Comic Book Review: Wonder Woman #37

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Bernard Chang

Cover by Aaron Lopresti

Plot

Achilles has taken over as leader of Paradise Island.  A recently deceased Ares visits Wonder Woman, and the amazons on Paradise Island are confronted with a sudden explosion of pregnant women!  Needless to say, emotions are high.  Diana decides to head back to Paradise Island where she battles a close friend, and discovers something truly troubling that could dictate the future of the Amazonian race.

My Thoughts

As much as I love Gail Simone, this issue seemed to be a step down from her previous books in the Wonder Woman series.  However I still can’t make up my mind if it has more to do with the clashing art style of Bernard Chang, or if Simone just had an off day.  The story still contains everything I like, the visit of a mutilated, zombie-like Ares, a battle of two lovers, troubled friendships and a killer ending.  But this issue didn’t go that extra step in putting me in “awe.” 

The “Warrior Sex” scene was by far the most intriguing between Alkyone and Achilles.  No true physical contact was made between them, but it was an exceptionally erotic duel.  The way Alkyone phrased her sentences mid-battle was the way a person would if they were actually having intercourse.  Even after being struck by Achilles across the face, she still kept a seductive smile as if she enjoyed every minute of their fight.

Also in this issue, Wonder Woman’s compassionate side is once again revealed while maintaining her strong, warrior characteristics.  You can never expect Wonder Woman to tackle a situation like Superman would.  She never goes into a situation half-cocked or without thinking.  In the case of Donna swooping in to attack Wonder Woman, she (Wonder Woman) leaves herself completely vulnerable and at Donna’s mercy.  With this sympathetic approach, we as readers are shown that anger towards friends, no matter how big or dreadful, can be defused with love and compassion.  And it ends with the two friends embracing each other as they float towards the ground.

Overall

A step down, but still above average.  It didn’t come as a surprise to me that Hipolyta no longer rules Paradise Island, nor that Alkyone took over as queen.  Yet the ending made it out to be so.  The art, while still wonderful and detailed, did not fit the Wonder Woman title we have all come to know these past three years.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Next Issue Coming 11/25/2009

Wonder Woman's world is turned upside-down as she finds herself branded a criminal by her own people! Plus, who are the Crows, and what awful secret do they carry that will affect Diana forever?