Review: Wonder Woman Volume 1 - The Lies

Unable to return home, Wonder Woman seeks the help of an unlikely ally to get back to Themyscira. Venturing deep into the jungles of Bwunda, the Amazon Princess makes a deal with her one-time nemesis Cheetah in the hopes that she may be able to aid her in her quest. But first she must do battle against the God Urzkartaga and free Cheetah from his divine influence.

Wonder Woman Volume 1: The Lies collects Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1 and Wonder Woman #1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Liam Sharp.

Superficially, The Lies reads as a deliberate retcon disguised as a storyline. It seems designed to erase the stories that preceded it from DC Comics’ The New 52 initiative, slowly washing away Azzarello and Cliff Chiang’s divisive take on Wonder Woman. On a deeper level, Rucka and Sharp are restoring Wonder Woman’s mythos to a more faithful interpretation while also keeping some of the elements that helped to modernize the character. For instance, The New 52’s controversial take on the Amazons is excised while Cheetah’s past as Wonder Woman’s friend remains intact. Rucka and Sharp are to be commended for their efforts as they have a clearer understanding of who Wonder Woman is and what a great Wonder Woman story should consist of, which contrasts their predecessors who seemed more intent on changing the character to suit the tastes of their audience. Furthermore, they have the creative talent necessary for taking what amounts to a retcon and transforming it into a well-crafted narrative.

The premise for this arc is simple enough. Wonder Woman discovers that something is amiss in her life and uses the lasso of truth on herself to figure out why only to find out that many of her memories are false. Now unable to return to Themyscira, she allies herself with Cheetah to find her way home. Along the way she does battle against a God and reunites with her former flame Steve Trevor. It’s a remarkably breezy arc that moves along at breakneck speeds, teasing out the mystery surrounding Wonder Woman’s manufactured memories in a way that keeps the reader engaged. Rucka impresses throughout, especially when it comes to the dialogue he writes for Wonder Woman. There are very few writers out there who truly “get” her and it’s thrilling to read. While there’s a lot of action in this arc, some of my favourite moments are the quieter ones. I love the exchanges between Diana and Etta, as well as the romantic interlude between Diana and Steve upon their return from Bwunda. Though I’ve never been a big fan of Steve and Etta is rarely given much to do by contemporary writers, I found myself genuinely interested in seeing more of them. The same could not be said for Cheetah and Veronica Cale. The former I felt was compromised and neutered, becoming an ally ended up diminishing why she’s such an effective villain for Wonder Woman. With Veronica Cale, it’s essentially an instance of Rucka trying to make fetch happen with her character. Wonder Woman doesn’t need her own Lex Luthor. If he was intent on having a strong, independent woman pulling the strings behind a shadowy organization, he could have gone with someone like Baroness von Gunther or Doctor Cyber.

Liam Sharp’s art really elevates The Lies and enriches the reading experience in a way that perhaps hasn’t been celebrated enough. Even without the words on the page, Sharp’s work tells a distinctive story. The way he composes his pages is cinematic and makes the reader feel as if they are watching a movie rather than reading a comic. For one thing, his settings are awe-inspiring. From the lush green jungles of Bwunda to the ominous ruins of Themyscira, there’s a richness and depth to this trade that is rarely found in comics. Sharp should also be applauded for his character work. While there are some issues with consistency, I’m sufficiently impressed by how unique everyone looks in this arc. Wonder Woman is vaguely reminiscent of Lynda Carter, Etta Candy receives a much-needed makeover, and Veronica Cale looks positively Emma Frost-ish.

Wonder Woman Volume 1: The Lies is a great jumping on point for new readers. It’s an accessible storyline that sheds the past few years of continuity in favour of re-establishing who Wonder Woman is and should be. Rucka and Sharp focus on the essential elements of the character’s mythos, trimming down her supporting cast, and giving us an engaging and straightforward narrative. It’s certain to please both new and old fans for this very reason.

