By Hunter Patrick
At least the art looks good. We are now at the penultimate issue of Liam Sharp’s Wonder Woman follow-up with Batman. The two deals with Celtic mythology. Wonder Woman is chosen while Gotham gets invaded and thus the two heroes team up. Out of the Trinity, Batman and Wonder Woman have the least amount of a relationship, and so the premise of these two together is strong. Do not get it wrong though; this is mainly a Wonder Woman story… at first. Where we are now being full-on Celtic mythology. The title of the book is a mislead, and for that, it worsens the book. It is expected to be an awesome team-up between the two characters. This issue balances between the mythology and the titular heroes, but it still may draw people out. If someone bought the first four issues, then, of course, this issue is a necessity. Not the best one, but still gorgeous.
Liam Sharp is a phenomenal artist, no doubt about that. As for a writer, he is not as strong, but still good. His portrayal of Batman and Wonder Woman is something that the book does not seem to care about, especially this issue. This is an improvement over the last for their relationship, and still too little. Sharp wants to spread the Celtic mythology that the characters easily get overshadowed by a much lesser plot. Sure, the plot is supposed to be the main focus, but in this case, it should not be. The potential is rich, the execution for the pacing and plotting are not as much.
This is a Liam Sharp comic, which ensures (if looked at the previous art by Sharp) the art is to a very strong wonder to behold. The art is gorgeous. A highlight of the previous issues is all the cool designs Sharp made for this issue. Unfortunately, there are not any cover layouts we have not already seen. The progress for new and innovative artwork has taken a break from this issue. If you skipped directly to this issue instead of the previous four then maybe you will be amazed, but this does not issue one or two, this is issue five. But do not worry, the artwork is still gorgeous like the previous issues in this series.
This is not a jumping on point. Each issue continues where the last left off and does not build upon the last. It is more of a continuation. I read the last few issues, you better just continue it. It is not like it is worth stopping or is a must continue no matter what. Just complete it. If having not read any past issue you can catch up, but it is best to get them to look at the art and not to read. Besides the art at this point is not the greatest. There are so many other things too but if interested in writing or plotting, even for characters. Come as you may, stay for the art. No other reason to stay.
Score: 3/5
The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman #5
DC Comics