DC Comics reviews 7/28/20 – Batman/Superman #10, Wonder Woman #759

Wonder Woman #759

Mariko Tamaki’s debut as the new Wonder Woman writer gets off to a strong start if somewhat mildly hamstrung by having to tie-in to the endlessly delayed Wonder Woman 1984 film. A narrator, presumably Steve Trevor, frames Diana’s place in the world from an ambassador to a hero to founding member of the Justice League.

Tamaki telegraphs the arrival of Maxwell Lord too quickly by mentioning him in the same monologue about Wonder Woman’s main enemies like Ares and Cheetah. The problem of course with bringing Maxwell Lord back is the wonky DC continuity. Wonder Woman previously killed Max in the build up to Infinite Crisis before his resurrection in Blackest Night. All of that predates the current New 52/Rebirth continuity. It’s always a little screwy when writers and editors reference pre-Flashpoint actions and storylines. In the best cases writers try to make sense of it, but in others, they ask the reader to figure out how it all fits together.

Max is a decent villain for Wonder Woman, but there’s definitely a sense he’s featured in this opening arc due to his newfound exposure as a main character in the Wonder Woman sequel. The only catch with him is Wonder Woman has already shown the best way to take him out and there’s little reason for a warrior not to use that same approach again.

Tamaki already has a clear sense of Wonder Woman’s voice. She’s less unapproachable goddess and more a charming, disarming celebrity a la Tom Hanks who’s even better to encounter in person than stories would have you believe. Tamaki’s Wonder Woman isn’t reluctant to go into battle questioning her stance as a peace seeker constantly at war. This is an encouraging take and I’m hopeful Tamaki has a lengthy run on the title to establish her take on Diana.

Mikel Janin joins Tamaki as the new artist and he will assure the book’s visuals will not be a problem like the inconsistent nature of the title following Nicola Scott’s departure. Janin’s clean style and easy to follow sense of movement and Jordie Bellaire on colors should make Wonder Woman one of the better looking books now.

Interesting villain choice aside, this is a very positive debut from a writer who gets Wonder Woman’s strengths paired with an art team that will constantly wow readers. The rest of 2020 is looking bright for Wonder Woman regardless if her film makes it in theaters this year.

Rating: 9 out of 10