RATING: A-

Review: Justice League Volume 3, Throne of Atlantis

For his second year on DC Comics’ flagship comic Justice League, Geoff Johns had big plans in store for the World’s Greatest Heroes. He would re-introduce one of Wonder Woman’s most dangerous foes and pen an epic crossover with Aquaman’s book. These stories were collected in Justice League Volume 3: Throne of Atlantis. In it, he explores the personal lives of the League and has them face off in one of their toughest battles yet.

When last we left the League, Green Lantern had quit and Superman shared a kiss with Wonder Woman. Johns leaves little room for the characters to adjust to these changes in the team dynamic as he immediately propels them into battle with the Cheetah. In this two-part story re-introducing the villainess to the New 52 continuity, Johns portrays the character as a viable threat to the League. He also manages to pay homage to the history of the character and enhances her importance to Wonder Woman’s narrative by weaving their origins together. This new Barbara Minerva is perhaps more deceitful and more cunning than ever before. With the powers of a goddess at her disposal, she’s also infinitely more powerful. Hats off to Johns for utilizing the character in such a prominent book and for showing her the respect she deserves. It proves that Cheetah is more than just some throwaway baddie.

The main attraction of this collection, however, is the crossover with Aquaman titled “Throne of Atlantis.” In it, the Justice League must face off against the threat of an invasion from the forces of Atlantis.  The assembling of the issues here leaves much to be desired. There are two versions commercially available – one that focuses on Aquaman’s title and the other on the League’s. The latter leaves out crucial issues that explain the main antagonist’s origins. That aside, “Throne of Atlantis” is arguably the best League story told in the New 52 continuity up until that point. The armies of Atlantis are extremely dangerous and they pose a very real threat to the League. As such, the League calls in some reserves and we get to see a few friendly faces offer their help (namely Black Canary, Black Lightning, Element Woman, Vixen, Hawkman, Firestorm, and Zatanna). Mera is also placed front and centre. She shines bright as the storyline’s breakaway character. She commands each panel she’s in, so much so that it seems ridiculous that she’s not officially part of the Justice League (seriously DC, make this happen!). Similarly, Johns does a lot of great character work here. Cyborg feels more human than ever and there’s a rather touching scene between he and the Flash. The budding relationship between Wonder Woman and Superman is also written quite well.

Fans of the Justice League should not pass up the chance to read Justice League Volume 3: Throne of Atlantis. This collection of stories is thrilling and features some excellent character development. The action is fantastic, the art is gorgeous, and the villains are truly something else. Johns finds his groove in this trade paperback. He continues to give Wonder Woman prominence in the League, portrays Mera as the true badass that she is, and even teases fans with the appearances of fan-favourites like Black Canary and Zatanna.

Rating: A-

Reading List: Cheetah, Part 2

With the help of Greg Potter and George Perez, DC Comics relaunched its Wonder Woman title in 1987. Her continuity was rebooted and she was given a new origin. By erasing the narratives that existed previously, this gave the creators a chance to reinvent several of Wonder Woman’s most dangerous enemies.

Arguably, the most successful reinvention was that of the Cheetah. George Perez introduced readers to Barbara Ann Minerva, a power hungry archaeologist who wants nothing more than true divinity and the death of Wonder Woman.

Below you will find a list of the most notable appearances the modern Cheetah has made since her introduction in 1987. Watch out for those claws!

Wonder Woman v2 #7-9 (1987)

Barbara Ann Minerva made her first appearance in Wonder Woman v2 #7, which led to her dramatic transformation into the Cheetah two issues later.

Along with her faithful servant Chuma, archaeologist Barbara Minerva flew from her home in England to the United States to meet the media sensation known as Wonder Woman. Intending to steal her golden lasso, Minerva’s plan goes off the rails when the lasso violently rejects her.

Not one to give up easily, Minerva is transformed into the Cheetah through an ancient ritual and attacks the Amazon at her Boston residence. What ensues is a knock-down drag out fight between the Amazon Princess and her most dangerous foe.

Read these issues online on Comixology.

