Quote Originally Posted by MuhollandDriver View Post
Sure, seeing her drop ten spots on the chart was a bit surprising, but I am going to wait until the numbers are released. Heck, I am going to wait until this run is over to form solid judgements on its overall success.

Wonder Woman's title is still beating most A-list male solos at Marvel. She is still the top-selling female title. Some are asking fans of the run what they will say if the series turns into a sales flop. Fair enough question. However, what if it doesn't? What questions should we be asking then?

Also, we should all define what a sales success is, because it can mean many things.

On one hand, it does irk me that Flash, Superman, and even Aquaman can remain in the top 10 and Wonder Woman currently isn't. Granted, Geoff Johns may be a big reason for Aquaman.

There are few characters or teams, even A-listers, who can really stay in the top 10 or even top 20 for long periods without big creative teams. X-Men, Avengers, Spiderman, Justice League and Batman may be it. Superman has had slumpy periods. Hulk, who is a big Marvel A-Lister, was relaunched around the same time as Wonder Woman and currently places at #36 on the chart. Captain America is right before him at #35. Wolverine is #42. Thor, renumbered a year ago, is now at #53. Iron Man is way down at #63. All of those are considered top characters at Marvel, and their sales are not always high.

I think it is wise not to compare Wonder Woman to Batman. Overall, even Superman might not live up to Batman saleswise. If Wonder Woman stays in the top 30 or even top 40 for the duration of this run, I will consider it a pretty good success saleswise. Many people slammed The Odyssey. I wasn't a fan of the story, but it did sell better than previous runs, especially the hardcover.

I am still not totally comfortable with the change with the Amazons, but I believe there is plenty in the current run that future creative teams can take and build upon. That can only help the future of the title both creatively and financially.

Azzarello's take could surely be salvaged if proper steps were taken. They won't be though, because DC has intentionally alienated Wonder Woman's core readers and they wouldn't renege on that. Dan Didio is still in charge after all, and Azzarello's run is the culmination of his plans.