Wonder Woman #212

[skaly]

Is it just me, or is Wonder Woman kicking more butt blind than she did when she could see? In this issue, the League tests her abilities to make sure she's still up to snuff. And, well, I'd say she is, because something in this issue really clicked for me. I feel like I finally figured out what makes Wonder Woman one of the Big Three in the DCU. Was it worth enduring 12+ issues of groundwork before understanding this? Sure, why the heck not?

The thing we have to understand about Wonder Woman is that she's not just strong, she's also a warrior. Superman is not a warrior. Whenever he encounters a problem that can't be solved by one of his powers, he crumbles. There is nothing vulnerable about Wonder Woman, with or without sight.

Another thing this issue does really well is illustrate exactly what the dynamic is between Wonder Woman and the other members of the Big Three. She can relate to Superman because they are both strong. She can relate to Batman because they are both warriors. This is consistent even with their appearances in this month's Adventures of Superman. Wonder Woman, the warrior, tells Superman he should kill his foe. When Batman says he understands but does not accept what she says, she says to him, "You will, Bruce. One day." I interpret this as her acknowledging that Bruce is a warrior and therefore cannot avoid shedding blood. And I happen to believe that one day Bruce will kill another human being, not because he is giving in to the darkness, but because he is fully embracing the way of the warrior. As a fanboy, though, I hope I never see that day, even though it is realistically inevitable.

This is Wonder Woman, and this is why she's one of the Big Three. If every writer had treated her like Rucka treated her in this issue, then she'd have at least as many books as her male counterparts.

Like I said, something in this issue really clicked for me. I'm not sure that those who haven't been reading since the beginning of Rucka's run will be able to appreciate it, but I hope they do. Likewise for those who have been reading.

Damn, this issue was nifty.

A+

[Groovie Mann]

I picked up Ruckas Wonder Woman: Down to Earth trade and have bought several of Woner Womans trades since. I like the character a lot now, especially for what Ruckas done. This issue was real good(the fight with JLA was nice) but since this is the first monthly of hers I've bought I'm not sure what happened to make her blind. I know she fought Medousa but I missed those issues. I'll just wait for the trade to fill me in, but this is a cool series and I'm glad I'm starting to buy it monthly now.

[georgeshabo]

I'm glad you picked up an issue. Welcome aboard. I hope you stick around. This is my favorite DC title right now. Since you plan on picking up the trade of the Stoned Arc I won't offer any spoilers other than say that' you'll really enjoy it. I loveed so many parts of this issue. Hands down favorite though was the scene with the gun.

[Groovie Mann]

Thanx for welcoming be aboard. I did try to track down the issues for the Stoned arc but if I can't find them all at ocne I usually just wait for the tarde. I do like what Ruckas done with Wonder Woman. I especially like that graphic novel Hiketia with JG Jones.

[arvydas]

I liked thid issue, but I think that Drew Johnson could've done a better job than Raiz.

Is this a temporary artist change, or is Johnson not coming back?

[Randy A]

I liked this issue for the human side of it i guess you could say (what happens with her and the league) but i find myself turned off by all the "mystical" stuff, the gods and godesses, its all rather confusing to someone new to the title like myself. my fault for not reading it sooner i suppose, but its still a sticking point for me, i will keep it on a trial basis for now.

[skaly]

I will admit that I regularly have difficulty keeping up with the subplots. An awful lot of villains doing an awful lot of talking. I don't know who the woman suing for custody of her child is, and I don't know how this ties in to all that has come before. I'm sure if I reread Rucka's run from the beginning I'll figure it out. He could really use one of those Marvel-esque "previously" pages, though.

[georgeshabo]

:) Yeah I'd love to have those recaps page as well. I'd imagine though we'd lose a page of story. As far as the aertist goes, The fill in (Riaz) will be around for another issue, and the then I think it's the regular artist for 214. After that.............. Here comes Rags Morales for a 6 issue stint. I'm quite excited by that.
I guess all the Gods would be confusing if you don't read regularly. A brief recap: What had happenned was

Rucka modernized the Gods (Wardrobes and mannerism) Athena looks like manipulated the events that took place in the stoned arc to get something to use in her coming war against Zeus. She's planning a little hostile takeover along with other Goddesses. Wonder Woman is Athena's champion (or maybe pawn). Ares looks like he's having a good time playing all the God's but how and why are a little unclear. This plot is currently coming to a head.
The legal plot involves Circe's daughter Lyta. After Diana captured Circe she was improsoned on paradise. The daughter was raised and cared for by the Amazons. Circe wants her back but te island is protected from her magic. Veronica Cale was introduced for lack of better explaination as Diana's Lex Luthor. That's who Circe is utilizing for this endeavor. Hope that helps a bit.

[jrp001]

I agree these issues clicked with me too - (211 & 212)

Rucka has really taken a lot of time and built in a very deep layered story. Which is good, but I was getting the feeling that all these story lines would never get tied together.

Athena and Aries palns against Zues, Cale hating wonder woman, Circe....

I was used to seeing bit by bit revealed, but these issues seemed to wrap up one story and un wrap another from the other storylines he has done.

I am actully excited to get the next issue...

I hope WW continues like this for a while.... this is way better than the last time I read WW - THe Byrne Era (which I thought was great till the Donna muck)

[IvCNuB4]

Lyta as in Lyta Hall/ Fury ? She's currently back with Dr Fate over in JSA.

[georgeshabo]

Different Lyta, at least I think that's the daughters name.

[Black Canary]

I have to admit, I am really enjoying WW again. I dropped it for a while, but these last few issues have really turned things around. Diana being blind has realy shaken things up. :)