A search for truth commences in Greg Rucka and Liam Sharp’s opening arc of “Wonder Woman” which is aptly titled ‘The Lies’. Strong pacing and characterization, as well as the re-introduction of two classic supporting characters and a long-time villain, are recommendation enough to finally read the Amazonian’s exploits once again.
Written by Greg Rucka
Illustrated by Liam Sharp“THE LIES” Chapter One
Why has the Lasso of Truth stopped working for the Amazon Princess? Start down the rabbit hole as dark secrets from Wonder Woman’s past unravel her present!
THEY SAID IT: “Drawing Wonder Woman isn’t just drawing a comic, it’s drawing an icon—the most famous and recognizable female superhero in the world,” exclaims artist Liam Sharp. “To get to draw her in her 75th year, with a new storyline scribed by no less than Greg Rucka, makes this without a doubt the most important drawing gig of my 30 years in comics.”
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Writer Greg Rucka, artist Liam Sharp, and colorist Laura Martin instantly intrigue us from page one of “Wonder Woman” #1. Mystery drenches every scene, from Diana’s plaintive declaration that she “will have the truth” to the lush emptiness of the green surroundings. Where is Diana? Who is the person she is attempting to contact in her search? Sharpe and Martin depict Diana as someone who is not desperate, but strong. Someone who knows she will get the truth by any means .
Rucka juggles two stories in “Wonder Woman” #1: one focusing on Diana’s search while the other involves Steve Trevor and another classic Wonder Woman ally. Not much happens in the issue and the setup unfolds at a slow pace. Yet Rucka, as well as Sharp and Martin, still draws us in because of the book’s mysteriously thick atmosphere. Rucka is a master at keeping us interested without telling us exactly the who, what, where, and why of the proceedings. He challenges talented artists with distinct styles to assist in telling the story and they take up the challenge with ease and panache.
Diana’s characterization, as well as that of Steve Trevor and a classic character whose name I don’t want to spoil, has a natural subtlety and strength. The pained look in one panel and on the final splash page show a superheroine whose well of compassion is worn boldly and without shame for all to see. For Diana, it is not contradictory to be a loving warrior. She is not monstrous and instead seems to be holding back in her fights. Trevor also shows himself to be a man of compassion and possibly a perfect heroic partner in arms for Diana. Rucka, Sharpe, and Martin blend their talents to create characters with empathy and, by doing so, urge us to care for them as well.
The slow pace of the story does not mean that “Wonder Woman” #1 is free of action. Like Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang did with their classic run on the book, Rucka and Sharp do not waste any page or panel. Writer and artist work in unison to lend palpable feelings to every part of the issue. The scenes in government offices are draped in shadow and the blue of computer screens. These scenes’ action is felt through emotion. Sharp also brings an animalistic dread to Diana’s scenes in the jungle. Whether battling wild creatures or slowly making her way through a jungle with eyes firmly planted on her, Sharp compels us to feel everything that Diana is feeling. And what Diana is feeling is certainly not fear, but a confidence that is both elegant and ferocious.
Laura Martin’s colors assists in lending that atmosphere that is so thickly applied by Rucka and Sharp. The government offices are not the only places she’s comfortable illuminating with her color palette. Most of “Wonder Woman” #1 takes place in the wilds of the jungle and Martin’s colors draw us further into this world. We can feel the muted sun hitting us as Diana is attacked by strange beasts. Bloodstained blankets of the wounded have a thick color that appears real. The lush inviting greenery of the jungle hide shadowy menaces that prowl around Diana as she makes her way. Martin effectively and gorgeously creates a lighting effect with her colors that, whether the scene calls for brightness or darkness, always evokes strong emotions. She proves with her luscious work why she remains one of the best colorists.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman. Classic comic book runs of the character, as well as the recent “Wonder Woman: Earth One” by Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette, prove that Diana of Themyscira is a multi-faceted and adaptable character with a rich background. With “Wonder Woman” #1, Rucka, Sharp, and Martin give us a debut issue that is replete with the history, characterization, and singularity of a character who is deserving of her notoriety. The promise in this issue feels like simply a tease of greatness ahead. A combination of reverence for Wonder Woman as well as a freshness that bursts from the page make for an issue that embraces legacy while looking forward to the new of the future.
Final Verdict: 8.8 – Greg Rucka, with Liam Sharp and Laura Martin, give us an introduction to Diana and her personality that is infectious and complex. “Wonder Woman” #1 is an exercise in subtle characterization through little said and quite a lot shown.
