Why You Should Be Reading Wonder Woman
The DC trinity consists of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and while the first two heroes have [...]
The Supporting Cast
Wonder Woman has always had a supporting cast, but their usefulness and depth were typically thrown to the wayside depending on the writer at the helm. Here they are critical pieces of the narrative and affect significant parts of Diana's world.
When Barbara Ann Minerva is added into the mix later on, the trifecta is complete. Each one brings something new to the table, and they all have interesting histories with Wonder Woman. Trevor is not just a love interest, but a hardened warrior that has fought with her in numerous battles. Etta has been by her side for most of her superhero career, and Barbara Ann's history with Diana is, well, complicated, but is by far one of the most interesting parts of the book.
A Conflicted Heroine
Having a supporting cast is great and all, but at the end of the day it is Diana's book. You never lose focus of that, however, as while every character moves in Diana's orbit so to speak, her narrative is never lost.
This isn't your typical superhero tale either. Diana can't punch her way out of this and is at risk of losing her very sanity as a result of this meddling with her memories and her past. It's one thing to leave your home and know you are never supposed to return. It's another to find out that you never knew where your home was to begin with, and that makes for some compelling stories.
The Art Of Liam Sharpe
Since Wonder Woman Rebirth started, it's been easy to get distracted by the stunning art of Liam Sharpe. Sharpe's art is featured in the present stories of Wonder Woman, and his work on Dian and her world is just astounding.
There's little details everywhere, and his backgrounds feel layered and lived in. His Diana is stoic but compassionate, guarded but not without levity. While this latest issue of Wonder Woman (#15) might be his strongest, his early issues with Barbara Ann in her Cheetah form are worth revisiting for the art alone.
Retooling The Past
While Rucka is spinning an interesting yarn in the present, the story is rooted substantially in the past, and the overall narrative is better for the extra attention.
Rucka's alternating issue format was a bit jarring at the beginning, but each issue feeds into the other in interesting ways, just not the ways you necessarily expect. It's not like the next issue will answer the cliffhanger, but there will be a little nugget of something in the present that was planted in the past. It's not always readily obvious, but it's certainly worthwhile. It just demands a bit more attention from the reader to grasp the full picture.
Barbara Ann Minerva
The Cheetah is synonymous with Wonder Woman, but Rucka has put a unique twist on the character here, one that leaves two-dimensional villains far behind.
Barabara Anne's story is a tragic one, and her history with Wonder Woman is deeper than "they fought a few times". It's a rewarding yet painful friendship that the two have experienced, and combined with the time devoted to the character in the past, Rucka has successfully created one of the best takes on the character in years.
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