Wonder Woman #20 Review

Wonder Woman #20

'Moon Over Mayhem'

• Writer - Brian Azzarello
• Cover Art - Cliff Chiang
• Interior Art - Cliff Chiang, Goran Sudzuka
• Colourist - Matthew Wilson

I appreciate that starting a review of a new comic book series at issue #20 is a bit odd, but stay with me, hopefully I will be able to make you a late convert to the series if you are not already a reader.

This title is without a doubt one of the strongest of all of the New 52 published by DC. Azzarello's storytelling makes this title compelling reading. Cliff Chiang as the main artist assigned to this series brings beautiful artwork to this title (see above cover art).

Some spoilers here....be warned....

This is not a good issue to jump in on. You really need to have read all previous 19 issues to get a good handle on what has been happening. In short, Zola (a friend of WW) is pregnant to Zeus and has his baby (yeah, that's right!). The wife of Zeus, being Hera, is not too impressed and tries to have Zola and her baby killed (cruel stuff!). Over time, half of Olympus gets in on the gig and possession of Zola's baby (Zeke) has become the prize. There are fears among the Olympians as to Zeke's place in the line of succession. Anyway, long story short, WW steps in and takes Zola and Zeke away from those wishing them harm.

So where are we now? Well, Zola has Zeke back (thanks to Ares, an odd alliance I agree). WW is doing what she can to protect them both. Apollo for the moment appears to be calling the shots in Olympus. The internal political struggle among some of the Olympians has caught the attention of Poseidon who is not impressed with the way Apollo is handling things.

Now was the right time to start reviewing this series as well as starting this blog. The first really big event happens in this series which I am loathe to mention (Huge Spoiler Alert!) because many have speculated over one aspect of Wonder Woman's abilities for this series from the moment it went to publication...will she fly?

You see, comic book geeks for the last 19 issues have been curious to know whether Azzarello and Chiang were going to take WW in this direction. I kind of liked that she couldn't fly, or didn't fly. A grounded WW made her a little more vulnerable, which is what readers liked about this reincarnation of WW. It doesn't really matter now I suppose because guess what? She can fly!...and this issue #20 (and my blog) is where it all started!

The struggle for possession over Zola's baby continues...

Azzarello has done really well to maintain a strong momentum for this title over 20 issues. He is the sort of writer skilled enough to do this with such a complex and beloved DC character. The writing in every issue is just brilliant. He never gets side tracked or loses focus on the direction he is taking his story. He has brought readers a mature, vulnerable, sometimes uncertain, but very impressive new WW.

Cliff Chiang would have to be one of the best artists in comic books right now. His reinterpretation of the Greek Gods throughout this series has made many a comic book geek sit up and pay attention. Who could have imagined King Poseidon drawn the way he has been by Chiang. And Queen Hera, I am so impressed with how Chiang has visually represented this character.

As part of this and future reviews, I also plan to share the reviews of those more experienced at reviewing comics than I am...here are some...

Comic Vine Review

The Pop Cultist Review

This review gives credit to the great colouring done by Matt Wilson in this issue. I agree, the unsung hero of this issue...

IGN Comic Review

I give this title 9 out of 10.

Stay tuned for more comic book geekery!

C.