Review: Wonder Woman #82
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Steve Orlando
Artists: Kieran McKeown & Scott Hanna
Colorist: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Reviewed by: Sean Blumenshine
Summary
Now that Cheetah has gained control of Themyscira, Wonder Woman must return home for a final showdown. Does she stand a chance against this scholar-turned-monster whose sole purpose was to enter this mythical realm? Meanwhile, Earth is left unprotected and some of Themyscira’s most vile creations have found their way there. What chaos awaits Wonder Woman if she ever returns? Join returning writer Steve Orlando for the first chapter of this six-issue tale!
Positives
The Wonder Woman #82 cover by Rafael Albuquerque and Dave Stewart is pretty cool. There’s something twisted and engaging about seeing Cheetah wearing Diana’s tiara and bracelets and wielding the lasso.
The interior art is good. The characters are expressive and distinct. There are a lot of nice colors as well.
I appreciate how much Steve Orlando plays with Greg Rucka’s Rebirth run. This issue acknowledges and deals with that Cheetah’s story. I enjoy when creators play with previous runs and use them to inform the current story especially in this case. I really liked Rucka’s run so it’s nice to elements of it carried through.
Cheetah invading Themyscira is a fun idea. And it’s played well. She isn’t facing Themyscira’s army head one. She’s slowly picking off hunting parties; that feels natural for the character and allows for some creepy moments.
Additionally, Cheetah’s point of view is interesting. In her eyes, she’s trying to help Diana be free of the Gods the way that Diana helped her break free from the God that cursed her into being Cheetah. That’s a good take on Cheetah’s motivations that adds a bit more dimension to the story.
Negatives
Diana doesn’t do much in this issue. She starts to move in to her new house and that’s about it. She’s not moping around like she was which is nice. But the story is mostly being driven by Cheetah and Diana doesn’t become a part of that until the last page. It’s not terrible but Diana is the character I’m invested in and I’m kind of over this Cheetah story.
Verdict
This issue was good but not great. The art is good and there are a lot of solid scenes. Orlando adds some new dimensions to Cheetah using Rucka’s previous run as a springboard which is cool. But it’s a little dull for me. I feel like this Year of the Villain thing has outstayed its welcome and I’m ready for something else.
