ricoocri's review against another edition
5.0
I was pretty disheartened at the reviews on here for Volume One of this trilogy, it seemed to be primarily from people who aren't too familiar with the Wonder Woman mythos, which is fine I suppose. A lot of people were angry that Diana had a father or that men were in the amazons' backstory, and like, both of these things weren't new and it's pretty strange to read that people felt that one comic book would set depictions of women in comics back a decade (did not happen). Anyway this one was really great, I'm really excited to get volume 3 from the library tomorrow, Doctor Psycho as a reddit PUA is the kind of genius reinvention that only Grant could think of.
sonaderon's review against another edition
3.0
"I can wear what I want" will be a valid thing for Wonder Woman to say only when Batman and Superman start fighting crime in Speedos.
howiedoowinfam's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
jhstack's review against another edition
3.0
There's a lot about this trade I'm mixed on, from the incel-y Dr. Psycho (a dead giveaway upon his introduction) to Uberfraulien to discussions of Wonder Woman's accouterments. (e-galley from Netgalley)
jordannedunn's review against another edition
3.0
Golden Age Wonder Woman Reimagined In Modern Times Where She Promotes … Fascism?
I enjoyed the interesting and modern take on Wonder Woman this book presented, in particular on some of Diana’s most iconic villains. Dr Leon Zeiko (Dr Psycho) in particular was a very interesting and clever choice, presented more as a reality-based, troll sharing his hatred of women and his manipulation to an online audience (and as a military weapon, of course) than an actual supervillain.
The Amazon ideology is presented differently in Earth One than the more contemporary interpretations that, for me personally, have replaced it in canon – in line with Morrison’s intention to bring a literal light to William Marston’s original Wonder Woman and the ideas surrounding her. The words ‘loving submission to a benevolent authority’ are bandied around a lot and sent shudders down my spine every time. The scenes in Themyscira just come off so backward, from the forced submission and ‘reprogramming’ of Paula von Gunther to Hippolyta’s implied harem of Amazonian lovers.
I didn’t know the inspiration behind the book before reading it and so my reactions were generally negative (as they should). I feel knowing the thought process behind the story makes the world of difference for a reader’s experience.
Whilst I can holistically respect and even enjoy what Grant Morrison has written from a story-telling and character perspective, I don’t know why exactly it needed to be written? But then, at the end of the day, I didn’t really need this book to teach me that the subjugation of someone’s free will is wrong, or that anyone, no matter how brave or strong can be manipulated and controlled by the right (or indeed, the wrong) person, but maybe other people do.
There were some issues in terms of pacing and though a key part of Zeiko’s arc was to isolate Diana from her loved ones I never felt like we saw enough of them or they were fleshed out enough for me to notice.
Due to this general approach to the book, it could really fall into either Powerful or Problematic Content territory depending on what the reader takes away from it.
One example that immediately springs to mind is a scene where Wonder Woman dons a ‘Wonder Niqab’ inspired costume when visiting a middle eastern country. I’m viewing this in the light of paying respect to another country’s religious customs as opposed to cultural appropriation, however, an argument could be made.
The artwork is amazing, and the design of Diana’s costumes alone is just awe-inspiring. I don’t think anyone has ever looked that good in red, white and blue (sorry, Steve Rogers). From her trouser suits (that I want) to her variety of combat costumes, the attention to detail can’t be missed. This is reflected in character-specific panel borders and individually detailed crowd members in the background.
I think everyone who’s heard of Wonder Woman (so, everyone, give or take) could jump straight into this book but I feel going into it, or reading up after it, knowing the approach the creators took will alter, if not add to, the reading experience.
I have a strange relationship with Wonder Woman, as she is a character I’m very much in love with the idea of but, aside from the recent movie adaption, have yet to read the story that secures that ideal. I had heard great things about Grant Morrison on Wonder Woman specifically, and I think I may go back to read Vol. 1 but despite the book clearly being very clever and generally well-written, I don’t think this is a Wonder Woman I can rock with.
I can only say with certainty that ...
To see my full review, visit my blog, Bloodthirsty Little Beasts.
I enjoyed the interesting and modern take on Wonder Woman this book presented, in particular on some of Diana’s most iconic villains. Dr Leon Zeiko (Dr Psycho) in particular was a very interesting and clever choice, presented more as a reality-based, troll sharing his hatred of women and his manipulation to an online audience (and as a military weapon, of course) than an actual supervillain.
The Amazon ideology is presented differently in Earth One than the more contemporary interpretations that, for me personally, have replaced it in canon – in line with Morrison’s intention to bring a literal light to William Marston’s original Wonder Woman and the ideas surrounding her. The words ‘loving submission to a benevolent authority’ are bandied around a lot and sent shudders down my spine every time. The scenes in Themyscira just come off so backward, from the forced submission and ‘reprogramming’ of Paula von Gunther to Hippolyta’s implied harem of Amazonian lovers.
