Reviewer: Mathan “Angle Man†Erhardt
Story Title†Ripples
Written by: Greg Rucka
Penciled by: Shane Davis
Inked by: Ray Snyder
Lettered by: Todd Klein
Colored by: Richard & Tanya Horie
Editor: Ivan Cohen
Publisher: DC Comics
You know those stories where the hero is thrust into a situation that they can’t really get a handle on? They aren’t sure whom they should trust, and who’s on what side. Well since I’ve never read Wonder Woman, I find myself in that role. I have to figure out how people relate to each other on the fly and where I fit in. It’s quite an adventure, much like the issue.
It begins with some winged maiden flying away from a floating island, while Circe (I know she’s Circe because she looks identical to her HeroClix figure) is swept beneath the water. The winged woman rescues Circe, after consulting with her unseen father.
Bam, then we go to Wonder Woman’s embassy, where Wondy is carrying Silver Swan. Both look pretty bad, I’m guessing from an epic battle that took place in the last issue. Even though Swan is a criminal, Diana transports both of them to Themyscira, only to find it full of water. Again something happened last issue that has caused Themyscira to fall into the ocean. Wanna know what’s worse? The impact of the islands has caused a Tidal Wave that will hit the Carolinas in a few minutes.
Well Diana has to stop it, and she needs a little help from the Lansanarian, that shape shifting living technological thing. Wondy saves the day but the Lansanarian, who was already hurt from the event seen last issue, is no more. All that remains of him is an invisible-looking jet. Artemis and Diana argue over some things, including Diana’s role in the world. Then Diana gets the boot, and so does Silver Swan.
Oh yeah, that winged woman from the beginning is a Gorgon. She and her sister want Circe to bring back their other sister; Medousa.
Rucka writes a mean story. I honestly feel bad for Diana. She had to beat her old friend, then she finds out that not even the fabled Purple Ray can help her. Plus everyone is pulling Diana in different directions. Is she a diplomat or a friend? Is she a hero or an Amazon? Did she do the right thing sacrificing the Lansanarian for the East Coast rather than using him to aid her own people? These are serious questions that Rucka poses, and it makes for a compelling read. The dialogue between Artemis and Diana is very well written. I am genuinely interested in Medousa.
Davis and Snyder have a great look. Diana is clearly a warrior, yet still feminine. The carnage of a disaster has never looked more beautiful. And the scene between Diana and the Lansanarian is rendered perfectly, capturing the heartbreak of the moment. It’s an emotional issue, and the emotion is shown in a most excellent manner.
