Review: Wonder Woman #777
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writers: Michael W. Conrad & Becky Cloonan and Jordie Bellaire
Art: Emanuela Lupacchino & Wade Von Grawbadger and Paulina Ganucheau
Colors: Jordie Bellaire and Kendall Goode
Letters: Pat Brosseau and Becca Carey
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
Wonder Woman and Sigfried find themselves on Earth-11 hot on the trail of Janus and enlist the Justice Guild’s help to track her down. Plus, Hippolyta reveals her darkest secret in the “Young Diana” second feature.
Positives
You had me at Multiverse! I’m a sucker for a good Multiversal crossover and Wonder Woman #777 is no exception. “Afterworlds” has been chugging along with adventures in other realms, but as we get to an alternate Earth that is somewhat familiar is a nice change of pace, but also perhaps an indication Diana is getting closer to home. She certainly thinks she’s home when the issue opens.
Earth-11 is home to the Justice Guild, a gender swapped Justice League for the most part, Carol Ferris/Star Sapphire notwithstanding. These are fun crossovers that allow re-imaginings of familiar characters, and of course when they interact it really gets interesting. Conrad and Cloonan use this crossover to not only deliver a fun issue, but to also gently brush up against the idea of matriarchy vs. patriarchy. Wonder Man, Dane of Elysium is Diana’s counterpart on this Earth and he’s been a bad boy. It makes sense that Janus recruits him for assistance.
Positives Cont’d
It’s always a treat to see Emanuela Lupacchina’s art. She delivers the action as well as the subtleties of the characters wonderfully. There’s a timeless quality to her work that never looks dated, but at the same time evokes some of the great artists of the past. Her figures seem to move effortlessly and convey the sense of wonder inherent in super-hero comics. It’s that same iconic style that is present in the work of the legendary Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. Inker Wade Von Grawbadger and Colorist Jordie Bellaire contribute effectively to the look of the issue as well. It’s quite a feat that this storyline has had so many different artists with different looks and all of them excelling in their roles.
Hippolyta’s reveal to Young Diana in the second feature really amps up the intensity of this story set during Diana’s youthful days on Themiscyra. The narrative has been slowly building as Diana has uncovered the intrigue buried in the Amazon’s past. It all comes to a head in Wonder Woman #777 as she confronts her mother with her findings and forces Hippolyta to reveal a secret she’s tried to keep hidden.
Negatives
If there’s a negative for this issue it’s that Diana and Sigfried’s relationship is still a bit mysterious. Conrad and Cloonan seem to be playing this close to the vest with back and forth moments throughout the storyline that make it difficult to tell where it’s headed. Overall, this is fairly minor, but it’s not clear how to feel about it yet. Keep them wanting more, eh? Part of me wants to know what the heck Steve Trevor is up to and how Diana will get back to her life on Earth…she can’t be gone for good can she?
Verdict
Wonder Woman #777 is another great issue providing yet another milieu for the Amazing Amazon. She’s been getting around a lot and the variety has been entertaining and provocative. Emanuela Lupacchino, Wade Von Grawbadger and Jordie Bellaire provide beautiful visuals to round out the top-notch execution, and Young Diana delivers with an exclamation point to end the issue. You’re already reading this series, right?
