[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers!]
Writer: Tom King
Pencils: Joelle Jones
Summary
Thanks to the actions of The Gentle Man, Batman and Wonder Woman are trapped in another dimension fighting an endless horde of monsters. The Gentle Man is back on Earth with Selina, attempting to visit his wife to spend some time with her. However time moves differently in the other dimension and although it’s only been a few hours on Earth for Batman and Wonder Woman it’s been a long time– a very long time!
Positives
King really puts Bruce and Selina’s love to the test in this book, and the outcome was great. Trapped in the other dimension until The Gentle Man’s return Batman and Wonder Woman spend nearly 40 years fighting a horde of monsters bent on invading the Earth. Without the comfort of anyone else, it’s pretty tempting for the two to get close. However Batman reminds Wonder Woman of his love for Selina and how he misses her, and Wonder Woman soon talks about he affections for Steve Trevor. The two heroes soon find themselves sharing a laugh rather than an intimate moment and although there’s an attraction between them, their devotion to their relationships override everything else.
Negatives
I have no complaints about this book. The action is great the pacing is solid and there’s a little bit of humor as well. One thing I found funny was when Batman mentioned he misses the boys, Alfred, his dog and even Selina’s cat. I found myself laughing briefly at that especially when Wonder Woman replied that she actually has a pet kangaroo. Although we’re used to seeing our heroes so professional all the time, I love these small moments of levity between characters that show how down to earth they are.
Verdict
Batman #40 was a great read and I can’t wait for the next issue. King does a wonderful job of giving us action, dramatic moments, and a little dose comedy from beginning to end. It’s clear by the end of the book that Batman and Catwoman’s love is nearly unbreakable–if 40 years apart doesn’t prove that, I don’t know what does!
