Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston
Reviewer: John Babos
Story Title: The Mission
Written by: Greg Rucka
Penciled by: Drew Johnson
Inked by: Ray Snyder
Colored by: Trish Mulvihill
Separated by: Wildstorm FX
Lettered by: Todd Klein
Editor: Ivan Cohen
Publisher: DC Comics
I dislike hype as much I dislike gimmicks. I am not opposed to promotion – comic book companies should be promoting their books and ensuring they have top creators on them. The reason I dislike hype is because comic books so rarely meet the expectations that are hype-generated.
Wonder Woman #195 is the exception.
The interviews that Wonder Woman’s new scribe, Greg Rucka, has given over the last few months have piqued my interest. He’s spoken very enthusiastically about this new project at Ninth Art, Newsarama, and on other forums and in other mediums. It would be interesting to read his take on DC’s Amazonian icon as her stories are very different from the gritty and “real” crime-drama that Rucka is known to so skillfully produce.
To whet fans appetite’s for Rucka’s take on comics preeminent princess, DC released the softcover version of Rucka’s Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia. According to Rucka, “The Hiketeia” “…is a stand-alone graphic novel, with glorious art by JG Jones. A young woman named Danielle Wellys, fleeing Gotham and the Batman, turns to Diana for help. Through the ancient ritual of Hiketeia (hic-eh-tay-ah), Diana is bound to protect Danny, and Danny is bound to serve the Wonder Woman. But Batman isn’t known for taking ‘no’ as an answer, and Danny’s actions put him and Diana into direct conflict.
The Hiketeia is very human and elegant read and if you didn’t pick up the hardcover in 2002, I encourage you to pick up the softcover. Readers get a glimpse of what it means to Wonder Woman to be an Amazon and all the responsibilities therein. It also has one of the most memorable Batman confrontations in a long time. I could not recommend this book more. Its a great prequel to Wonder Woman #195 and I imagine will be snapped quite quickly once the buzz on Rucka’s Wonder Woman reaches deafening levels.
Now, to the issue at hand – Wonder Woman #195 marks the beginning of DC’s Mission to return their alpha-female – Princess Diana of Themyscira – back to the comics holy grail: the industry’s Top 10 Best Seller list!
A good portion of the book focuses on how others view Wonder Woman. Using a tried-and-true, yet interesting, plot device, the Themyscira Embassy – where Princess Diana lives and works as the Amazonian Ambassador to “Man’s World” – hires a new staffer who new readers can learn about Wonder Woman through.
Some of the best lines in the book are between this new staffer – Jonah McCarthy – and Princess Diana’s ambassadorial secretary – Alana Dominguez.
Alana: Do you also understand that the Ambassador regularly deals with things most people consider extraordinary? Alien invasions. Giant killer robots. Mythical beasts from Hades trying to rip her into pieces. The imminent destruction of Earth. It can be stressful.
Jonah: I read the papers.
Alana: It doesn’t pay well, Jonah, especially for New York. Thirty-two K a year plus benefits. Two weeks annual vacation you’ll never have a chance to take.
Jonah: That’s fine.
Alana: All right. Tell me why you want the job?
Jonah: Because she makes a difference.
Wonder Woman #195 introduces Jonah and new readers to the Embassy staff, who will be the supporting cast for the title, as well as set in motion a subplot concerning Wonder Woman’s memoirs / collection of essays and speeches. In addition, while Jonah is being orientated to the Embassy, Wonder Woman is overseas quelling a civil war, very similar to the one in the African country of Liberia, that has been in the news lately.
Rucka has crafted another very human and elegant story here. As part of that tale, there are some surprises including guest stars that readers should enjoy. While some may find this book very exposition heavy, the words do not get in the way of readers’ enjoyment. It is very satisfying read.
The art on the book is quite gorgeous. Drew Johnson draws a very powerful and feminine Wonder Woman portrayed as a beautiful Mediterranean – the part of the world where the island-nation of Themyscira (or Paradise Island) is located.
The facial expressions of the book’s cast are quite expressive as are the silent moments in the book.
The mystery with which Wonder Woman is portrayed in the book really has readers anticipating her eventually full debut in the issue.
Drew Johnson’s pencils are just breathtaking.
The books colors are also quite vibrant and really have the panels jumping out at readers. The lettering is also well done.
Everyone that contributed to Wonder Woman #195 really gave 110%. Readers are the key beneficiaries of this clear example of solid storytelling.
All the ingredients are here to make Wonder Woman a Top 10 Seller and another in DC’s string of sold-out comic books.
Great job everyone! I can’t wait for the next issue.
