[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Mikel Janin
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Rob Leigh

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

The recruitment drive continues and in the process of trying to “apprehend” The Harlequin’s Son, the Golden Age Legionnaire shows up, and…WOW!

Positives

Geoff Johns knows his DC Universe.  Don’t take that lightly.  It’s not something that can be said about many DC writers these days.  Mark Waid, Jeremy Adams and Johns demonstrate every month that they know the history and how things should fit together.  Johns plays a huge card this issue on a final page reveal (no spoilers).  Additionally, Johns also hints around the edges at some of the changes to history that have transpired in this “New Golden Age.”  Even though there are changes afoot as we’ve seen mainly in Alan Scott: The Green Lantern, Jay Garrick: The Flash and Wesley Dodds: The Sandman have also shown some of this new history, though all is not clear.  Like it or not, with this series and the three mini-series mentioned above, there is a new history at work here and it’s only being revealed slowly.  

The issue is peppered with references to new history as well as what history has been retained.  This not only ties in plot elements that have already been introduced, but some of the plot points seen in the adjacent mini-series.  Ruby’s story continues last issue which connects to Alan Scott: The Green Lantern, Jay and Judy are busy together which sets them up for Jay Garrick: The Flash, Quiz Kid is seen overhauling a T-Sphere that puts him in position for his appearance in Jay’s book, and we also get a glimpse of the Freedom Fighters, specifically Phantom Lady.  This allows Johns to show readers that it’s Grant Morrison’s post- Infinite Crisis iteration of the team.

Positives Cont’d

There are some clever character bits and pieces that are strong.  Power Girl seems like the Power Girl we’ve known for the past 48 years and outside the DC mandated uniform bears no similarity to the awful version in her current title.  Helena Wayne gets some confirmation that what she’s attempting in giving second chances not only works, but is known in the future as a success as confirmed by the Golden Age Legionnaire.  Mikel Janin brings all of this to life beautifully; Justice Society of America #9 is a great looking comic.  

The chase for The Harlequin’s Son, Michael Mayne, points to some of the history that is different and needs to be filled in.  Mayne is a new character, and what he says suggests some things about his mother.  He seems to cast her in more of a villainous role than her pre-“New 52” history.  Mayne’s mention of his father not only raises the question of who his father is, but curiously point to the person I’m willing to suggest here- Alan Scott.  There’s a long story there, but it’s not mine to tell.  

Justice Society of America #9 ends on a reveal that again points to Johns knowledge of DC Comics history.  It’s a reveal that will be a “holy $#!+ moment for readers who know.  It’s an incredible plot development that will certainly raise a lot of questions about the current state of the 31st Century.

Negatives

The negatives in this issue, outside of delays (maybe on purpose to line up with the other mini-series?) really can’t be determined until Johns’ plot points come to fruition.  So far the journey on this new history has been pretty compelling, and only time will tell.  Unfortunately, Johns is scheduled to leave DC behind soon and what comes after this issue is completely unknown.  Jeremy Adams seems to be the best candidate to continue with Robert Venditti a close second.  It’s not like they’re going to lure Roy Thomas in for a run.  After the first issue of Dan Jurgens The Bat-Man: First Knight, I would throw his name in the ring as well.

Verdict

Johns has certainly been doing the best job of presenting DCU history changes between this title and the related mini-series (Jeremy Adams is a close second in Jay Garrick: The Flash), and this issue is a prime example of that.  The biggest question remains is if it is being done well enough for readers to embrace it.  Justice Society of America #9 presents a number of ideas and it still feels like there’s not enough space to give resolution to all of them.  Perhaps, the point is not to reveal everything, but set things up for them to be developed elsewhere and elsewhen.  This issue though is quite wonderful.

The post Review: Justice Society of America #9 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Tom Taylor
Art: Nicola Scott
Colors: Annette Kwok
Letters: Wes Abbott

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

What will the Titans do to make a difference in Borneo, and how will the team finally save Wally?  

