Wonder Woman (Issue #601) (DC Comics)

Wonder Woman (Issue #601)

DC Comics

Written by J. Michael Straczynski; Pencils by Don Kramer

Aug 03, 2010 Web Exclusive By Jeremy Nisen

After more or less lambasting writer J. Michael Straczynski's first issue of Superman recently (and deservedly so), I can't claim that I was especially looking forward to his special take on Wonder Woman, which started with this issue. Oh, but Mr. Don Kramer's pencil-work can be an enticing force.

In this series, Wonder Woman is recast as a younger woman, still not in full possession of her powers, and sporting a slightly less beauty-pageant inspired costume. It's not exactly an inspiring design, but I'll admit that there's a certain dignity in having your premier heroine wearing some pants, for once.

In any case, this naive Diana is the last daughter of Paradise Island, her mother and the preponderance of the amazons having been slaughtered when she was a young girl. In this issue, Diana chats with a punky oracle, sort of flies, and we begin to learn more about her enemy. And the issue makes it clear—this interpretation of Wonder Woman does not invalidate or retcon the previous version; this seems to be a story where we'll see what makes WW a hero under unusual and trying circumstances before restoring her to her star-spangled hotpants (maybe).

This story is solidly okay. I could do without the all-to-precious quips from the oracle figure about wanting gum, but there's some action and emotion and a clear hero's journey taking place. The Kramer art is the true star by far, and what makes this verge on "recommended." Verge. (www.dccomics.com)

Author rating: 5/10

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Average reader rating: 3/10