Wonder Woman Annual #1 Review - A Celebration Of The DC Icon
Wonder Woman means a great many things to many people, but a few traits stand out above the rest. [...]
Wonder Woman means a great many things to many people, but a few traits stand out above the rest. If you were unclear as to what those traits are, all you need to do is pick up this year's Wonder Woman annual.
Spoilers incoming for Wonder Woman Annual #1 so you've been warned.
The Wonder Woman Annual comes with four stories, each one focusing on a different core trait. The first is the Rucka and Nicola Scott led "And Then There Were Three...", which reveals the first meeting between Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. The relationship between Bruce and Clark is further explored, humorously so, but it's Wonder Woman's genuineness that takes top billing.
While this isn't crucial reading, for those who have enjoyed the Rebirth era of Diana, you'll eat this up with a spoon and call for seconds.
The second story, "In Defense of Truth and Justice" echoes it's namesake and is helmed by Vita Ayala and Claire Roe. Diana's skill for finding the truth is well celebrated, but she is even better at defending it when the need arises. If you had any doubts, this story will quell them. Also evident here is the character's ability for compassion, but that will get an even bigger spotlight later.
Next up is "The Curse and the Honor", a story by Micahel Moreci and Stephanie Hans. The theme is honor, of course, a theme it displays well, but the real star here is the stunning artwork of Stephanie Hans. The visuals are full of gorgeous dark-hued reds and blues set against lushly painted backdrops, perfectly synched with the story of hope, sacrifice, and honor that Moreci is trying to tell.
The last story, titled "The Last Kaiju", is something altogether different, but no less enjoyable. "Kaiju" is helmed by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and David LaFuente, and spotlights the character's ability to see beyond base assumptions. Wonder Woman's compassion is the star here, and if you thought Baby Groot was cute you are in for a treat for Diana's new bud, who benefits from LaFuente's delightful pencils.
It brings this lovely journey full circle, putting some of Wonder Woman's most endearing traits on the pedestal they belong. You don't need to buy this, but if you're a Wonder Woman fan in any shape or form, you're going to want to.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Wonder Woman Annual #1 is written by Greg Rucka with art by Nicola Scott and Liam Sharp. Scott also provides the issue's cover. The official description can be found below.
The world of the Amazing Amazon expands in a collection of short stories that take Wonder Woman around the globe! In the days after "Year One," Diana comes face-to-face with Superman and Batman for the first time, as illustrated by "Year One" artist Nicola Scott…and years later, Liam Sharp brings you the story of how their friendship has evolved!
Wonder Woman Annual #1 is in stores today.
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