Positives

There’s something about the way that Nicola Scott draws Donna Troy that acknowledges her classic look from her New Teen Titans days and convinces the reader this is the same character albeit older.  Scott imbues a personality with all her faces that engage the reader and assist in conveying the emotional and character beats of the story.  There’s a warmth and familiarity that comes along with it that makes Scott’s work special and recognizable.

There’s an interesting idea at work in Titans that progresses in Titans #5.  Just how would super-heroes address environmental issues?  Beast Boy is a perfect choice through which to tell that story.  With Beast Boy it comes across as a character driven tale.  It makes sense that Garfield would experience an empathy and connection with the animals he connects with when he uses his powers.  Raven’s description of what happens is a beautiful way to convey what he experiences.

In this new post-Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths DC Universe with the Titans as the preeminent super team it makes sense that they would recruit other members to help them in their work.  If they are attempting to find a way to make a differences ecologically, getting Swamp Thing involved is more than obvious.  Levi Kamei assists the team in Titans #5 and it’s a great use of the newest avatar of the Green.  

There’s a surprising twist at the end of the issue that appears to open up the scope of the influence of The Church of Eternity.  Taylor is planting a lot of seeds (pun intended) and it’s looks to be satisfying to see it play out.

Negatives

While it’s good that Wally’s fate has been sorted in Titans #5, it may have come a little too quickly.  Hopefully, the Beast World crossover will fit organically with what is going on, however at this point it seems that it will be a diversion away from the Church of Eternity storyline that has been in the background since issue #1.

Verdict

Taylor presents a different approach to how super-heroes interact with their world.  It may not be for everyone, but comics have always reflected the world in which they are produced, and this particular aspect suggests something not only different, but pertinent in our own world.  It provides a different kind of connection as well as showing that saving the world can have a different meaning.

The post Review: Titans #5 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer:  Tom Taylor
Art: Nicola Scott
Colors: Annette Kwok
Letters:  Wes Abbott

Reviewed by:  Matthew B.  Lloyd

Summary

Three plotlines interweave in Titans #4: Wally’s fate, Gar’s concern for Borneo and the fallout from last issue’s encounter with the Church of Eternity.

Positives

It’s not clear exactly why, but in Titans #4, but Taylor makes the reader feel like one REALLY is experiencing a group of friends that have been so since childhood and are experiencing adulthood together as well.  There are little details like Linda Park West showing up, Babs in the mix and the change Beast Boy feels about the Titans making a bigger statement than simply punching evil in the face.  There’s a palpable maturity to the characters.

As always, Nicola Scott makes the book look great.  She captures some subtle emotions especially when Garth and Linda greet each other and when Wally protests being kept on the sidelines.  Taylor hits the readers with a big surprise that connects back to the previous issue, and if you have forgotten the surprise from that issue and this one will hit harder.

Negatives

The inclusion of the Suicide Squad and Amanda Waller detracts from the other aspects of the issue.  While Taylor has set them up as the big adversary since issue #1, if you’re not a fan it feels like wasted space.  There are three other plot threads that all have more going for them.  This space could’ve been used to push one of the other plot lines forward with more urgency.

Verdict

Titans #4 bogs down a little bit despite having some really interesting and satisfying moments.  There are lots of good ideas at play in this series, but the Suicide Squad pages in this issue could’ve been used more effectively.  Overall, it’s satisfying to see the Titans feel like old friends readers have grown up with.

The post Review: Titans #4 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Jeremy Adams and Peter J. Tomasi
Art: Xermanico and David Lafuente
Colors: Romulo Fajardo, Jr. and Tamra Bonvillain
Letters: Dave Sharpe and Rob Leigh

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

Hal has to call on friend Barry (The Flash) Allen for some help which leads to some personal introspection and a nice appearance by Carol Ferris.  Oh, and Sinestro is there too!

Positives

Jeremy Adams seems to be reminding readers of Hal’s friends and enemies as he gets back in the swing of things.  Seeing Hal and Barry is wonderful.  It takes readers back to the Silver Age origins of Hal and Barry in the right way.  And, while it’s just the action, Hal and Barry get into an insightful conversation about Hal’s personal life and on-again/ off-again history with Carol.  Barry gives him some sound advice and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in future issues of Green Lantern.  

