Superman/Wonder Woman #5 Review

By Harrison Rawdin on Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

With yet another Kryptonian threat arriving on Earth, can an Amazon and the Man of Steel save us? Should you really care? Read on to find out.

The official description from DC:

Faora has joined Zod – and now, Earth must kneel before their combined might! Even Superman and Wonder Woman can’t stop their plan for the Phantom Zone!

What’s impressed me so far is that this title, when it was first launched, felt like a forced extension of two successful franchises, but has managed to become something more. This is a book that deals with a somewhat divisive wrinkle in the New 52, and depending on how you feel about these two icons being together may very well decide if you’re on-board with this crossover. Still the creative team brings something that’s more than worthwhile in its own right, even as we enter its fifth outing.

“Reflections” is an appropriate name for this latest release, as Charles Soule gives his audience another well-balanced script. He gives both of our primary characters enough spotlight to not upset their fans while forming a foundation that makes this relationship even more believable. Diana returns to her home seeking familial ties in order to help her move forward while Kal-El deals with a growing threat from the Phonatom Zone. And through it all the scribe keeps a strong handle on what counts: the core mechanics of each player and the crystal clear facts that brought them together in the first place.

Tony S. Daniel handles the art, and his soft but detailed touch offers a beautiful vision that at times seems a bit at odds with some of the plot elements. But the talent, when called upon, handles the action with a level of grace that instantly garnered my attention and praise. He has a striking grasp on both of these unique individuals, while he creates a subtle visual language for Faora and Zod. In short: the illustrations match then elevate the text!