Wonder Woman Vol. 3 # 37 - "Warkiller Of Two Minds: Part 2 of 4"

Wonder Woman's personal troubles only continue to worsen this issue as she's visited in her sleep by the dead God of War, Ares, who she killed several issues back. It appears that even in death, Ares is not done with the former Amazon warrior! If Ares hoped to scare Diana, he failed, instead he reignites her sense of justice and she races to Themyscira in hopes to rescue her mother from the rule of now king of the island, Achilles. But Achilles and his new bride, renegade Amazon, Alkyone, are prepared for Wonder Woman's return. Following so far? Well Donna Troy, Diana's younger sister, who's been deceived into hating her sister, catches Wonder Woman unaware and the two battle a short, but intense fight that not only strengthens the bond between the two, but allows Donna to see the truth. But Diana appears to be too late to free her mother because Hippolyta has surrendered herself and reveals that the tiara and title of, "Wonder Woman", now belong to Alkyone. There's all this, plus pregnant Amazons, and the return of Amazon leader, Artemis -- PHEW. A great story, but definitely not an issue for a new Wonder Woman reader with so much going on since the beginning of Gail Simone's run. Chang's art is dramatic, creepy where it needs to be, bold, and intense - unfortunately Wonder Woman does not look as though she possessed the beauty of Aphrodite. Woof! I'm again excited for the next issue, but I hope the former princess is able to turn things around on Paradise Island and fast!
 
~ Hype

This is a "man's world"

 
If you have not been keeping up with Wonder Woman, then you are perhaps missing out on one of her best story lines in years. Gail Simone does an amazing job capturing the warrior spirit of the character, yet has been able to add a level of vulnerability to the displaced Amazonian princess giving her a more balance. Issue #37 continues to revolve around the upheaval of Themyscira and its newly appointed king, Achilles. Following the events of " Rise of the Olympian," Achilles now rules over both Amazon, and Olympian alike, as ordered by Zeus. Having been confronted, and once again defeated, Achilles shows Wonder Woman the depths at which he will go to keep her from interfering in Zeus' plan. Explaining to the princess that her mother's ( Hippolyta) life will be forfeit should she continue to appose Zeus. Although Achilles seems to be an honorable warrior at heart; his unwavering devotion to Zeus and the poisonous manipulation of his newly appointed Queen, Alkyone; have set him on a collision course with Wonder Woman.

Achilles may be one of the most prominent and over looked characters to come out of 2009. His loyalty and dedication reminds me a lot of Captain America. He is the quintessential "good
soldier." He truly believes he is serving the greater good and is dedicated to the future of the Amazons and Olympians. Unlike Ares, Alkyone, or even Zeus, Achilles has no hidden agenda which makes his character very compelling. Will he eventually see what is unfolding behind the scenes and play the role of hero? Or will he remain foolishly devoted to the Gods? It is a very interesting sub plot. As we see in this issue, he hangs on Alkyone every word and is completely trusting of her council. Which actually makes a lot of sense, cause despite Alkyone's deep seeded hatred for the Dragon (Wonder Woman), she ultimately believes what she wants is best for Themyscira. It makes sense for Achilles to see their union as a politically strategic move more then a union of love.


After being visited in a dream by the now deceased Ares; Wonder Woman decides that she will no longer let her adversaries use her love for her family and innocent lives as a weapon against her and returns home. Upon her arrival, she finds Achilles waiting for her.
The new King has a surprise in store for the displaced Amazon princess, her sister, Donna Troy. Who blames Wonder Woman for the death of her family. Fiercely the two go back and forth in a highly charged battle. I was actually really impressed with the way Gail Simone portrayed Donna Troy although I admit, I do not know much about the character. I felt that her appearance really added some star power to the issue. I wont give the rest away but the ending is somewhat shocking and will leave you eagerly anticipating issue #38.


All in all this was a really good read. You can feel the build up to something climatic and Gail really brings each character's personality into view. From the honor but duty stricken hero Achilles, to the vengeful yet displaced patriotism of Alkyone, she really captures what each character is feeling and what drives them. I give Wonder Woman #37 a 3.5 out of 5.