It’s easy to tell that Jeremy Adams enjoyed writing Barry Allen in this issue.  Adams references his engagement with Iris and ties it into Carol’s significance in the issue.  Barry remembers his times with Carol in the past and has a friendly reunion with her that ads to the emotional complexity of the issue.  Still, how are Barry and Iris not married if he remembers them being married?  Just what happened in Barry’s history?  Oh, wait, this is a Green Lantern review….

Sinestro proves to be more than just the villain as he apparently has a real reason for getting of of Earth and back to Korugar.  Sinestro has been characterized with a lot of different aspects in the last 20 years or so, he’s not simply a villain, although he can be easily be the villain.  From his perspective he is definitely the hero of his story.  It almost feels like Hal will have to help him at some point in this run, which is an intriguing proposition.     

Positives Cont’d

Xermanico’s art is a great fit for this series.  It has the right amount of expressive quality while also manifesting exciting super-hero action.  There are some close ups that highlight Xermanico’s draftsmanship, as well as wide angles to make the stakes impactful.

Peter J. Tomasi and David Lafuente begin a new back up series in Green Lantern #4.  This introductory chapter has a lot of potential especially with the reveal on the last page.  (Not worth spoiling that in a review!).  It may tie in to Sinestro’s comments in the lead story, but either way the basic idea shows that there is A LOT of possibilities with the myriad of Lantern Corps in the DC Universe.  A writer like Tomasi can see that and has jumped on it here.  

Negatives

Not anything in this issue to speak of, but I am reminded of the inconsistency in titles during the “Dawn of DC.”  While Green Lantern is definitely taking Hal back to basics, Adams isn’t ignoring what’s come before.  He’s working in current continuity and referencing what’s necessary while also acknowledging the events of the past.  How Hal got here is part of the story.  Some “Dawn of DC” books don’t seem to be able to do this effectively.  Green Arrow is doing a good job on this front, but the writers of Hawkgirl and Power Girl don’t seem to understand the character or the substance of the respective characters’ histories and personal development.  Green Lantern is pushing forward, while Hawkgirl and Power Girl seem to have regressed to an earlier stage.  This has led to questionable themes and outright mischaracterization.  Perhaps, more editorial oversight would help.  Adams clearly doesn’t need that.

Verdict

Green Lantern #4 improves a bit from last issue with a nice character focused issue that introduces some problems for Hal that should be addressed in coming issues.  Adams presents concerns that impact both the heroic and personal side of Hal’s life while also showing how both sides are connected.  The back up story is worth checking out, as well, as it suggests a lot more to come.

The post Review: Green Lantern #4 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Tom Taylor
Art: Nicola Scott
Colors: Annette Kwok
Letters: Wes Abbott

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

The Titans have descended upon the The Church of Eternity suspecting all is not what it seems.  Plus, they are still worried about Garth and his alliance with Brother Eternity.

Positives

The  art by Nicola Scott is simply stunning at times.  There are a number of thoughtfu1 and emotional beats in Titans #3 and Scott finds the sensitivity, nuance and feeling in each moment.  It communicates the depth of friendship between these characters as well as the underlying emotional content of the plot that Tom Taylor has devised.  It’s not simply about the longtime friendship the Titans share, but the concern for the environment and the convict of faith that is wrapped up in Garth’s affiliation with the Church of Eternity.

One of the best emotional beats in the issue is when the Titans try to stop Wally (The Flash) West from joining in because Raven has pinpointed his future time of death to be within the next 48 hours.  It’s a moment we all know how it will turn out, but it’s a nice moment that also leads to a fun poke at Nightwing.  It shows that these friendships are strong and complex.

Taylor layers the issue with twists and turns as the plot with the Church of Eternity develops.  Despite Garth seeming to be on the side of the Church, we do get a classic Titans vs. Church of the Blood sequence with all the Titans involved.  Also, there’s just something satisfying about an escrima stick to the forehead.  Dick kicks off the assault with a projectile shot at one of the church members in order to stop a sacrifice.  

