…the news that Superman and Wonder Woman are now officially to be an “item” is just a predictably short-sided editorial move to drum up sales.

No kidding, right? What else is new.

I’m feeling more and more cynical about comics these days — at least, cynical about the mainstream ones. Whether it’s DC’s “New 52” or “Before Watchmen” or whatever “_____ War” of the month that Marvel cobbles together . . . it feels derivative, predictable, and flat to me.

The storytelling and characters are forced, lacking any real resonance for me as a reader. Which is too damn bad, because I consider myself a huge fan.

But back to the topic at hand: Superman and Wonder Woman hooking up.

*yawn*

Alan Moore had it right (that panel above is his, from the classic “For the Man Who has Everything” story). As he usually does.

I always thought the Bruce/Diana dynamic from the animated Justice League cartoon was a far more interesting choice for those two characters.

It also has a deeper resonance for the audience. In the animated DC world, Diana is the daughter of Hippolyta and Hades. She represents a bright and hopeful vision for the mortal world. And yet there is a draw to the dark side that she can’t resist.

Bruce, on the other hand, is the superhero analogue to the mythological Hades — he’s an agent of fear and darkness, not evil himself but one who has taken on the role of tending to the Underworld. He is unseen, more comfortable in the shadows than the light of day. And yet this bright figure draws him, much like Persephone brings light to her husband’s kingdom.

Or, if that analysis is a bit too pretentious and precious for you, it’s just way more moving to watch Batman and Wonder Woman learn — slowly, carefully — how to love each other.

Here’s what I mean. And I apologize in advance for the Goo Goo Dolls soundtrack….

(Actually, the song kind of works. Doesn’t it?)