[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner
Art: Chad Hardin
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: Travis Lanham
Summary
Wonder Woman comics in the ’50’s and ’60’s utilized a couple recurring motifs: Steve and Diana as a couple and some far out creatures in exotic locales. Besides last issue’s use of Wonder Woman’s ability to talk to animals, this issue channels those old comics as well by keeping Steve and Diana’s relationship at the center and introducing a giant creature on a tropical island.
After learning of Steve’s disappearance last issue, we get to see exactly what happened to Steve Trevor as he and his team flew into a huge storm in the Atlantic that didn’t appear on the radar. Diana and Etta attempt to follow Steve and run into the same storm. They end up crashing on a tropical island. Diana appears to be losing some of her powers, so when she has to face down a sea monster, there’s a chance Diana may not survive it. However, she does and she and Etta get a good night sleep on the island, only to wake to a giant leopard (or Cheetah) wearing Steve’s plane for a necklace!
Positives
This story really echoes the simpler times of the ’50’s and ’60’s. A classic Wonder Woman is always enjoyable. It’s refreshing to read a Wonder Woman story that can appeal to all ages, while allowing for a bit of nostalgia for older readers. The narrative doesn’t take many breaks, but finds just the right quiet moments to allow the reader to follow easily. The pacing feels just right. Hardin’s art style compliments the approach as it is clear and concise and suggests an all-ages accessibility.
The issue is rounded out by reprints of the 4th issue’s of “The New 52’s” Justice League, The Flash and Aquaman.
Negatives
It’s hard to see a negative here, though it could be a turn off for some if the story maintains a superficial quality and doesn’t dig deeper into Wonder Woman’s characterization or complexity of her relationship with Steve Trevor.
Verdict
This Wonder Woman tale is highly enjoyable for its straightforward story telling in its unabashed referencing of a simpler time in comics. In some ways in contrasts to the modern reprints which fill out the 100 pages, but more importantly, it gives a sense of history and connection to the timeless nature of these characters.
