Nobody tell Superman, but Orion totally smacks Wonder Woman on the butt in this issue.
Written by Brian Azzarello
Illustrated by Tony Akins• Wonder Woman, War and Orion must join forces to save Zola’s baby from Hermes!
• Orion’s reasons for helping Wonder Woman lead to a disastrous betrayal!
• Plus: The truth about the dreaded First Born is revealed! Woe to the world…
The newest issue of “Wonder Woman” is business as usual. However, when that business involves a fascinating group of Greek gods, a demi-god fighting giant sharks, and Orion of the New Gods, then it’s not a bad thing at all. Azzarello continues juggling Wonder Woman and Orion’s quest to save Zola’s baby with the story of the mysterious First Born, but manages to devote enough time to each to keep things engaging.
Wonder Woman’s life continues to grow more complicated as the cast of gods and goddesses expands. As you can guess from this issue’s cover, Wonder Woman is reunited with Ares, the god of war, for the first time since her childhood seen in last September’s #0. If you’ll recall their relationship didn’t end on the best of terms. Azzarello presented Ares as a surrogate father figure for Diana, so it will be very interesting to see how their relationship evolves now that she is aware of her true heritage.
While Wonder Woman and Ares receive the most development in this issue, Azzarello puts the rest of the cast to good use as well. Lennox, who continues to come off as a bizarre Constantine analogue, is the perfect foil for the serious and stoic Wonder Woman. The chemistry between the godly family members is fantastic as always, especially the scenes featuring the devious, yet endearing Strife. Hera is in a very interesting point in her character arc at this point, dealing with the humbling effects of mortality while trying to hold on to her last shreds of godhood.
Unfortunately, one fan favorite character, Orion, has yet to fully develop into anything more than a brash strongman. Azzarello is holding his cards close when it comes to his plans for the New God, but he must have his reasons for bringing in such an important character for this arc. In the meantime, he is the perfect mirror for Diana, and manages to get some great moments of comedic relief (I fed a machine hair…).
Interspersed with Wonder Woman’s story is that of the First Born, the mysterious hulking figure introduced at the beginning of this arc. Unfortunately we still don’t know much about this character, aside from the fact that he loves to kill things in the most ridiculous ways possible (Dual wielding helicopter blades? Seriously?). It’s obvious Azzarello has big plans for the First Born and his cyborg companion, but so far there’s not much of reason to get invested.
Most people associate this book with Cliff Chiang’s distinctive art style. However, Tony Akins is no slouch in the art department, and the artist delivers some great work in this issue. His characters are unique, lively, and brimming with expression. Akins has a terrific mind for panel progression and layout. In a scene where Zola attempts to attack Ares from behind, Akins breaks the attack down second by second, flowing from Zola’s arm descending, knife in hand, to Ares dropping his glass to disarm her, and following the glass as it falls, shattering at Ares’ blood soaked feet. It’s a striking sequence that captures just how dangerous the character truly is. Other artistic standouts include a two page battle between the First Born and Poseidon’s giant sharks, and a trip to Demeter’s lair, thick with earthy ambiance. While filling in for Cliff Chiang is no easy task, Akins continues to prove that he is the man for the job.
Issue after issue, it’s still hard to believe the incredible magic this team is working with “Wonder Woman.” This issue was less engaging than the series has been, but it moves that story forward at a satisfying pace. Azzarello’s “Wonder Woman” is a slow burn, yet the fuse is growing shorter and shorter. When it reaches it’s end, you can expect the explosion to be magnificent.
Verdict: 8.5 – Buy, it just keeps getting better.