Wonder Woman v2 #27-35 (1989)

In one of George Perez’s most epic storylines, the Cheetah successfully steals Wonder Woman’s mystical lasso. The Amazon Princess pursues the feline fatale to Africa, where she learns of the Cheetah’s origins and of the long lost tribe of Amazons known as the Bana-Mighdall.

Wonder Woman v2 #94-95 (1995)

After losing the title of Wonder Woman to the Bana-Mighdall Amazon named Artemis, Diana is captured by the combined forces of Poison Ivy, Cheshire, and the Cheetah. She must defeat these deadly foes without her Gods-given gifts.

Read these issues online at Comixology.

Wonder Woman v2 #118-119 (1997)

In these John Byrne-penned issues, the Cheetah returns more dangerous than ever. These issues mark a few dramatic twists and turns, which ultimately lead to Diana’s shocking death at Neron’s hands a few issues later.

Read these issues online at Comixology.

Wonder Woman v2 #186-187 (2002-2003)

After Minerva loses her divine powers to the businessman known as Sebastian Ballesteros, she strikes a deal with the spirit of vengeance to reclaim her mantle.

This two-part story serves as the ultimate climax for Phil Jimenez’s run on Wonder Woman. It is dramatic and manages to wrap up all his most pressing plot points.

Read these issues online at Comixology.

Catwoman: When In Rome (2005)

Even though she’s largely been Wonder Woman’s number one nemesis, the Cheetah makes a surprising appearance in this mini-series helmed by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale.

Suspecting that she may have family ties to the mafia, Catwoman travels to Italy to learn the truth about her heritage. This vacation turns deadly when she is forced to face off against the nefarious Cheetah.

Read these issues online at Comixology or purchase the trade paperback on Amazon.

Wonder Woman v3 #1-4, Annual #1 (2006-2007)

Following the dramatic events of “Infinite Crisis,” Donna Troy takes over as Wonder Woman. In her first outing, she is attacked by the combined forces of her sister’s enemies. The Cheetah returns and is revealed to now be able to control her transformations. 

Read these issues online at Comixology or purchase the graphic novel on Amazon.

JLA: Wedding Special, Justice League of America v2 #13-15 (2007)

Following the wedding of superheroes Green Arrow and Black Canary, Lex Luthor assembles an army of supervillains to bring down the Justice League of America. The Cheetah joins this anti-Justice League and faces off once more against the Amazon Princess.

Read these issues online at Comixology or purchase the trade paperback on Amazon.

JLA: Salvation Run (2008)

In this company-wide crossover, DC Comics’ most dangerous villains are transported to an uninhabited island to repent for their crimes. The Cheetah is amongst these criminals and quickly aligns herself with Lex Luthor in order to get back home.

It’s worth noting that the Cheetah was also featured in the issues of Catwoman that tied into this event.

Read these issues online at Comixology or purchase the trade paperback on Amazon.

Wonder Woman v3 #26-33 (2009)

When Gail Simone took over Wonder Woman’s title, fans were excited to see what the critically-acclaimed writer would do with the Amazing Amazon. In 2009, she launched an epic six-part storyline known as “Rise of the Olympian.”

In this event, Wonder Woman faces off against a deadly new foe known as Genocide and deal with the machinations of the Greek Gods as they launch a plot against the Amazon Princess. On top of all of this, she must contend with the return of the Cheetah.

Read these issues online at Comixology or purchase the graphic novel on Amazon.

Justice League #13-14 (2012-2013)

In 2011, DC Comics rebooted its continuity and relaunched 52 new titles under an initiative known as “The New 52.” As part of this, Wonder Woman was given a new origin and the story of the Justice League’s first meeting was retold.

Geoff Johns re-introduced the Cheetah into the New 52 in this two-part story. Minerva is portrayed to be an enigmatic and manipulative woman, who gains divine powers through the use of a mystical dagger.

Read these issues online at Comixology.

