Review – Wonder Woman #2 (DC Comics)

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Nicola Scott
Release Date: July 13^th, 2016

Wonder Woman is one of the most recognisable icons of our times. She is, as we Scots would say, well ken’t (well known). Recently DC muddied the waters of the Themysciran Wonders past history and turned her from a child of clay into another one of Zeus’s little indiscretions. In this issue we don’t quite go winging back to her creation – be it earthly or heavenly – but are instead taken back to year one. Rucka and Scott are taking us back to where Diana was defined, and where the Princess became the Woman. We are also given an early look at Steve Trevor and how he ended up on Themyscira.

Greg Rucka has shown in recent times that he has a knack for getting under the skin of the characters that he writes and presenting them sympathetically to the reader. He has a well-defined flair for writing strong, competent, capable women without stereotype. That said, as Rucka simultaneously developed Diana’s and Steve’s plotlines, I did have to reread a single panel four or five times to try and get the gist of what what was going on. But this was most certainly an isolated event; just one panel out of 113 (yes I counted), and if you read this issue you would be forgiven for calling me churlish for raising this at all, as this minuscule niggle is far outweighed by Rucka’s continued good form as he deftly explores the characters of Themyscira, Diana’s relationship with her peers – including her mother – as well as examining Diana’s unrelenting wanderlust.

It’s evident that the writer and artist have worked wonderfully together in the past. The wistfulness of which Rucka writes is simply and compassionately portrayed by Nicola Scott through her beautiful artwork. I have waxed lyrical a number of times on the sheer elegance of Scott’s artwork and this time is no different. It is just lovely. The modern and the mystical are drawn together magnificently in this issue. The mundane of both worlds are made magical by the exquisite art which is complimented perfectly by Fajardo’s colours.

Having read all of the Rebirth and new first issues from of DC to date, I do feel that Wonder Woman has one of, if not the strongest creative team across the illustrious board. Rucka guides the tales deftly and with skill, the odd issues have the ever so humble Liam Sharp weaving his enchantments, while the even issues have Nicola Scott working her ‘Magick’ (cheap plug: go read Image Comics’ Black Magick to see just how good Rucka and Scott are together, I implore you).

My churlish little niggle over one panel notwithstanding, I thoroughly enjoyed this second issue of Wonder Woman. It is truly beautiful to behold and the story promises so much. Go and read it – you know you want to.

Rating: 5/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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