'Wonder Woman' #37 Review Article

Posted by Gambler (80655 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

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.

SPOILER WARNING: Click here to reveal hidden content.

Meanwhile, the Amazon women continue to become mysteriously pregnant despite never having known a man's touch; which some believe is a blessing from the Gods. We also see the return of Artemis and a small group of her soldiers, who had previously been held captive after losing her memory (see Secret Six "Depth," issues 10-14). I am curious to see how Artemis reacts to the recent developments. Her character has been through a lot lately and it does not appear as if she will be getting a break anytime soon.

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.

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#1 Posted by DMC (1524 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

I try to keep tabs on the Wonder Woman series. The ending (for me) was pretty awsome, but I should have seen it comming. The art was good too but I miss Aaron Lopristi

#2 Posted by Decept-O (6697 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Nicely written review. I've always intended to pick up Wonder Woman but just haven't. With Gail Simone writing though I must get on board and make up for lost time.

Like you I'm not familiar with Donna Troy, and what little I do know isn't very clear but I am now interested. Provided there aren't any Black Lanterns (nothing personal against fans of the story ine.

#3 Posted by Moomin123 (2205 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Good review.

#4 Posted by Vortex13 (10792 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

I'm always on the verge of buying this at the comic book store. I buy so many others it's hard for me to decide but now given this review I am definitely going to buy this next time I go, along with some back issues.

#5 Posted by burr787 (2504 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Hey Gambler,
I just picked up 36 and 37 the other day and enjoyed them. What issue would you recommend that I start at to get the full story? Should I start at 'Rise of the Olympians' or a little before that?

#6 Posted by Babs (17359 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

@burr787 said:

" Hey Gambler, I just picked up 36 and 37 the other day and enjoyed them. What issue would you recommend that I start at to get the full story? Should I start at 'Rise of the Olympians' or a little before that? "

I know you didn't ask me, but I reviewed that series. You can easily start with 'Rise of the Olympian'

Staff

#7 Posted by burr787 (2504 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

@Babs said:

" @burr787 said:
" Hey Gambler, I just picked up 36 and 37 the other day and enjoyed them. What issue would you recommend that I start at to get the full story? Should I start at 'Rise of the Olympians' or a little before that? "
I know you didn't ask me, but I reviewed that series. You can easily start with 'Rise of the Olympian' "

Thank You ^_^

#8 Posted by Babs (17359 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

@burr787: Welcome <3

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#9 Posted by Paragon (7293 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

@DMC said:

"The art was good too but I miss Aaron Lopristi "

I thought the same thing. I saw his name on the cover, but when I opened the cover, I was a bit disappointed.

#10 Posted by King Saturn (211390 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

I gotta get back on Wonder Woman sh!t... I was on it earlier but lately I have been slipping up...

#11 Posted by Mbecks14 (2000 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

@DMC said:

The art was good too but I miss Aaron Lopristi "

reallly? because this art is definitely a lot better. Lopresti's stuff is not that good. forms are off. i guess its personal opinon. but this art is tight, detailed, and more accurate to a realistic human form. Lopresti is talented, sure, but nothing special.

#12 Posted by waruikumo (357 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

@burr787: I started with Rise of the Olympian, which I think will flow much better in the trades that are coming out in the next week or so. It was a good Jump on point and it continues to be referenced in the new arc. Def into my top 3 books.

#13 Posted by NightFang (9225 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Great review!

#14 Posted by LP (646 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Awesome can't wait!!

#15 Posted by Media_Master (2189 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Wonder Woman is having a great run!

#16 Posted by Gambler (80655 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

@NightFang said:

" Great review! "

Thnx

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#17 Posted by Babs (17359 posts) - 3 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

@Mbecks14 said:

" @DMC said:
The art was good too but I miss Aaron Lopristi "
reallly? because this art is definitely a lot better. Lopresti's stuff is not that good. forms are off. i guess its personal opinon. but this art is tight, detailed, and more accurate to a realistic human form. Lopresti is talented, sure, but nothing special. "

I have to agree with this. While I like Aaron Lopresti, the interiors in this issue are considerably better.

Staff

Wonder Woman

Born on Paradise Island to a race of Amazon Warriors; Diana is a princess, an ambassador and a warrior. Using her divine powers, granted by the Gods of Olympus, Wonder Woman came to America to fight for peace, justice and truth. Wonder Woman is Earth's greatest female superhero.

This is a "man's world"

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