I haven’t read a lot of Wonder Woman before. DC and Justice League always struck me as a major boy’s club, which typically played in line with normal gender roles I learned growing up. I had Wonder Woman underoos, but never really investigated who the character was outside of the token female sidekick to Batman and Superman.I am definitely inspired to change that after reading this volume.
Part of DC’s Rebirth phase (post New 52 and after the successful relaunch of their t.v. series and less spectacular film-verse) this Wonder Woman is much closer to the look we got in the Gal Gadot film. Pointedly, it includes the kind of storytelling fans are starved for.
This book splits between two tales (reminiscent of Watchmen, but better done.) The first is where we are today, with a battle-weary, but still hopeful, Diana fighting for civility, justice and people’s dignity. Somehow despite being a soldier, born and raised, she’s still fresh and hopeful. She’s trying to track down the sense of wrongness in her life by going back to her roots.
The second story is an origin story where a truly innocent, but completely capable Diana vows to give the undeserving human world the greatest gift she can, her own life and a valued piece of her identity, as our protector.
The art is stunning and the stories are poignant without being dreary or hopeless. I very highly recommend this story for public and private collections. This Wonder Woman is exactly the kind of super hero woman role model we need. Strong, but not just because of super powers, faithful, even to those who have made bad choices, but most of all this Wonder Woman is hopeful and determined to improve the world and the lives of those around her. not just with awesome feats, but just by helping them and protecting them in ways we can all strive to do for each other.
Contains: violence, implied lesbian relationships, sexist jerks