This issue has a pretty huge reveal which was probably leaked too early. Nonetheless, the full scope of the implications of the events of this comic were not ruined by the leak. Azzarello’s strength with dialog and Chiang’s knack for drama salvage this issue from the internet’s ravenous spoilering fire. Like the Pheonix, Wonder Woman #3 rises in a stunning display of mythic story-telling. Brian promised us a Wonder Woman story that mattered. I’m starting to think this run is making good on that promise. And best of all? He’s doing it without Batman.
The basic plot of this issue hinges on a secret Hyppolita has been hiding for years (this secret was revealed in issue #2 but completely confirmed in this issue). You know, one of those unspoken things that the family just doesn’t talk about. In a surprisingly Johnsian retcon Azz asserts that we’ve been lied to all these years. The whole “made of clay” part of Wonder Woman’s origin? Horse s#!t! That’s just a cover story to hide the dirty truth that Diana is actually the bastard child of Zeus and Hyppolita. This has a profound effect on the character. Where once Diana might have been a virgin Mary allegory she now has a sordid origin. Where once Hyppolita was considered a clean and undefiled queen, she now has a blemish on her reputation. She does defend herself by explaining the need for a cover story to protect the infant Diana from Hera’s murderous wrath (Hera being Zeus’ wife). But still, the Queen of the Amazon was seduced by the god of gods and hid that truth from her child. These are huge character moments! It’s all rather arresting and thought-provoking and has already sparked debate as to its merits. Personally, I think the story potential this tweak brings about is great. Already, Diana and Aleka’s reactions to the goings-on are fascinating! So is Hyppolita’s. The current result is that Diana has sworn off Paradise Island and its ways. The iconography the new origin creates is a benefit as well. It’s catchier and much more memorable.
So basically this is an issue full of people just talking about something. This creates an urgent need for excellent dialog and smart visual story-telling. Where Bendis would default to jokey interactions, Azz resorts mostly to Shakespearean phrase-turns and lyrical sentence structure with an occasional humorous quirk. This adds an extra layer of mythological texture to the world of the Amazons. These women are warrior intellects and to them, the grandiose is familiar – Strife reverts back and forth to her giant size and regular size without anyone so much as blinking. Speaking of Strife; this villain is one of the most fun to hate I’ve come across in a while. She is epitome of toxic office politics. Creating rifts with a quick word and a faux-blasé attitude. You know someone like her and you love to vent your frustration on this person via the fictional realm open before you. Her look is unique, contemporary and her cadence is modern. A striking contrast to the world she invades. She is after all the personification of conflict.
Chiang’s visual reinvention of Paradise Island is also becoming increasingly prominent. Prior to the New 52 Wonder Woman’s land of origin was more akin to an erotic fantasy version of a Sandals resort than an island of warrior women. In this re-imagining, Paradise Island isn’t very well named. The jungle is tropical. The night is lit by torches. The structures are built from wood more than they are from marble and the architecture has a dark age militaristic style to it. It is much more believably a realm of fighters.
Cliff’s layout acumen plays an important role in the success of this comic. Instead of placing a splash page where one might go, he builds key scenes out of multiple panel depicting different aspects of those moments. The result being that it sucks into that moment and almost forces you to experience it for yourself. A single image splash page might look cool coming out at you. But Chiang doesn’t want the story to come at you, he wants you to fall into it. It’s a philosophical decision I very much support.
If you’re not reading this book because you figure you wouldn’t like Wonder Woman, that’s exactly the reason why you should read this book. It’s the most confident and memorable Wonder Woman story I’ve read. Don’t let this greatness pass you by.
Script: 9/10
Art: 9/10
Parental concern: Orange
This series sounds good. I really want to read it but my LCS never seems to have any issues.
