Written by: Greg Rucka
Art by: Liam Sharp & Laura Martin
Publisher: DC Comics
Greg Rucka has a grasp on Wonder Woman like no one else that has written her. This isn’t to say there aren’t other great runs on the character (there are), but Rucka brings a sense of gravitas and humanism to her that isn’t easily captured. She may be a warrior, but that’s not what makes her interesting. The same is true of her relationship to Greco-Roman mythology. Obviously, these are important. But there’s an air to Diana whenever Rucka writes her that sets his work apart from other runs. More importantly, it makes her feel unique amongst superheroes. She’s inspiring, optimistic, and perhaps even more of an inspiration than Superman. Despite all of that, she feels grounded – as if she could be a real person..
Greg Rucka is the reason that Wonder Woman is my favorite superhero.
So yeah, it’s a bummer that when I sit down to read an issue of Wonder Woman, the titular character is present for less than half of the issue.
In a sense, this isn’t a real critique of the book. Of course Rucka has to spend time fleshing out the supporting cast. In the time he spends with Steve Trevor and Etta Candy, he certainly makes room to characterize Diana. The way the supporting cast views her may be a more powerful tool of characterization than seeing her illustrate her virtues. I relished those moments, because, in all honesty, the supporting cast just isn’t doing all that much for me right now. Cheetah is an exception, though I’m not sure she really counts as “supporting cast.” I should also note that they’re far more interesting here than they were in the book’s first issue, so there are signs of improvement, at the very least.
I don’t want to come across as too negative, because none of it is actually bad. The dialogue is really well handled, despite this being the most exposition heavy issue of the series. Certainly, it has more to do with my expectations than the actual quality of the writing, but my overall enjoyment was diminished regardless. Once all of the characters start to come together, which is soon to come, I’m pretty sure I’ll appreciate the supporting cast a lot more. Outside of Cheetah, because Rucka has handled Cheetah exceptionally well.
Despite the detours from Diana, I’m still on board with where the plot is going. There’s a brief reminder in this issue of the overarching plot of the series, which still excites me. Also present are revelations and swerves, which raise more questions about where the story is going. It’s been great so far, so I’m looking forward to those questions being answered over the course of the run.
Visually, the book is just as good as it’s always been. Whenever we see Wonder Woman; be it in pictures, holograms, or the middle of the jungle; she exerts a sense of transcendence. Laura Martin’s colors are essential in communicating this element of the art. The color pallet she employs for Diana is brighter than everything going on around her, creating a powerful contrast. The way Liam Sharp draws her is also quite important. Her body language is always triumphant, and her facial expressions less grim than everything else in the book. Again, the contrast between Diana and the rest of the characters, who seem more downtrodden, is quite powerful.
In general, of course, the book just looks beautiful, despite an overall darker color pallet. Sharp seems to be in his element drawing some of the less human elements of this book. Perhaps this is just me being tired of seeing humans, but his designs are really neat. I’m also a sucker for artists that are willing to do fun things with page layouts. There’s a particular page in this book that involves a cage that I especially loved. You’ll know what I’m talking when you read the book.
This should surprise no one, but Wonder Woman is still incredible, and I say that despite this being my least favorite issue thus far. Which, for most books, would mean it would be on the chopping block. But for this one, it just means that other titles may have a realistic shot of being the best of the week.
