Review: Wonder Woman #19
Posted By Ian Menard on April 19, 2013
This month’s issue of Wonder Woman felt like the calm before the storm, or a quiet breath before a scream. Diana and co. are taking a much-deserved breather after the last year and a half of insanity. They wander London and debate baby names. Orion hits on Diana, Diana threatens him with bodily harm. Orion takes it too far, discovers that Diana does not make empty threats. The usual.
Meanwhile the mysterious First Born has quite a chat with his Uncle Poseidon. While inside his Uncle Poseidon. Ultimately, the two – well, three if you count Hades – come to a bargain: First Born can have Heaven, but leave Sea and Hell out of it. And finally, Apollo, Dionysus, and Artemis discuss the prophecy re: Zola’s baby, and decide to do something about it.
Reviewing Wonder Woman presents an interesting challenge, in that it is supremely difficult to keep praising its perfection in unique ways month after month. Everything just works, whether it’s Hera – Queen of the Gods for thousands of years – subtle snarking at rednecked, teenage Zola (but then cuddling her baby, since she is the goddess of motherhood), or Diana threatening to remove Orion’s manhood, or Poseidon and Hades making bets on whether Wonder Woman can defeat First Born, or whatever else might happen. It just works.
Even with regular artist Cliff Chiang gone, the art is amazing. Goran Sudzuka and Tony Akins fill in admirably, staying incredibly true to the look and feel of the last 18 issues. The regular-sized Poseidon looks… well… cool. Different enough from his giant version to be unique, but still completely recognizable. Orion’s mysterious new alter-ego looks menacing and bizarre. Well done to all parties.
Simply put, read Wonder Woman. Right now. Go.
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