Reading List: Cheetah, Part 1

Since her introduction in 1941, Wonder Woman has faced some of the most colorful villains in the world of comics. However, none of her enemies have quite captured the imagination of readers as much as the nefarious Cheetah. Known for her spotted catsuit and psychotic demeanor, this villainess is certainly as dangerous as she is beautiful.

To celebrate this iconic femme fatale, below is a list of some of her most notable appearances. In part one, we will explore the capers of the first two women to use the name of Cheetah – Priscilla Rich and Debbie Domaine.

Wonder Woman #6 (1943)

In this 1943 origin story, Priscilla Rich is introduced as a wealthy socialite whose vanity proves to be her downfall. At a charity event, the beautiful and generous Wonder Woman upstages Rich. This incident causes her to fly into a jealous rage thereby losing her sanity. She dons a cat costume and from then on goes by the identity of the Cheetah.

Seeking revenge, the Cheetah steals the funds from the charity and attempts to frame Wonder Woman for the crime. Thankfully, the Amazing Amazon is able to defeat this feline fatale and clear her name.

Sensation Comics #22 (1943)

Despite supposedly making repentance for her past crimes, the Cheetah comes under suspicion when a navy submarine goes missing. Priscilla Rich’s dark side proves to be too powerful and is revealed to still be under the influence of her villainous alter ego. She captures Wonder Woman and her ally Etta Candy, but is defeated when her sanity fails her.

Wonder Woman #28 (1948)

Imprisoned on Paradise Island for rehabilitation, the Cheetah is freed by a Saturnian villain named Eviless. Together with four other villains, Cheetah returns to Man’s World as part of the group known as Villainy Inc. They manage to capture Wonder Woman, but their plans unravel when Etta Candy and Steve Trevor interfere. Once Wonder Woman is freed by her allies, she defeats Villainy Inc. and returns them to their incarceration on Paradise Island.

Read this issue in Wonder Woman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told, available on here on Amazon.com.

Wonder Woman #160 (1966)

On the tail end of the Silver Age of comics, Wonder Woman’s title was revamped to tell stories from the Golden Age. The very first villain to make an appearance during this time was her iconic nemesis Cheetah.

In this 1966 adventure, Wonder Woman is blinded by jealousy when the Cheetah hypnotizes Steve Trevor into kissing the feline fatale. Temporarily overcome by this emotion, the Cheetah manages to remove Wonder Woman’s indestructible bracelets. This causes the Amazing Amazon to go berserk. The day is saved and Cheetah is returned to prison once Steve manages to return the bracelets to Wonder Woman’s possession.

Read this issue in Showcase Presents: Wonder Woman Vol. 4, available here on Amazon.com.

Wonder Woman #230 (1977)

During the first season of the wildly popular live-action Wonder Woman series starring Lynda Carter, DC Comics decided to set her comics in the same setting as the TV series – World War II.

Set in DC Comics’ alternate universe known as Earth-Two, this adventure is a retelling of Cheetah’s origins. Once again driven mad by the public’s love for Wonder Woman, socialite Priscilla Rich transforms into the Cheetah and hatches a plan to kill the Amazing Amazon. However, before her scheme can be fully enacted Rich’s mind reverts back and she warns Wonder Woman of the assassination plot.

Wonder Woman #274-275 (1980-1981)

Long after the original Cheetah’s retirement, Priscilla Rich’s niece Debbie Domaine is kidnapped and is transformed into the second Cheetah. This new Cheetah is twice as dangerous and even more unpredictable than her predecessor. Enraged by the damage inflicted on the Earth by careless humans, Domaine seeks to eradicate those responsible for the world’s ills.

Wonder Woman #323 (1985)

As DC Comics moved towards its universe-altering Crisis on Infinite Earths, Debbie Domaine made her final appearance in this 1985 issue of Wonder Woman.

When Etta Candy becomes Wonder Woman, she is faced with the harrowing experience of defeating the Amazing Amazon’s most dangerous enemies. Doctor Psycho, Angle Man, Silver Swan, and Cheetah all come together in their desperate effort to kill Wonder Woman once and for all.