Review: Wonder Woman Volume 1, Blood

After 70 years of saving the world, Wonder Woman was taken in a bold new direction when DC Comics rebooted its universe in 2011. Written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Cliff Chiang, Wonder Woman became a stylish and gritty series that forever changed the status quo for the Amazon Princess. Wonder Woman Volume 1: Blood collects the first six issues of this title and throws the reader into the world of Gods, Goddesses, and monsters.

When Zeus disappears from Mount Olympus, the Greek Gods begin plotting their individual schemes to claim his throne. Caught in the crosshairs are the Amazon Princess known as Wonder Woman and an unsuspecting mortal named Zola. Azzarello crafts a unique narrative that stays true to the tone of the original Greek myths. There are creatures galore and plenty of Gods behaving badly. Besides that, his treatment of Wonder Woman is to be commended. She is not some man-hating she-devil with a sword, but a compassionate and emotional young woman with unyielding willpower. Her willingness to help Zola demonstrates her instinctive desire to protect innocent people. There’s also an edge to her that previous incarnations did not possess. She is willing to defy the Gods. This rebellious attitude works in her favour and shows that she is more than just a dutiful servant to the Gods.

Cliff Chiang’s art is nothing short of brilliant. He adapts his style to match the tone of the writing. It is dark and, at times, bloody. The scenes set on Paradise Island, for instance, are torch-lit and seem lifted out of ancient times. His designs for the characters are equally as impressive. The Gods are distinctive. From Hades’ head of candles to Strife’s waifish figure, each one stands out on the page. However, it is Wonder Woman who truly commands this book. Chiang draws her with such presence and grace. She appears tall and strong, proving that she is every bit the Amazon she is supposed to be. As such, it’s not hard to imagine this woman warrior being able to defeat her enemies with relative ease. It’s also worth noting that Tony Akins takes over the art chores for the last two issues in this collection. He does an admirable job of mimicking Chiang’s style.

Wonder Woman Volume 1: Blood has everything you could be looking for in an epic tale of the Gods behaving badly. Brian Azzarello weaves in a complex tapestry in this collection, sewing in bombshell revelations about Wonder Woman’s heritage with the heartless machinations of the Greek Gods. Azzarello and Chiang make an excellent team. Together, they craft a narrative that is cohesive and palpable in its tone. For fans of mythology and of Wonder Woman, this is a must-have book to add to your collection. It’s also one of the most accessible titles currently being published by DC Comics. Go ahead and pick this up, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t been reading it sooner. 

Rating: A