Confessions of a Comic Book Guy is a weekly column by Steve Bennett of Super-Fly Comics and Games in Yellow Springs, Ohio.  This week, Bennett talks about Wonder Woman, New York Comic Con, Doctor Who and Ben 10.

Last week (see “Confessions of a Comic Book Guy--Torn From Yesterday’s Headlines”),  I wrote about how in a piece which ran on Comicosity titled: “Exclusive Interview: Greg Rucka On Queer Narrative and WONDER WOMAN,” Wonder Woman’s bisexuality was now considered canon.  This, clearly, was the major bullet point of the piece, but of at least equal importance was how Rucka says he’ll address her sexuality in the comics -- which, he admits, is something he’s still trying to figure out. But I know he's at least writing in the right direction when he revealed there would be no Very Special “Coming Out” issue of Wonder Woman.

My favorite part of the piece though was this quote from Rucka: “Our job--myself, Nicola (Scott) and Liam (Sharp)--is to serve the character.  To tell the best stories that we can possibly tell for her, and to the best of our abilities.” Which was good to hear, considering how badly served she’s been by the New 52.  Most DC characters only received a single radical revamp, Wonder Woman had to endure two.  First, there was the Xena Warrior Princess-light monster fighter who popped up in Justice League who seemed like a desperate attempt to create a more media-friendly character. Then in her own title, Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang gave us basically the Vertigo-version of the character who they saddled with an intolerable new origin then turned her into her antithesis: The God of War.  It was deftly done, but it just wasn’t Wonder Woman.

It’s gratifying DC is finally allowing her to be the character she was always meant to be.  Though it would be kind of embarrassing if they didn’t, given that 2016 is Wonder Woman’s 75th Anniversary.  Variety has published a nicely done overview of the character’s career in the piece “Wonder Woman at 75: How the Superhero Icon Inspired a Generation of Feminists” by Brent Lang, though it is, understandably, focused on the upcoming movie.  There are quotes from Trina Robbins and Gloria Steinem, but my favorite comes from Diane Nelson, president of DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. consumer products, “They key attributes of Wonder Woman that have been consistent over the years are a belief in justice, equality, wisdom, and peace.”

A lot of news came out of the New York Comic Con, but me being me, the item that interested me most appeared on the online version of the UK’s Daily Mail “Sheer darling!  Aubrey Plaza flashes bra in see-through navy top at New York Comic Con.” It intrigued me for a few reasons.  First, I had no idea that the “celebrity fashion walk” aspect of West Coast San Diego Comic-Con was now a part of New York Comic Con.  Second, I hardly think Ms. Plaza’s outfit wasn’t particularly “revealing,” especially considering some of the cosplay undoubtedly on display only a few feet away. Third, apparently one of her co-stars on the upcoming Legion (a TV series I keep forgetting is actually happening, let alone that Aubrey Plaza is in the cast) is apparently named “Amber Midthunder.” This has now become my favorite unusual actress name, beating out previous long-time winner Moon Bloodgood.

When I learned that there was going to be a superhero in this year’s upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special: The Return of Doctor Mysterio, I assumed a few things.  One, the plot would first try to convince us the character is a toy brought to life through the power of a child’s special Christmas wish but would turn out to be a scheme by The Doctor's enemies The Autons, an alien consciousness that animates plastic (seriously, that's their entire deal). Two, we should all get ready for some old-fashioned British superhero bashing.  But according to the article, “How Superman Influenced Doctor Who’s Christmas Special” that appeared on Comic Book Resources, the favorite Christmas movie (in the sense that it was shown on television at Christmas in the UK) of The Doctor himself, Peter Capaldi, was 1978's Superman. Apparently, Doctor Who showrunner David Moffat loved superheroes.  He’s quoted as saying: “I was obsessed with superheroes when I was a kid.  Mainly, what I liked was Superman, and mainly what I loved about Superman was Clark Kent. Clark Kent was awesome.  He’s amazing!  He goes around pretending he’s not a god, and not revealing to the woman he loves that he is the man she’s in love with, for her own protection. It’s the best story ever told. I love that it’s a love triangle with two people in it!  I’ve always wanted to write that story; I’ve always loved Clark Kent. Clark Kent is the best superhero ever”.

I know Moffitt is busy with Doctor Who and Sherlock, but maybe he could make some time to write a Clark Kent graphic novel. The ball's in your court, DC.

Finally, I saw the first episode of the new reboot of Ben 10 and while the Man of Action creative consortium is still listed as the show's creator, you'd hardly know it from what I saw. The premise has been reverse engineered to appeal strictly to Cartoon Network's demographic of 2-11-year-old boys and mildly annoy everyone else.

It looks, sounds, and feels like any other goofy CN comedies and features cheesy animation, uninspired stupid jokes, and designs which have been so simplified Uncle Max now looks he would be perfectly at home on Fred Flintstone's bowling team.  It is, happily, only 10 minutes and 51 seconds long.

The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.