Superman/Wonder Woman #15 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Doug Mahnke and Ed Benes
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 14, 2014

God of Something

I'm a big fan of Peter J. Tomasi and Doug Mahnke and I love Superman/Wonder Women so you'd think when they took over this book from the departing Charles Soule and Tony S. Daniel, things would at least stay as good.  So far, that thinking is far from correct.  Because of my respect for Tomasi and Mahnke, I have given them the benefit of the doubt, but that ends here.  This issue continues the myriad of problems plaguing this book and even adds a few more to the checklist.  I'm still holding out hope that it's just a matter of a creative team finding their footing, but my doubts are getting stronger.  In fact, after this issue I'm straight up worried.



This issue continues the Magog story by opening with a little origin flashback.  I like how it ties into the very beginnings of the New 52, but that's about all I liked.  The origin ruined the mystery of Magog by holding the reader's hand and force feeding his plight to us.  Tomasi can try all he wants, but I don't like this Magog.  Not just as a villain, but as a character in general.

I can get over my dislike of Magog, but what Tomasi is doing to Wonder Woman is unforgivable.  Wonder Woman is one of my favorite characters so it's hard to watch as Tomasi turns her into a blood thirsty war monger.  While Superman comes off as the boy scout wiling to sacrifice himself to save anyone and everyone, Wonder Woman could care less about collateral damage in her quest for vengeance.  The worst part is that she seems proud of it.

The whole issue boils down to a battle between our heroes and Magog and ends with a cliffhanger promising more of the same.  I am not looking forward to next issue at all.  I understand that Tomasi needs to make his own mark on this book, but this isn't the way I thought he'd go about it.  Like I said in my introduction, I'm really worried about this book and if it doesn't improve quickly I may have to drop it.  I read comics to enjoy myself, not get enraged.

If only I could just enjoy Doug Mahnke's art, maybe it wouldn't be so painful.  In the first couple of issues, Mahnke's art wasn't up to par, but this issue looks really good.  Unfortunately, Ed Benes jumps in half way and everything comes to a screeching halt.  I am not a fan of multiple artists, but at least make it as seamless as possible.  This issue switches mid-fight and hopes nobody noticed.  Believe me, everyone noticed.  It makes for a jarring transition all the worse because it looks like Benes just mailed this one in.

Bits and Pieces:

What happened to one of my favorite books?  After only a few issues, Peter J. Tomasi has made it almost unrecognizable.  What he has done to Wonder Woman is atrocious, confusing blind blood lust with strength.  If it continues down this path, I don't see any reason for it to exist.

3.5/10