Review: Wonder Woman #32
How quick can a fortnight change things? Last issue of Wonder Woman was so much better than it’s predecessor; how naïve was I to think that level of quality could continue?
The second part of the Children of the Gods, sees Diana and “eye candy” Steve Trevor set to battle para-demons four hours from now. Its a trick that writer James Robinson used last issue, teasing the near future before showing how we got there. I don’t mind the switcheroo; as with everything although, over use may limit its effectiveness. Still, we now know that there is some action down the line, which is important in this joining-the-dots style of chapter.
James Robinson clearly has a story to tell. I can’t help but think his choice to close off a thread from the New 52 is a wise choice, even if it means that there is a chunk of exposition to wade through. Robinson main strength is the emotional aspect to storytelling. This is hinted at with Diana’s reluctance to give up her relationship with the deceased Hercules, the letter the dead would be god wrote for her and of course her joy at locating Jason. Diana, as you would expect is the focal point of the book, but I am a little tired of her always seeming to be reactive. Surely, in her own book she can take charge? It as if she is being led through her own life, at times.
The art in this issue suffers from inconsistencies from artist Sergio Davila, who has spent time over at Dynamite Entertainment. At times his works looks good, full of details. In other places, faces are bland, lack detail and seemingly change whilst on the same page! Even hairstyles change without any real reason, which may be more to do with a lack of coherent editorial control than the art itself. Davila works the action scenes well, at least when Diana is involved. He also does well with some of the poses he puts our favourite Amazon through, at least on occasion. Reading the book, you almost buy into the art, but it feels like there is always a drop lying in wait. Inker Scot Hanna is joined by Mark Morales and whilst there is no doubting Hanna’s skills, sharing the workload may have impacted on some of the artistic problems. Colors are by Romulo Farjardo Jr who again puts in a solid shift.
When Rebirth and the fortnightly schedule was announced for so many DC books, I worried about the impact that this would have on the art. With Wonder Woman, DC seemed to get around this by running a past and present format, featuring Nicola Scott and the return of Liam Sharpe. Now that the book has gone single time frame, those worries are back. Now with another quality writer on board in Robinson, DC owes Wonder Woman a regular art team that can deliver every issue. As it is, this book is teetering on the consistently inconsistent knife edge.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by, James Robinson
Art by, Sergio Davila with Scott Hanna & Mark Morales
Colors by; Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Published by; DC Comics
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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