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litheraThis is a review from www.chud.com from Thor. This is what I had hoped for exactly.
I’ve always found Wonder Woman to be an interesting character, just not interesting enough to follow with any degree of regularity. Looks like that’s about to change. With a new creative team, featuring writer Greg Rucka and artist Drew Johnson, and a new direction, the elements are in place and the timing is right for those who have been reluctant to pick up this book to finally give it a shot. People like me – and I’m happy to report that this issue has got the goods.
Greg Rucka is no stranger to superhero makeovers. A few years back, the detective novelist was hired by DC to help streamline their bat-books and bring a fresh perspective to the Dark Knight. His phenomenal and critically acclaimed run on Detective Comics helped re-establish Batman as a crime fighter and investigator first and a superhero second – clarifying exactly what the Dark Knight’s mission truly is. Similarly, in Wonder Woman # 195 Rucka lends his considerable talents and perspective to help makeover the first lady of the DC universe, Princess Diana of Themyscira. Taking an expansive view of the modern superhero, Rucka’s vision of Wonder Woman is that of the CEO of a multi-national humanitarian organization – fully staffed with attorneys, political analysts, economists, marketing experts and of course a Minotaur chef – collectively working for social justice and world peace. Though not entirely a novel concept, as Diana has been an Ambassador to the United Nations for some time, Rucka certainly takes the concept to the next level.
Much like Mark Millar’s re-imagining of the Avengers, where he has structured the team as the centerpiece of a much larger organization, Rucka’s new approach to Wonder Woman makes sense in a modern world. In order to accomplish her stated objectives, Diana would need an immense support network – her mission is global in scope. Not only does this approach reflect practical realities, but it also suits the nature of the character. Batman, whose mission is personal, can work alone; Diana, whose mission is universal, cannot. I’m impressed with the hard look and consideration Rucka has given to what this character is all about.
Don’t expect to see much of the Themysciran Princess in this issue though, as Wonder Woman # 195 focuses on establishing her new organization as well as a number of its key figures – among them Diana’s latest recruit, attorney Jonah McCarthy. Not only is this appropriate given what Rucka is trying to accomplish with this issue, but the “less is more” approach leads to a solid payoff at the end of the issue. Visually, artist Drew Johnson’s streamlined rendition of Diana is beautiful and compliments Rucka’s no nonsense approach; and of course no one draws the female form better than cover artist Adam Hughes. This issue is a strong beginning to what I imagine will be a fantastic run on the title by Rucka and Johnson. Highly recommended.
And this guy never recommends anything.
I’ve always found Wonder Woman to be an interesting character, just not interesting enough to follow with any degree of regularity. Looks like that’s about to change. With a new creative team, featuring writer Greg Rucka and artist Drew Johnson, and a new direction, the elements are in place and the timing is right for those who have been reluctant to pick up this book to finally give it a shot. People like me – and I’m happy to report that this issue has got the goods.
Greg Rucka is no stranger to superhero makeovers. A few years back, the detective novelist was hired by DC to help streamline their bat-books and bring a fresh perspective to the Dark Knight. His phenomenal and critically acclaimed run on Detective Comics helped re-establish Batman as a crime fighter and investigator first and a superhero second – clarifying exactly what the Dark Knight’s mission truly is. Similarly, in Wonder Woman # 195 Rucka lends his considerable talents and perspective to help makeover the first lady of the DC universe, Princess Diana of Themyscira. Taking an expansive view of the modern superhero, Rucka’s vision of Wonder Woman is that of the CEO of a multi-national humanitarian organization – fully staffed with attorneys, political analysts, economists, marketing experts and of course a Minotaur chef – collectively working for social justice and world peace. Though not entirely a novel concept, as Diana has been an Ambassador to the United Nations for some time, Rucka certainly takes the concept to the next level.
Much like Mark Millar’s re-imagining of the Avengers, where he has structured the team as the centerpiece of a much larger organization, Rucka’s new approach to Wonder Woman makes sense in a modern world. In order to accomplish her stated objectives, Diana would need an immense support network – her mission is global in scope. Not only does this approach reflect practical realities, but it also suits the nature of the character. Batman, whose mission is personal, can work alone; Diana, whose mission is universal, cannot. I’m impressed with the hard look and consideration Rucka has given to what this character is all about.
Don’t expect to see much of the Themysciran Princess in this issue though, as Wonder Woman # 195 focuses on establishing her new organization as well as a number of its key figures – among them Diana’s latest recruit, attorney Jonah McCarthy. Not only is this appropriate given what Rucka is trying to accomplish with this issue, but the “less is more” approach leads to a solid payoff at the end of the issue. Visually, artist Drew Johnson’s streamlined rendition of Diana is beautiful and compliments Rucka’s no nonsense approach; and of course no one draws the female form better than cover artist Adam Hughes. This issue is a strong beginning to what I imagine will be a fantastic run on the title by Rucka and Johnson. Highly recommended.
And this guy never recommends anything.
