Little Wonders

Wonder Woman (Volume 5) #26
Written by Shea Fontana
Art by Mirka Andolfo

I was prepared to dislike this comic book. I think Greg Ruck’s run was tremendous and I was sad to see him leaving so I didn’t come into reading this with any hope but I am happy to say Shea Fontana did a good job of keeping me interested. In fact, the stuff with Hippolyta and Wonder Woman as a little girl reminds me so much of the movie that it brought a smile to my face. Wonder Woman rarely interacts with little girls or children, so it was a lot of fun to read her talking to the little girl at the wedding. The girl reminded me so much of my nieces. I also like that Fontana actually uses the supporting cast that Rucka has built up. I hope James Robinson does the same when he comes on board. I especially hope we get to see Ferdinand again.

Wonder Woman 20 – 23

Wonder Woman (Volume 5) #20
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Bilquis Evely

Circe finally arrives in this volume of Wonder Woman. In the past, I would have rolled my eyes. There was a time where it seemed like she was in every other Wonder Woman comic. But as Rucka tends to do, he reinvents Circe here with a new look and a more interesting attitude. He even tells the story of how Wonder Woman and Circe first encounter eachother in this issue. The 5-year-timeline for the character is essentially gone. The caption at the beginning says it takes place in Diana’s seventh year away from Themyscara. Thanks the Gods! The real DCU timeline is coming back.

Wonder Woman (Volume 5) #21
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Liam Sharp

While searching for the gateway to Themyscira, Veronica Cale looks to have found both her daughter and Ares in some mystical dark tree prison. Ares is looking SEXY as hell. Thanks Liam Sharp. This is a much more interesting look for Ares than he ever had before. I am sad that Rucka is leaving this comic again soon.

Rucka Better Stay For A Long Time

Wonder Woman (Volume 5) #19
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Liam Sharp

One of DC’s best series continues this week as Wonder Woman comes closer to unraveling the mystery of where is the real Themyscira. Diana leaves the mental institution in better shape thanks to one of my favorite characters, Ferdinand! I am still so happy he is back. Doctor Cyber reveals that Veronica Cale and Cheetah are heading to Themyscira – the real Themyscara somehow but when Diana goes after them she is shot by Doctor Poison’s people. I imagine she will be okay but I am surprised they got the shot in. Liam Sharp’s art was hit or miss depending on the page and this is not like him. I guess you can’t be perfect every time. I can’t wait to see where this goes. Will  Wonder Woman remember her whole history just like Superman now does? One of the best parts of this comic is that Rucka has built a strong supporting cast for Wonder Woman. Whoever follows better keep it around unlike what they did last time Rucka left a book. That being said, I sure hope Rucka stays for a long time to come.

Wonder Woman 1-17

Wonder Woman (Volume 5) #1
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Liam Sharp

This was one of the books I was most excited to read when Rebirth was announced because I have extremely fond memories of Rucka’s original Wonder Woman run from the early 2000s. I wonder if he will bring back Ferdinand the cook?! I sure hope so. First of all, the art in this first issue is downright breathtaking. In this issue, it seems that Wonder Woman is having trouble remembering her past with all the changes in history and all that and seeks out Cheetah to help her find her way back to Themyscara. Etta Candy is now African-American which I am not sure…maybe that is the new 52 change. I like it. And I like that Steve Trevor is now younger even though I am not a big fan of his character. I look forward to seeing where this is going. I trust Rucka to come up with a new back story for Wonder Woman that respects her entire history and her status as a feminist icon.

Wonder Woman (Volume 5) #2
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Nicola Scott

This issue begins the new Wonder Woman: Year One story – her true origin story I assume. Hippolyta is back to her dark hair – I had heard she was blonde during the new 52 – I always liked the idea that Hippolyta went back in time to be the golden age Wonder Woman and I hope that this is restored to continuity so this makes me happy. The issue is also beautifully drawn by the ever talented Nicola Scott. We see Diana’s life before Steve crashes on the island (Although her birth and childhood is not touched upon) and the issue ends with the crash. I never saw Steve’s crash quite as tragic as he loses a friend who he is the Godfather of his baby in the crash. This is a good start.

Enthusiasm

Wonder Woman #606
Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Phil Hester
Art by Eduardo Pansica

 

Things are heating up as the Morrigan have created villains from dead Amazons including Artemis. One of them is called the Cheetah – hmmm?? I love how Diana is so troubled by the dolls she finds and perhaps has residual memories of her old life. I am definitely enjoying the ride and I have to say Hester has improved this book tremendously since he took over from JMS’s plot. JMS never seemed to give a crap about Wonder Woman in interviews – it was always a backseat to his Superman stories – Hester seems enthusiastic about this and I am right there with him.

Sitting Back And Enjoying The Ride

Wonder Woman #605
Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Phil Hester
Art by Don Kramer, Eduardo Pansica, and David Hdr

 

Despite my initial annoyance at the costume change and the timeline change that started all this, I have decided – especially after this issue – that I am going to sit back and enjoy this because it is freaking awesome! I love the idea of the amazons living in secret around the world and Diana secretly fighting injustice wherever she goes. I loved the flashbacks to her childhood where she assault the man who was beating his daughter and says she will always be watching – that is classic Diana to me! And the hints at the old timeline make me so excited! A little boy draws her in her old outfit and Diana recognizes it somehow. I like that the boy remembers her even if no one else does. And the temple with the Wonder Woman dolls. Just because the timeline has changed doesn’t mean all the artifacts of her existence are gone. And the minotaur showing up made me miss Ferdinand from Rucka’s run! The Morrigan are interesting villains too.