Negatives

It’s been a couple months since Titans #2.  What began in the first two issues of this new series was interrupted by the Knight Terrors event that ran through July and August.  Despite the unwanted break, it doesn’t seem to have  hindered Titans #3.  If you didn’t know it had happened , you wouldn’t notice it, it flows smoothly from the last issue.

Verdict

Titans #3 is a strong outing with great art and intriguing story.  The character work is great by both Taylor and Scott.  The classic Church of the Blood connection brings a classic feel to the story and the there’s real nuance to Garth’s role and concerns for the environment. 

The post Review: Titans #3 appeared first on DC Comics News.

Produced by: Enso Rings

Finish: Iridescent

Width: 6.6mm

Thickness: 1.75mm

Reviewed by: Joshua Raynor

Out of the darkness, the DC collection calls forward the stark symbols that represent the Super Heroes you love and what they stand for. Perfect for the DC fan in all of us, these high quality silicone rings are precisely what you need and are great as a gift.

I recently received some samples of the new DC collection of silicone rings from Enso Rings, and I gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised.

The collection includes three rings based on superheroes from the DC Universe — Superman, Batman, and The Flash.

At first, I wasn’t sure how I would like them, as I’ve never worn a silicone ring. I’ve worn different metal rings, including a wedding ring and a Green Lantern ring, but silicone was never one that crossed my mind as a legitimate option. But after trying these on and wearing them for awhile, I don’t think I would want anything other than silicone for any future rings.

I’ve had issues with most metal rings I’ve worn, mainly because they’re just uncomfortable. I need a ring that is rounded on all the edges, and you get that with these. Enso rings are super comfortable, and the silicone provides a bit of stretch, which is great for when your fingers inevitable swell for whatever reason. They are easy to put on and take off, and you barely even know they’re there.

They also have a simple, yet great design, showcasing the symbol and key colors for each of the three featured members of the Justice League. Batman gets a black pearl band with yellow topaz inlay, Superman gets a sapphire blue band with ruby red inlay, and The Flash gets a ruby red band with gold inlay — and they are all gorgeous

SUPERMAN SILICONE RING

Fight for truth and justice. Wear the symbol of hope with our DC Collection Superman ring in commanding DualTone, encouraging strength and commitment to doing what’s right. Keep The Man of Steel’s mark close. And when you think you can protect your world by yourself, friends aren’t far who’ll join the cause.

BATMAN SILICONE RING

Darkness before the dawn. Our all new DC Collection Batman ring in striking DualTone made in the Rockies. Inspired by The Dark Knight to ignite your style.

THE FLASH SILICONE RING

Quick! Get your favorite speedster’s symbol on this ring. Our DC Collection Flash ring is featured in a vibrant DualTone, true to the iconic colors.

While they are great rings, there are a couple of small downsides for me. Being silicone, they can’t be resized, so if your ring size changes, you may be out of luck. And the other issue I have is the lack of female hero representation. While I love The Flash, if they’re only going to have three designs available, it should’ve been the DC Trinity — Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.

My hope is that they expand their collection in the future and bring in heroes like Wonder Woman and Green Lantern, and maybe even some villains like Harley Quinn, Reverse Flash, and the various other Lantern Corps.

You can order yours today right HERE, and with a modest price point of $114.99 for the 3-Set, you can’t go wrong!

The post Merchandise Review: DC Collection Enso Silicone Rings appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Marco Santucci
Colors: Ivan Plascencia
Letters: Rob Leigh

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

The Lost Children are back, and what to do with them?  We catch up with the members of the Justice Society of America as they search for living relatives of the Lost Children.

Positives

Justice Society of America #6 has a strong focus on character.  Whether it’s the Lost Children or the members of the JSA, Geoff Johns put character at the forefront as he moves the big picture forward.  Johns naturally brings the Lost Children over from the Stargirl mini-series as Courtney shows up at JSA headquarters with the android Hourman in tow with her own ideas about what to do with the Lost Children.  While the question on everyone’s mind has to be about the meeting of Judy and Jay Garrick for the first time in decades, its brief with a quick catchup on Judy’s history, but the real emotional reunion with mom, Joan is either left for a future issue or it takes place off panel.

