writer: Geoff Johns
artist: Tony Daniel
I've been saying for some time now that Geoff Johns has more or less used Justice League as his first experience writing a Wonder Woman series, and recent issues have only made that more obvious. In the preceding issue the most notable thing everyone's favorite Amazon did was kiss Superman, and as a lot of people made a big deal about it, I'd say it was notable indeed.
Yet other issues went to great lengths to explain how another of her relationships, with Steve Trevor, affected the whole team and indeed series, which has continuing consequences with the forthcoming Justice League of America series.
With this issue, Wonder Woman's importance to the series can no longer be overlooked. Perhaps Johns has been working toward this moment deliberately, as 2013 will feature the "Trinity War" event that features not only Wonder Woman but also Superman and Batman. Over in her own book, Brian Azzarello has been going for a more mythic approach (which I will be having another look at once the New Gods hit in the near future), but here she's grounded in the real world, struggling to find her way, which is exactly what this issue is all about, how she feels responsible for the creation of one of her most famous foes, Cheetah.
If having one of her signature villains be featured in Justice League isn't evidence enough of what I'm arguing here, then I don't know what to say. If you've ever wondered if you could find Wonder Woman compelling but had never found a reason before, Geoff Johns has your back.
Tony Daniel, meanwhile, has the front covered beautifully. In the past I've compared his work to Jim Lee, who just completed his run in the series, especially Daniel's Batman, which he carried over from "Batman R.I.P." to the initial peeling of the Joker's face in Detective Comics #1 at the start of the New 52. His style seems to have undergone another evolution, though. It looks fantastic in the issue.
Also included is a preview of Justice League of America, by the way.
What's the difference between the Justice League and Justice League of America? Other than the latter probably has more second-string heroes.
ReplyDeleteJLA has more Green Arrow. Also, Martian Manhunter, who is green in another sense. And Shazam!, who used to be known as Captain Marvel. He's more red than green.
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