More on DC's New 52, Wonder Woman and other Issue 2s
I was linked by @preciousthings on Twitter to this great article which introduced me to comicbookGRRRL. Here, she blogs about the criticism that female bloggers receive when tackling issues to do with women on any geeky subject, and why blogging about comics is important to her. From there I also found her massive "Women in New 52" review which I enjoyed because she had some refreshingly different opinions on some of the comics than I've read elsewhere. In particular, her discussion of the bits she liked about the new Catwoman comic (such as the way the expression of Selena's personality through action, and especially her friend/fence Lola) and her later comparison between how sexuality is portrayed in Catwoman vs. how it is portrayed with Starfire in Red Hood and the Outlaws. She also loved some comics I hated, was indifferent to some I really liked, and so on. Good stuff!
Which reminded me that I have forgotten to update reviews on the other #2s I have read in the last two weeks. Ooops!
So last week I picked up Wonder Woman #2, Nightwing #2 and Blue Beetle #2. I did NOT pick up Birds of Prey, Supergirl, Justice League, Catwoman or Red Hood and the Outlaws. The only two I am now feeling regretful hmms about at Catwoman and Birds of Prey – BoP continues to not be about Oracle and apparently I can't get over that, which is a shame because it's a fine if not spectacularly interesting team book; I've since read some far better Catwoman graphic novels than the new series thanks to Wolverina, but ComicbookGRRRL reminded me of what I liked about this Catwoman. So I may pick either of both of those up at another date. Supergirl #1 was bland so until I see a cover in which the teenage girl is not wearing a skeevy outfit, I will pass. Justice League continues to not have Wonder Woman in it for a second issue, apparently. (no girls for you!) And while I was glad to hear Flash was quite good in it, apparently I still have issues about Barry Allen not being Wally West, because his solo title put me to sleep.
Red Hood & the Outlaws with its sarcastic amnesia, or whatever, can bite me.
Some spoilers for the comics I have actually read, Wonder Woman #2, Nightwing #2 and Blue Beetle #2, beneath. I'll follow up talking about today's haul later in the week.
I continue to be surprised that I quite like Nightwing, despite the meh beginning. It's still not brilliant, and how are we talking about female characters not being relatable enough when Dick has access to Daddy's jet any time he wants? But I'm quite liking the development about the circus, and the mystery aspect, and not bored yet. Meanwhile, Blue Beetle continues to have funny, actiony goodness as he bonds with his scary suit. I am pleased to see the development of the girls who are his friends. I know so little about Hispanic culture and am enjoying the extra dimension that Jaime's community brings to the comic.
The new Wonder Woman continues to be good. Like, really good. I'm enjoying the storyline about the girl that Zeus has impregnated and damn it, I can see where the "he's your father" theme fits so beautifully into the story. Though I choose to believe it's a massive hoax that Discord is playing on Diana. And in turn, us. Which would actually be awesome. The girl whose name I can't remember is sharp and funny and I love the whole 'what form did Zeus take to seduce you' 'A Truck Driver' riff.
I am liking the portrayals of Hera and Discord very much, and I have to say that if the 'Who's Your Daddy' storyline means that a fabulous Hera gets to be Diana's nemesis, then I'm feeling a bit better about it. Even if it does pull us more closely into Hercules the Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess territory. Hera's sweep of peacock feathers is glorious. And SPEAKING OF XENA, there is a stick fighting scene that comes straight out of a very specific Season 2 Amazon episode. Not that I mind. There are actually a lot of comparisons between Xena and this comic, in a good way.
This run won't last, because there are Plans Afoot and that guy who took over my broken Justice League in the 90′s and made it so that Wonder Woman got to be the Only Girl in the Treehouse after a decade of a more gender-balanced team is apparently taking over next year and making her sexy again. You may know him as Grant Morrison.
I'm sarcastic and skeptical about this because come on, it's a comic book creator talking about how to make Wonder Woman sexual, and making the obligatory mention of William Marston Moulton's bondage fetish into the bargain (so OVER people acting like that's the only thing of note in her fun, feisty early years as a character). And, you know, the only comics of his I've read have been boring boy's clubs. But he does get bonus points for actually researching feminism to prepare for the job (though to be honest checking out half a dozen feminist comics blogs would possibly be more helpful in this than Simone De Beauvoir) and I think he has a very valid point that Wonder Woman has basically been treated like a nun in recent decades. A nun that dresses like a stripper, sure, but I think he is absolutely right that there has been a discomfort with writers (and fans?) about allowing Diana to have any kind of sexual life or attitude.
On the other hand… there's a reason why feminist comics fans tend to freak out a bit when people suggest that a character needs a bit more sex. There really is. And it doesn't matter how good the writing is (though it helps) the art is a major factor, too. And I can't help thinking that adding sexuality to her storylines would be a lot less problematic if she was allowed to wear a few more items of clothing. Or bra-straps. I am enjoying the current art, and I like very much that what she is doing is prioritised over her prettiness, especially on the covers. Hopefully we get to keep the artist longer than the writer?