The most intense family reunion is between Bruce Wayne and his daughter, Helena.  Though they’ve met before in this series, we get a one-one on moment with cool heads.  There’s lack of tension, however, as Bruce is still concerned about Helena existing out of time.  Helena gives him a little a little tease as she references “The Gotham War” currently running in Catwoman and the Bat-titles.  For Helena, this is history, and it’s not the only history she references.  It’s a really interesting scene that echoes the meeting of the original Earth-Two Huntress meeting the Earth-One Batman back in the Bronze Age.

Positives Cont’d

While the JSA searches for an approach to the Lost Children, exploring each one’s past individually, it’s the conversation between Huntress and Power Girl that seems to give the story arc its direction.  As we saw in the first issue of this series, in the future that now no longer exists, PG and Huntress put together a JSA of irregular members that was decimated by Per Degaton.  Helena suggests that they put that team together, but now…so they get it right!  It’s great to see these two working together and it’s particular wonderful to see Helena call PG “Karen.”  It gives hope that the foolishness being done with Power Girl  by  Leah Williams will be ignored or quickly forgotten.  Now, just that new costume has to go….

Marco Santucci takes over on art duties with this issue.  Santucci brings his signature approach as his to depiction of faces brings a unique identity to them.  It’s especially effective with Bruce and Helena as their uncostumed identities have the connection.  There’s also a genuine joy when Judy and Jay meet.  Additionally, Santucci’s homages the cover to All-Star Squadron #1 in the issue as Alan Scott, Mr. Terrific and the robot Hourman peruse pictures of the Lost Children.  It’s a great call back to a classic Earth-Two cover.

Negatives

It’s tough to find a negative with this issue.  It may seem like a bit of a slow start, but Johns is focusing on the characters and Santucci’s art is perfect for those types of stories.

Verdict

Justice Society of America #6 is an exciting start to a new story arc.  It’s character focused and sets the stage for what’s to come.  The fate of the Lost Children has been an intriguing plot line since the beginning of Stargirl: The Lost Children.  Their story naturally continues here.   The emotional tension between Bruce and Helena is fantastic and it’s great to see Helena and Karen’s friendship as  the cornerstone of the future of the JSA!

The post Review: Justice Society of America #6 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review CONTAINS spoilers]

Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Mikel Janin and Jerry Ordwa
Colors: Jordie Bellaire and John Kalisz
Letters: Rob Leigh

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

This is it!  Helena (Huntress) Wayne and the Justice Society face off against Degaton in a finale that changes the history of the JSA.

Positives

The opening sequence of Justice Society of America #5 focuses on Helena and her father, Bruce (Batman) Wayne.  Johns recent DC work has all grown out of Doomsday Clock.  Flashpoint Beyond plays into this current Justice Society series as well.  It’s a well constructed set of comic series that connect and build a larger world.  For this particular issue, the personal connection between Bruce and Helena is very compelling.  Batman acts as one would expect, and Johns brings out how Helena is just like her father.  It’s a nice character moment for both of them.

The art by Janin and Ordway looks great.  It always does.  These two artists never fail to make a comic look great.  They both communicate atmosphere and action.  Janin gets to draw JSA characters from multiple eras including a classic looking Power Girl and it’s a stark reminder that her new costume just doesn’t work.  Johns make sure to remind readers that she’s Helena is PG’s best friend.  

Positives Cont’d

There are some details in this issue that really stand out.  Some of them plant seeds for future stories.  Helena’s fate is left up in the air, she shouldn’t exist now that time has changed.  Batman doesn’t believe that she shouldn’t stay, but it beautifully sets her up in the same position as Power Girl- remnants from worlds that no longer exist, worlds in which they were best friends.  With this conclusion, it almost doesn’t matter that they aren’t from the same world.  It puts the two in the same space as they were in The New 52 and in a sense restores the majority of their pre-Crisis history.

