jsmithborne's review
3.0
Stop #1 on my Greg Rucka/Wonder Woman binge. A bit of a slow start, and Diana gets a bit preachy from time to time, but kept me motivated to stick to the series--very glad I had the 2nd book on hand. Also, I think it was in this one (if not, it's in the next one, Bitter Rivals) that Wonder Woman goes to a gay bookstore when she's on her book tour. LOVED that little touch.
The thing that got me onto this particular set of books is a blog post, "Where Should I Start If I Want to Start Reading Wonder Woman" (http://chaila.tumblr.com/post/63659047414/where-should-i-start-if-i-want-to-start-reading-wonder). The titles of the trades that encompass this story are Down to Earth, Bitter Rivals, Eyes of the Gorgon, Land of the Dead, and Mission’s End.
The thing that got me onto this particular set of books is a blog post, "Where Should I Start If I Want to Start Reading Wonder Woman" (http://chaila.tumblr.com/post/63659047414/where-should-i-start-if-i-want-to-start-reading-wonder). The titles of the trades that encompass this story are Down to Earth, Bitter Rivals, Eyes of the Gorgon, Land of the Dead, and Mission’s End.
whosthistyler's review
5.0
A really great take on Wonder Woman, even though it avoids getting much into her head. Instead, it offers us a conflicted outside view that proves fascinating. The debate around Diana's book is thought provoking and a telling social commentary that is ahead of its time.
cleheny's review
4.0
This is my third time reading Greg Rucka's first Wonder Woman run, and I appreciate it more each time. These first six issues set up the many issues Rucka explores during these arcs: Diana's responsibilities as ambassador, Amazon sister, friend, and hero, and the tension between these roles; how Diana is perceived by the world around her; the effect of the modern world on an ancient pantheon; and the power of sacrifice and of faith.
There is only one major fight in these first issues, but they are not dull. Rucka builds on Diana's existing supporting cast and expands it with vivid characters, including Diana's embassy staff (all of whom are well-done, but Ferdinand the Kithotaur-chef is a particular standout) and a new villain, Veronica Cale. By spending time with these characters, instead of spending several pages on fights, Rucka lays the groundwork for the emotional impact of the stories that follow.
Several have negatively commented on the artwork. I wasn't too bothered by it, although Diana's facial structure does noticeably vary at times.
There is only one major fight in these first issues, but they are not dull. Rucka builds on Diana's existing supporting cast and expands it with vivid characters, including Diana's embassy staff (all of whom are well-done, but Ferdinand the Kithotaur-chef is a particular standout) and a new villain, Veronica Cale. By spending time with these characters, instead of spending several pages on fights, Rucka lays the groundwork for the emotional impact of the stories that follow.
Several have negatively commented on the artwork. I wasn't too bothered by it, although Diana's facial structure does noticeably vary at times.
jenjenpelly's review
4.0
I liked this story arc better than the first one I read. There's an interesting dual narrative that the writer and artist used very successfully to develop a pretty complicated political plot and to deepen the characters. I would definitely read the next volume.
lindakat's review
4.0
I think it's an important story to tell; you can be a hero without resorting to violence.
Trust a woman to use her brains rather than her fists.
Great story, great message, absolutely stunning illustrations.
Really enjoyed my foray into Wonder Woman comics.
Trust a woman to use her brains rather than her fists.
Great story, great message, absolutely stunning illustrations.
Really enjoyed my foray into Wonder Woman comics.
theartolater's review
5.0
So a few years back, I spent a good deal of time going through all of the modern Wonder Woman trades, starting with the Rucka ones. Of course, who forgot to grab the very first volume? Yep, this guy.
So going back to the beginning was interesting for me if only because I survived some of the lowest lows as well as the way she's been reconfigured essentially three different ways (so far that I've read) in the New 52. The Rucka Wonder Woman is confident without being a caricature, is multifaceted in a way that doesn't come through in a lot of the modern tales, and makes me remember why I became so interested in the character to begin with.
Overall, glad I went back to this one. It was a nice reminder, even if it might have kind of ruined current stories for me.
So going back to the beginning was interesting for me if only because I survived some of the lowest lows as well as the way she's been reconfigured essentially three different ways (so far that I've read) in the New 52. The Rucka Wonder Woman is confident without being a caricature, is multifaceted in a way that doesn't come through in a lot of the modern tales, and makes me remember why I became so interested in the character to begin with.
Overall, glad I went back to this one. It was a nice reminder, even if it might have kind of ruined current stories for me.
noysh's review
4.0
This is Greg Rucka's first batch of issues writing Wonder Woman. This is the rise of the characterization of Diana as Themiscyran ambassador and child of greek myth. Rucka's run is one of the points where Wonder Woman is really shining. This is where that run begins.
depreydeprey's review
3.0
I'm looking for a truly great Wonder Woman story. I know it is out there but I haven't found it yet. That said, Rucka is a very good writer and this meta story line is closer to what I'm looking for than anything I've found so far.