I didn’t know the inspiration behind the book before reading it and so my reactions were generally negative (as they should). I feel knowing the thought process behind the story makes the world of difference for a reader’s experience.
Whilst I can holistically respect and even enjoy what Grant Morrison has written from a story-telling and character perspective, I don’t know why exactly it needed to be written? But then, at the end of the day, I didn’t really need this book to teach me that the subjugation of someone’s free will is wrong, or that anyone, no matter how brave or strong can be manipulated and controlled by the right (or indeed, the wrong) person, but maybe other people do.
There were some issues in terms of pacing and though a key part of Zeiko’s arc was to isolate Diana from her loved ones I never felt like we saw enough of them or they were fleshed out enough for me to notice.
Due to this general approach to the book, it could really fall into either Powerful or Problematic Content territory depending on what the reader takes away from it.
One example that immediately springs to mind is a scene where Wonder Woman dons a ‘Wonder Niqab’ inspired costume when visiting a middle eastern country. I’m viewing this in the light of paying respect to another country’s religious customs as opposed to cultural appropriation, however, an argument could be made.
The artwork is amazing, and the design of Diana’s costumes alone is just awe-inspiring. I don’t think anyone has ever looked that good in red, white and blue (sorry, Steve Rogers). From her trouser suits (that I want) to her variety of combat costumes, the attention to detail can’t be missed. This is reflected in character-specific panel borders and individually detailed crowd members in the background.
I think everyone who’s heard of Wonder Woman (so, everyone, give or take) could jump straight into this book but I feel going into it, or reading up after it, knowing the approach the creators took will alter, if not add to, the reading experience.
I have a strange relationship with Wonder Woman, as she is a character I’m very much in love with the idea of but, aside from the recent movie adaption, have yet to read the story that secures that ideal. I had heard great things about Grant Morrison on Wonder Woman specifically, and I think I may go back to read Vol. 1 but despite the book clearly being very clever and generally well-written, I don’t think this is a Wonder Woman I can rock with.
I can only say with certainty that ...
To see my full review, visit my blog, Bloodthirsty Little Beasts.
hidinginstacks's review against another edition
2.0
Oof.
Even Yanick's art couldn't save this volume. I...
Where do I begin?
I wasn't too fond of the first volume because it seems very...sexualized. Unnecessarily so. & it seems amped up to an alarming degree in Volume 2. I guess this could be more on Yanick's part, since he is the artist. But like, yo. I don't need weird sexy Wonder Woman parts being fully exaggerated when there's no need to. Like why is her mouth hanging open half the time?
Anyway, the story. Atrocious. Nazi mind control, let's go invade Themyscira and kill Hippolyta! It all did not seem to be very cohesive. I know this is supposed to be a nod to/retelling of Diana's origin story, too. But it seemed to take all of the elements of the comics of the past and threw them together with no real understanding of WHY Wonder Woman was seen as a pivotal feminist figure. It was just...weird. Reading Grant's stuff, I'm usually impressed. This WW is not my favorite at all.
Beautiful art, of course, but this wasn't my cup of tea. Don't think I'll finish out this series too quickly.
Even Yanick's art couldn't save this volume. I...
Where do I begin?
I wasn't too fond of the first volume because it seems very...sexualized. Unnecessarily so. & it seems amped up to an alarming degree in Volume 2. I guess this could be more on Yanick's part, since he is the artist. But like, yo. I don't need weird sexy Wonder Woman parts being fully exaggerated when there's no need to. Like why is her mouth hanging open half the time?
Anyway, the story. Atrocious. Nazi mind control, let's go invade Themyscira and kill Hippolyta! It all did not seem to be very cohesive. I know this is supposed to be a nod to/retelling of Diana's origin story, too. But it seemed to take all of the elements of the comics of the past and threw them together with no real understanding of WHY Wonder Woman was seen as a pivotal feminist figure. It was just...weird. Reading Grant's stuff, I'm usually impressed. This WW is not my favorite at all.
Beautiful art, of course, but this wasn't my cup of tea. Don't think I'll finish out this series too quickly.
d_iris's review against another edition
1.0
It's like...why bother continuing with the story? I didn't like the first one, so what made me think I'd like its sequel any better? Diana doesn't understand what it is to BE Wonder Woman; doesn't understand the plight of women everywhere, or their individual struggles/beliefs/cultures. She thinks her way is the only way, and that is not the Diana, Princess of Themyscira that I know.
The writer(s) play around with what they think feminism is, having all of their female sub-plot characters want all men everywhere destroyed. They have them full of hate and rage, and Diana mirrors them. I just don't understand how this could ever pass as Wonder Woman.
1/5
Post Script: Wonder Woman Sheik was FIRE!
The writer(s) play around with what they think feminism is, having all of their female sub-plot characters want all men everywhere destroyed. They have them full of hate and rage, and Diana mirrors them. I just don't understand how this could ever pass as Wonder Woman.
1/5
Post Script: Wonder Woman Sheik was FIRE!