Additionally, as we get to see the future, the Legion of Super-Heroes makes an appearance.  Geoff Johns has written the Legion before so it’s not surprising.  In addition to bringing the classic Legion back into continuity in The Lightning Saga, the Legion, Saturn Girl specifically was at the core of the conflict in Doomsday Clock.  In that series, the Legion returns.  It’s not the classic Legion that was depicted in the beginning of Doomsday Clock, however, it was the Legion as reimagined by Brian Michael Bendis in a lackluster attempt to bring the team back into the DC Universe.  In Justice League of America #5, the classic Legion as they were depicted pre-New 52 in Johns work with the team.  This is a great tease for Legion fans!  Will Johns bring the classic Legion back?

The issue ends with Judy Garrick and Hourman showing up at the JSA meeting following directly from Johns’ Stargirl: The Lost Children.  We were told at the end of that series that it would continue in Justice Society of America #6 and this is the continuation of that.

Negatives

While the specifics of the resolution of the story arc ore solid, this issue does seem to to resolve things quickly.  The denouement is certainly important and interesting, but the showdown with Degaton could easily have lasted until the end of the issue.  As is the pacing feels off.  Reading it all in one sitting may provide a different experience that flows better.

There are some unanswered questions about Helena and the new characters from her future.  Does the change in history eliminate them as well?  One hopes these are addressed specifically in the next story arc.

Verdict

Despite the quick ending, Justice Society of America #5, there are lots of details that are satisfying with the resolution.  Additionally, the big picture view is a fun and exciting look at a special corner of the DC Universe that relies on character, nostalgia and compelling plot lines.

The post Review: Justice Society of America #5 appeared first on DC Comics News.

This scripted audio drama will star Max Greenfield (New Girl) as Barry Allen/The Flash, in a six-part podcast exclusively on Apple Podcasts.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment describes the podcast as a “companion piece” to the film currently in theaters, though it’s unclear if that means it’s in the same canon of the film or not.

The first two parts will be released on Monday, July 10th, with the remaining episodes dropping weekly on Mondays. The studio says the series will be exclusive to Apple Podcasts “for a limited time” before branching out to other podcast platforms.

Check out the trailer and the full synopsis below:

Barry Allen is at the height of his powers and fame, firmly ensconced as Central City’s favorite Super Hero – but when being The Flash forces him to let Iris down one time too many, she decides to call it quits. Undeterred, Barry figures he can use the Speed Force to go back in time and set things right. But something goes wrong, Barry tumbles into a new dimension, finding himself in a small bedroom with Captain Cold, his powers gone. Cold tells Barry that he’s an unwitting participant in a televised tournament, THE MIDNIGHT CIRCUS, which pits humans, superheroes and rogues against one another in life-or-death games of chance. Survive the competition and Barry earns his freedom, recreate the conditions of his original transformation, and return to his own timeline. But to do so, he’ll have to rely solely on his wits. And if that wasn’t hard enough, he soon finds himself facing his toughest opponent yet: Iris West.

All six episodes will also be included with The Flash on Digital, 4K UHD, and Blu-ray whenever it’s released on physical home media.

The post The Flash Audio Drama Coming To Apple Podcasts appeared first on DC Comics News.

“Afterworlds”

Cloonan and Conrad came out of the gate with a 10-part epic story, “Afterworlds.”  While it does pick up with Diana in the afterlife where she left by Scott Snyder at the end of Dark Nights: Death Metal, it wasn’t the afterlife as seen in Greek Mythology.  Instead, Diana was in Valhalla, where warriors in Norse Mythology are taken by the Valkyries after dying on the field of battle.  Diana would make a friend and lover (YIKES!) of Sigfried, Teutonic hero of The Ring of the Niebelung in Valhalla as a little voice in her head urged her to make her way back home.  Diana’s trek through the “afterlives” of different cultures finally saw the Amazing Amazon return to Earth.  

While this first story arc succeeded in returning Diana to her life on Earth, along the way Cloonan and Conrad added some new characters to Diana’s supporting cast, chiefly Sigfried and they also allowed “Afterworlds” to touch on the major core aspects of Diana’s character- connection to Greek Myth/Legend, fierce warrior, loyal, caring friend and advocate for peace.  Some aspects of Diana can seem like a contradiction, but that’s one of the reasons she’s so interesting.  As Diana fights along side Sigfried in the endless glory of battle in Valhalla, the reader is reminded of the martial aspect of Diana’s character.  Known chiefly for her magic lasso, Diana is also pretty good with a sword and shield.  

