[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artists: Nicola Scott & Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Summary
In the fourth part of “Year One,” Diana goes to a mall to better understand American culture and is put in a situation in which she has to use her new powers.
Positives
The cover by Nicola Scott and Romulo Fajardo Jr. is gorgeous. I think this art team can capture youth very well. The cover creates a sense of wonder, pun intended, and fun. It establishes a nice tone that the book matches. I want to see a version without the targets; the cover would work more without that element in my opinion.
The interior art is also by Scott and Fajardo Jr.; it is drawn by Scott and colored by Fajardo Jr. It’s great throughout especially the action. Diana’s confrontation with a group of shooters is genuinely exciting thanks to the art. There’s a fluidity that sells it. The team does a terrific job of showing Wonder Woman’s speed. There is a split second moment that is broken up in 14 panels. It shows the action from Diana’s perspective which is really neat and it looks amazing.
I like how much Dr. Minerva is involved with the origin. Cheetah is Wonder Woman’s most recognizable foe so it makes a lot of sense to give the two a stronger connection like this.
Negatives
The story of the issue is a little dull. Diana doesn’t learn much about culture and the focus is mainly on the reveal of her powers to herself and to the public. While it is cool and well done, it’s fairly straight forward. I don’t think this needed to be an entire issue. “Year One” has been a little to slow for my tastes. I think there’s some fluff that could be trimmed to make the story tighter and I think this issue furthers that problem.
Verdict
Overall, this is a solid issue. While the story is a little dull, it’s not bad. It is fun to see Diana interact with Etta, Steve and Dr. Minerva. And the action is well presented and creative. The art is where the issue shines especially in the action scenes. This is really gorgeous work. I recommend reading the issue.
