Batman on the other hand remains as popular (if not more so) then ever. Even with Dick taking up the mantle, the Batman franchise continues to attract new readers while at the same time keeping its old ones. Both recent Batman films were hugely successful and a third film is all but guaranteed. So I feel confident in saying that Batman's position in the Big Three will remain as such for quite some time. So what is it about the other two that has them falling out of the top position? I am a vocal Wonder Woman fan but even I can admit that her story arcs (including the recent Blackest Night three issue mini) are not bringing in new readers. The art is good, the writing is good, but it is still missing something. One problem Wonder Woman has is the lack of a decent Rogues Gallery. A hero is only as good as their villains, and Wonder Woman's villains are pathetic. Especially when compared to the likes of the Joker, Darkseid, Lex Luthor, Deathstroke, etc etc.
Another problem she may have is in her own series she is often isolated. Her villains seldom, if ever, crossover to battle other heroes in other titles ( Justice League of Americabeing one of the exceptions). They have little to no exposure. I also believe the whole "Greek mythology" helps hold her back as a character. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Greek Mythology, but I do not believe everyone feels the same way. There are only so many Greek Gods you can turn into villains and even then, you can not have Wonder Woman battling them every issue. So what happens is, a new super powered character is created for the soul purpose of challenging Wonder Woman. They have little to no back story and after being killed or defeated, we never see them again. Genocide comes to mind here. What about basis? Superman has the Fortress of Solitude and Batman the Batcave. But what does Wonder Woman have? An apartment in Washington D.C.? No real use of technology or gadgets. Just some rope and occasionally a sword and a shield. Pretty basic. She's not really a martial artists, which usually helps bring in fans, and she's never really been shown as a methodical tactician. All these elements put together equal a character who most people recognize, but few care about.
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