Diana’s trip through the afterlives leads her to Olympus and the confrontation with Janus as Cloonan and Conrad remind the reader that Diana always has one foot in the world of Greek Mythology.  This in turn leads Diana to a trip through the multiverse as Diana and Sigfried stick together through thick and thin.  This jaunt through worlds of the DC Universe demonstrate the integrity of Diana to the shared continuity as one of the three pillars of the Trinity along side Superman and Batman.

Finally, the new characters that Diana meets along the way reveal her caring and loyal nature as well as how she engenders the same in others.  Be it Sigfried or Ratatosk, the squirrel from Yggdrasil, the world tree. these new friends become as close to Diana due to the quality of her character.  Her caring, love and compassion shine through all her interactions with friend and foe

Back In Man’s World

When Diana returns to Earth she wastes no time in trying reconnecting with her friends, Etta Candy, Steve Trevor and the members of the Justice League as well as Cassie Sandsmark and Donna Troy.  Once again, Diana’s loyalty and caring nature are highlighted as she sees her friends and colleagues.  It’s a reminder that it’s OK for comics to be happy, and it’s OK to feel happy.  This positivity echoes Diana’s outlook on life.  At this point, Cloonan and Conrad turn to a different aspect of Wonder Woman’s 80 year history.  In a genius move, the writing duo begins exploring many of the original themes present in the original Golden Age Wonder Woman stories by Diana’s creator, William Mouton Marston.

While in Asgard, Diana had an encounter with Dr. Psycho, and upon her return she learns that Psycho is peddling a “macho man” campaign.  Throughout the storyline he manifests his powers exactly as he did in his first appearance way back in Wonder Woman #5 (1943).  Additionally, he utilizes the International Milk Company a company that can trace its first and only (?) appearance to Sensation Comics #7 (1942).  Dr. Psycho is playing the long game as its slowly revealed he has some shadowy backers who seem to be behind the whole thing.

Marson’s Themes

Cloonan and Conrad use Psycho’s campaign against women as a way of addressing a theme from Marston’s Wonder Woman’s stories.  Marston created the character to to be an heroic feminine alternative for girls in the early comic book industry dominated by male heroes.  However, upon inspection of those early issues of Wonder Woman and Sensation Comics, it becomes apparent that Marston isn’t just putting a female character in a male hero’s story, but rather suggesting a completely different approach to viewing the world.  This isn’t new, Marson’s agenda is well documented.  Marston suggests that love, understanding and compassion are more powerful and more effective than aggression, violence and corporal punishment, approaches typically associated with a masculine bent.  Cloonan and Conrad use this theme throughout the run, not only as evidenced by Diana’s personal relationships with friends, but her real belief that she can rehabilitate Dr. Barbara Minerva, the Cheetah.  It’s something that goes back to the Golden Age as Diana and her Amazon sisters believe that the original Cheetah (Priscilla Rich) and Paula Von Gunther can be rehabilitated through Amazonian methods based on love, compassion and understanding.

The deeper and subtler themes are paired with some more overt references to the past.  Cloonan and Conrad reintroduce Etta Candy’s classmates from Holliday College, the Holliday Girls for a modern audience.  As in the Golden Age, the Holliday Girls take no prisoners and are always capable and up to whatever task they take on.  We also get to see Barbara Minerva show up in the Golden Age Cheetah costume of Priscilla Rich.  Even one of Diana’s earliest foes, the Duke of Deception was brought back in a storyline.

The most interesting reference to Wonder Woman’s past occurs when Sigfried joins Diana on Earth and Steve Trevor takes the legendary warrior on as a roommate.  While Steve and Sigfried never do more than become great friends, they are written with a certain sensitivity.  At this point, Diana is essentially stuck with two suitors, Sigfried and Steve.  The two men maintain a friendship knowing that they both love Diana, but they never let it get in their way.  And, Diana, never treats one more intimately than the other.  Cloonan and Conrad have developed the mirror image of Marston, his wife and his live in lover.  Marston, despite being a professed feminist had no problem having a wife and mistress in an open relationship.  Diana, Steve and Sigfried never engage in any sort of romantic encounters all together, or separately, but it’s clear that Cloonan and Conrad are paying homage to Marston and his unique view of the committed relationship.

