The first issue of this series explored the dynamic between Superman and Wonder Woman, how they shared a number of traits in common, not the least of which was ability. Here, Wagner delves into the interaction between the Amazon Princess and the Dark Knight, and it makes for a much different element in the story. Again, Wagner combines traditional super-hero team-up storytelling with a more refined level of characterization, and his artwork captures the larger-than-life feel of these archetypal heroes.
Superman and Wonder Woman seek out the Batman, as the Purge -- led by the Dark Knight's enemy, Ra's Al Ghul -- has stolen a Soviet sub, and its complement of nuclear missiles. The Batman knows that his city is threatened, as is the entire planet, and he doesn't have time to incorporate two new allies into his methology and planning, and personalities -- specially, his and Wonder Woman's -- quickly come into conflict. Meanwhile, the details of Ra's Al Ghul's plans unfold, and Wonder Woman, believing herself powerful enough to handle them, makes the mistake of trying to face the villain alone.
The first issue opened in Metropolis, and it was a celebration of the gleaming architectural achievement. Here, Wagner opens the story in Gotham, and it makes for a stark contrast. It is a dark place, and the action unfolds not out in the open, but in a dirty, secluded building. When this series collected (I assume DC will give this worthy material the trade paperback treatment, perhaps even a hardcover), it will make for a striking shift in setting as compared to the first chapter. The artwork in general is quite strong. Wagner presents the notion of Wonder Woman as a prisoner as a powerfully painful moment, reinforcing that it's a more devastating emotionally than physically for the character. And the Batman's intensity and anger shines through clearly in the artwork as well.
Many writers have explored Wonder Woman in recent years as a study in contrasts, as a warrior and a peacemaker wrapped up in one tidy package. Wagner doesn't really delve into the warrior side of the character so much here, and I think I know the reasons why. On the one hand, we have Diana, the evil Amazon, in the story, and she represents that side of Wonder Woman's culture. Furthermore, I think one of the reasons Wonder Woman is so easily offended by the Batman is that she recognizes a part of herself in him, a part she's not so quick embrace, not yet anyway.
Though there are such strong elements of characterization, at its heart, this story is meant as a fun super-hero romp. Though there's plenty here for more discerning readers, the book is still appropriate for younger readers. It's accessible and energetic, celebrating the conventions of the genre without portraying them as silly.
