Wonder Woman Volumes 1-4

The New 52 version of Wonder Woman is one of the best written books published today.  I rank it as my favorite version of Wonder Woman.  Brian Azzarello added an element of horror to the series.  Part of this was done by making the gods more like they were in the original mythologies.  They are not necessarily human, are powerful, spiteful, and not afraid to use others as their play things.  Azzarello’s Wonder Woman almost feels like an old Vertigo book.  The only problem I see with the New 52 version is that it is not consistent across the line.  The Wonder Woman in Geoff Johns’ “Justice League” seems like a different character.  But Peter Tomasi wrote her in line with Azzarello’s version.  With Azzarello’s run ending soon, I am sure the next version will be more along the lines of the “Justice League” Wonder Woman.  I will miss this series.

The only thing I did not care for was the choice of art direction.  The minimalistic art does not fit the lush storytelling.  This is a series that would have been better with a more realistic artist.  The horror and supernatural elements would have carried more weight.

Based on my new rating system, all of the collections get a 7 of 10 rating.  The storytelling gets high ratings while the art pulls it down.  Whether or not you agree with me about the art, these collections are must buys.  “Wonder Woman” continues to be one of the most intriguing, suspense books on the shelves and be fondly remembered as a great series.

Author:  Brian Azzarello

Artists:  Cliff Chiang, Tony Akins

Publisher:  DC Comics

Graphic Novel Challenge #s 42-45

Wonder Woman Volume 1:  Blood 

Rating 7

Wonder Woman Volume 2:  Guts 


Rating 7

Wonder Woman Volume 3:  Iron 


Rating 7

Wonder Woman Volume 4:  War 


Rating 7