Wonder Woman Interrupted

During their tenure on Wonder Woman, Cloonan and Conrad were required to navigate two events that impacted the stories they were in the middle of telling.  It’s important to note that even though they gave their all and backed both events with enthusiasm, these events clearly interrupted what they were doing on Wonder Woman.   However, they never gave any indication how they felt about!  “Trial of the Amazons” split up the first part of the Dr. Psycho storyline.  The death of Hippolyta in that story seemed odd as Diana had just gone through the whole “ascension” bit herself recently.  More importantly, it distracted from the main Wonder Woman title.  It didn’t flow easily back and forth and the event truly felt forced.

The more recent Lazarus Planet event didn’t just distract, it seemed to truncate what would’ve been a much longer and incredibly interesting third act to a story arc.  Wonder Woman #795 ends on a surprising cliffhanger/ turn of events in which the population of Washington, D.C. has been affected by Eros into loving Diana…TOO much.  The pace of the arc certainly feels like this will be explored over a few issues, perhaps even right up to a resolution in issue #800.  However, it’s wrapped up really quickly in issue #796 with that issue heading right into Lazarus Planet.  As the next two issue serviced the Lazarus Planet event, it doesn’t take a lot to figure out that Cloonan and Conrad were being team players despite their final story arc being truncated.

Dawn of DC?

Wonder Woman #800 the last issue to feature Cloonan and Conrad as the writers with DC Comics having decided to go in a different direction for the  Dawn of DC.  Tom King’s first story also appears in issue #800 with his first full issue in a relaunch in September with a new #1 (Legacy #801).  The Dawn of DC banner is supposed to indicate a sort of “back to basics” for characters with good jumping on points.  Having already seen the solicit for new Wonder Woman #1, it doesn’t sound much like  “back to basics” for Diana.  If anything, it sounds like a rehash of themes in “Amazons Attack” from 2007.  One can’t criticize king for nostalgia for a favorite era, but that wasn’t an even that went over that well at the time, and it certainly is about as far away from a “back to basics” approach that one could imagine.  Diana as Public Enemy #1 is more along the lines of King’s tendency to deconstruct the characters he writes (there are a few exceptions)  rather than lean into what makes them tick.  Ironically, the entirety of Cloonan and Conrad’s run WAS a “back to basics.”  After restoring her to the world of the living from the afterlives, the writing duo brought back themes rooted in the essence of the character as well as restoring classic elements to the series. 

The same can be said for Jeremy Adams on The Flash.  Adams spent his entire run undoing the damage to Wally West perpetrated on the character in Heroes in Crisis (by Tom King!) and returning the character to the status quo for which fans had been clamoring.  This is evidence that DC Editorial doesn’t really know what it’s doing, it struggles to tell what’s good and what fans want.  King’s Wonder Woman may sell, but it’s won’t be because it’s a good interpretation of the character (it may or may not be) but, rather because King is a polarizing and controversial writer.  More people will pay to watch a traffic accident than an act of kindness.

“Whatever Happened to the Warrior of Truth?”

Wonder Woman #799 and #800 conclude Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad’s run on Wonder Woman.  cleverly they channel a classic Superman tale as they adapt the format of “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?”  (Neil Gaiman did the same thing for Batman with “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?”).  This final tale by the duo revisits the character not so much as events in a life or a history, but rather an exploration of the themes that make Wonder Woman who she is.  It’s fitting that their run ends with the themes that have made it so good.  Perhaps, the cleverest bit is at the end of Wonder Woman #800 is when Conrad and Cloonan appear to have stealth restored Diana’s original clay figure origin.  It’s subtle, but Hippolyta gives Diana what amounts to a “pep” talk and the language references the original clay figure origin.  It’s smart.  It works on two levels, reminding the reader that love and compassion are at the core of the character.  Whatever comes next for Wonder Woman, this run will stand as a unique, interesting and intelligent run by creators who truly understand the character.

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