Great Anniversary Issue!
Incredible, complete anniversary issue. Nicely done. Now for the Amazonian details.
First Impression:
The book is broken down into various splash pages of Wonder Woman in various states of garb, uniform and integrity. Many of her former artists and writers write the stories in this issue.I've not seen a more jam-packed issue of art and stories in a long time. I like books like this: hardly any ads, and tons of art!
Lynda Carter & the First Pages:
Lynda Carter, the actress who was Wonder Woman back in my testosterone, teenaged years, with teh golden tiara and tightly fitted uniform. Carter tells of her appreciation for the character, who wanted to create a strong female role model. She uses the term Adaptable Empowered Feminine which is cool, but I'm still wrapping my wits about that one. Sounds great!
Adam Hughes pin-up. Nice.
Story: Gail Simone writes a powerful tale of teamwork, (though I think goes a bit overboard with 20 female heroes, many I don't know) saving the White House. Rather than see the President, she does something more important: Vanessa Kapatelis' valedictorian speech (whom we met way back in Wonder Woman 3, 1986!). It's a two Kleenex tale, drawn by WW artist George Perez!
Nicola Scott pin-up -- majestic.
Ivan Reis pin-up -- intense.
Amanda Connor & Other Tales;
Next story: Amanda Conner writes and does the artist duties on a story between Powergirl and Wonder Woman -- and we even get to briefly meet Egg Fu -- remember him? WW helps PG with her pet cat! Cute story.
Back to pin-ups: Greg Horn draws a sexy WW. Next page: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato go for the warrior approach, compelte with arrows in shield and Amazons in the background.
Most impressive is the centerfold. WOW! Pencilled and inked by Phil Jimenez, I recognize bits of covers from past issues over the previous 20 years, all the men and women, gods and goddesses in the young Amazon's life, with the shield and clicking her bracelets together. Incredible art.
Louise Simonson writes an interesting WW/Superman story as they fight a guy who has the bolts of Zeus and a few other magical objects and demands a hundred million bucks or else. What I liked about the story was the weaknesses apparent in Superman and how WW saves the day with just a bit of his help. Fun story.
Back to pin-ups (for use of a better word, sorry): Art by Jock, incredible glowing yellow rope with a glowing WW -- sexy as all heck!
Two more page pinups: Shane Davis and Jaime Mendoza, colored by Nei Ruffino go for the patriotic approach, complete with American flag and a posing WW.
Geoff Johns, Yes!
The next story is deep, man! Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins put together a lifechanging story in our Amazing Amazon's life: It is said "Diana is far too undervalued by this world -- this must change." And it sure does.
Complete with a new world, a new, black uniform and some great martial arts action!
Last story by J. Michael Straczynski, with Don Kramer pencils called: "Odyssey: Prologue: Couture Shock." A gang of thugs gangs up on Diana but when they get on the losing end of her boots and fists, their command decides to blow them up as expendible! The meeting with the young, blind Oracle who only wants a stick of gum is cute and realistic.
Straczynski paints a retcon tale: is no more, there are protectors, there is an Oracle and there are more questions than answers, but a statisfactory ending to a story that is clearly to be continued in 601!
This issue made headlines on Yahoo News and other organizations as WW has her costume change. Straczynski explains the hows and whys at the end of the issue, with a Jim Lee design that looks practical, and hot -- yes, I said hot!
The Bottom Line:
The issue is one of the best anniversary issues I've seen in a long time. We have pin-ups, splash papers, lots of text from Lynda Carter and Straczynski, lots of stories and art from old-timers and new artists. Highly recommended, clearly worth the $4.99 I forked over for this baby!
