Review: Wonder Woman #50
Fifty issues used to be quite a milestone. With the current publishing scheduled used across a number of DC’s books, fifty issues is actually just over two years and in the case of Wonder Woman her two years since Rebirth have been an up and down roller coaster of a ride. Since its inception, the book had probably the best list of creators in Greg Rucka, Liam Sharpe and Nicola Scott. Since their departure, Diana floundered until James Robinson came on board to add some stability.
This issue sees the climax of The Dark Gods arc, with a recounting type of dialogue. Through Diani’s feelings and memories, we get to see how the Gods almost won if it wasn’t for the sacrifice of a would be hero. The action comes thick and fast as Diana tries to usurps the Gods power and their plans for the planet. Jason, the brother of the Amazons, features as the fulcrum of the story, both from an action and emotional point of view.
James Robinson certainly took his time with Jason, giving the fans some time to connect to the character. This was no mean feat, shifting focus onto a character like Jason my have split the fans with some hating him and others allowing him his role in the story as an alternative emotional rudder for Diana. Whether we the fans liked Jason or not, is actually moot as it was always Diana’s love for him that we would have to buy into. Robinson also takes the time in the issue to revisit the relationship with Steve Trevor, something that has been put on the back burner for a while. That said, I do have a concern that Diana is effectively being defined by her relationships rather than her own beliefs and actions.
This book features a plethora of artists including, Stephen Segovia, Jesus Merino and Andy Owens with Emanuela Lupacchino and Ray McCarthy. Art by committee is not my favourite manner usually and on this occasion I think it actually harms the story. With so much going on from an action point of view, changes in art is distracting to say the least. On top of that there is some horrendous anatomy on show; page 5 for example has Diana in a style that is akin to Madonna at her most conical. For awhile, the art on this book has been hit and miss, detracting from the overall standard of the book. The colors are provided by Romulo Fajardo Jr and Chris Sotomayor, both of whom give the book a cosmic feel as you would hope, given that the battles waged between gods and demi-gods.
I am a little bit tired of all these “end of the world” stories that seems to be in most of the DC books recently. Diana is a character that could do with some down time, to recharge her batteries and engage in “man’s world” again before stepping into the world of magic in Justice League Dark.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 3 .5 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; James Robinson
Art by;Â Stephen Segovia, Jesus Merino and Andy Owens with Emanuela Lupacchino and Ray McCarthy
Colors by; Romulo Fajardo Jr. & Chris Sotomayor
Published by; DC Comics
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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