/group of people. Choosing to save Lois would expose an act of selfishness (making him human which is a bad thing that I will explain below). In addition, Lois “creates” a weakness for the Man of Steel by becoming a defenseless target that his enemies can use to sway Superman’s behavior. Plus Lois has not exactly looked kindly upon those who she thinks are not as “strong” (in a general sense) as she…specifically how she ignores Clark Kent. She seems content to be the high school cheerleader who has scored with the star quarterback, and does not notice the loyal “friend” … That is EXACTLY the kind of message I don’t think is very positive. It suggests that women should seek “saviors” and that weak nerds should stay in the background and be content to be a buddy. Finally, having Lois help him “… realize that he is not better than the masses. He is human, at heart…” is a terrible thing. HE IS better than the masses. The fact that he has not taken over the world makes him and Wonder Woman a heck of a lot better than me. The worst thing that Superman could be is human. He IS stronger, faster and much more powerful than a human and therefore must also be wiser. Could Batman and Wonder Woman make a good couple…maybe…but then I would have to write an essay on why Catwoman is a better partner for him… and for similar reasons, two people with similar ability, roles in society and complimentary personalities. Superman and Wonder Woman is a pairing whose time has come and hopefully if written well could become the most iconic comic pairing of all time…even surpassing Lois and Clark.
Patrick

I could not disagree more. First off the fact that they are the strongest woman and man is in part reason enough to pair the two. In a world where we as humans struggle with gender roles throughout the world, it would be a refreshing site to see two of the most iconic heroes as EQUAL partners. There is no way Lois Lane or a Steve Trevor could ever fill that role as she could not be seen as the physical equal of Superman

The idea of Superman and/or Wonder Woman perhaps someday seeking to rule the world and the restraint they show in that regard is part of what makes what makes them uniquely special 9ths again equal). Superman and Wonder Woman are like gods and also may struggle with human temptations to abuse their power. Like in the example above, living in a world where people abuse their power (wealth, influence , status, etc…) Superman and Wonder Woman can serve as a model for how to respect people –even those weaker than you – and live a life of service to them given the responsibility that having their awesome powers. Again Lois could not be a party to that kind of situation or ever relate to that. Imagine Lois lecturing Superman on why he should not rob a bank…easy for Lois to say because she can’t. In the case of Wonder Woman in the same situation the ability to relate and therefore connect to the situation would make that discussion more powerful.

I totally disagree that Lois Lane is the “perfect fit” for Superman. Your assertion that she is “smart, witty, kind, beautiful, never compromises her morals, and will always seek the truth” can easily be applied to a certain Amazon warrior. But let’s look at the darker side of Lois. Lois can also be described as a bit reckless in her work often putting herself in danger. What happens if Superman has to choose between saving Lois Lane and another person/group of people. Choosing to save Lois would expose an act of selfishness (making him human which is a bad thing that I will explain below). In addition, Lois “creates” a weakness for the Man of Steel by becoming a defenseless target that his enemies can use to sway Superman’s behavior. Plus Lois has not exactly looked kindly upon those who she thinks are not as “strong” (in a general sense) as she…specifically how she ignores Clark Kent. She seems content to be the high school cheerleader who has scored with the star quarterback, and does not notice the loyal “friend” … That is EXACTLY the kind of message I don’t think is very positive. It suggests that women should seek “saviors” and that weak nerds should stay in the background and be content to be a buddy. Finally, having Lois help him “… realize that he is not better than the masses. He is human, at heart…” is a terrible thing. HE IS better than the masses. The fact that he has not taken over the world makes him and Wonder Woman a heck of a lot better than me. The worst thing that Superman could be is human. He IS stronger, faster and much more powerful than a human and therefore must also be wiser. Could Batman and Wonder Woman make a good couple…maybe…but then I would have to write an essay on why Catwoman is a better partner for him… and for similar reasons, two people with similar ability, roles in society and complimentary personalities. Superman and Wonder Woman is a pairing whose time has come and hopefully if written well could become the most iconic comic pairing of all time…even surpassing Lois and Clark.
ww

I think Wonder Woman should be with Batman. The appeal in that is the contrast. Batman is the ying, and Wonder Woman is the yang. Together they complete one another. Wonder Woman can become Batman’s light, and Batman can show Wonder Woman what humanity truly is. The dark strength of humanity, along with all of its vulnerabilities. Yet despite all these differences, they share a common code, and a general urge to make the world a better place.

A Superman and Wonder Woman pairing is kind of mundane. They are so similar it’s like a brother marrying his sister. It sits wrong with me. It doesn’t add to the story. There is no complexity, no real story or deeper symbolic meaning that can be drawn from it. It’s such a simple minded pairing really.
oxbowarcher

superman could break lois just as easily as diana can break batman. They need to be with someone tshey can cut loose in if its going to be a real relationship! I know lois and clark will end up together eventually but for now, it’s nice to see superman able to be with someone like himself for a change!
PallasBrenna

I have never understood the Superman/Lois Lane dysfunctional relationship. The man had to compulsively lie and pretend. When Lois is in a group of people that needs rescuing, who does Supe help first? It’s wrong! With Lois constantly in danger, she becomes more of a nuisance rather than an outstanding character. This is why superheroes should never ever have a romantic relationship with “the help.” As for the brainwashing scenario, it seems Superman is more susceptible than Wonder Woman, so she could always put him in place with her truth lasso. I concur with the poster who stated that the time has come for a Clark/Diana relationship. Hope the writers do them justice because the possibilities of their unification are endless.