SUMMARY
Wonder Woman has emerged as the heart-throb of the DC Universe, charming both heroes and villains on Valentine's Day. Diana Prince has received over sixty unwanted dates, confirming her status as the most sought-after Valentine. The unexpected confession of love from Doctor Psycho adds a dramatic twist, especially considering his past antagonism towards her.
Literature Review
DC has a new heart-throb for Valentine's Day this year, and it's not Nightwing. Wonder Woman is stealing hearts from both heroes and villains, captivating them with her charm.
WARNING: Potential Spoilers for DC's "How to Lose a Guy Gardner in 10 Days" #1!
As the Princess of Themyscira and a founding member of the Justice League, Wonder Woman has gained a new title: Rizzer Extraordinaire, taking Nightwing's place as the Ultimate Heart-Throb in the DC Universe. While Diana has always attracted admirers, this Valentine's Day she effortlessly wins over the hearts of both heroes and villains, much to her dismay.
This year's DC Valentine’s Day special, "How to Lose a Guy Gardner in 10 Days" #1, includes eight 10-page rom-com stories that explore the romantic misadventures and triumphs of beloved characters.
In the Wonder Woman-focused story, "Say Yes to the Mess" by Brendan Hay and Maria Laura Sanapo, DC clearly establishes Diana as the reigning heart-throb of the universe. Villains, heroes, and ordinary citizens create chaos in their attempts to win a date with Wonder Woman. However, Diana is unimpressed and finds herself cleaning up the mess and rescuing those in danger. Among her suitors are Guy Gardner, Poison Ivy, and Doctor Psycho. By the end of the day, Diana has received over sixty unwanted date requests, making her the most sought-after Valentine in the DC Universe.
It's a departure from the norm to see Wonder Woman in a light-hearted and whimsical tale for this holiday special, as her stories usually lean towards the serious side. Additionally, it provides a charming Valentine's Day twist to see Diana as the most sought-after Valentine, a title typically associated with Dick Grayson. However, Nightwing is not overlooked this Valentine's Day. He also receives his long-awaited Valentine's story, focusing on balancing his relationship with Batgirl and his crime-fighting duties.
"Not Even Nightwing Knows": In a surprising twist, Batgirl admits to being attracted to a shocking Gotham villain, even unbeknownst to Nightwing.
Doctor Psycho's bold declaration of love for Wonder Woman, achieved by mind-controlling a crowd to spell out "I <3 WW," is a striking narrative choice, especially considering his recent actions in Tom King's "Wonder Woman" run. Given his participation in an Anti-Wonder Woman task force and his well-documented animosity towards women and Wonder Woman, Doctor Psycho's love confession is the most surprising.
"DC's How to Lose a Guy Gardner in 10 Days" #1 is now available from DC Comics!
"DC's How to Lose a Guy Gardner in 10 Days" #1 (2024) - Story: "Say Yes to the Mess" - Writer: Brendan Hay - Artist: Maria Laura Sanapo - Colorist: Enrica Eren Angiolini - Letterer: Becca Carey - Cover Artist: Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti