An Impressive, Hard-Hitting, Highly Emotive Debut: Reviewing ‘Wonder Woman’ #1

Straight out the gate Wonder Woman #1 is an impressive and powerful first issue; a taut and tense storyline that is masterfully scripted, by Tom King, and beautifully illustrated by Daniel Sampere. As well as ramping up the tension, only to reveal Princess Diana half-way through this oversized debut issue, King establishes a theme that reflects the real-world problems of the rise of the alt-right as well as conspiracy theories. Which in this case happen to be true as we discover the mysterious narrator’s identity only by the end of the issue. But, through his arrogant narration, you just know he’s not on the side of the angels. Or women for that matter, with misogyny dressed up as national security issues as America bans all Amazons after one murders a broom full of men leaving just the two female present still breathing. And with the Amazons now being rounded up, by any means necessary, including the inevitable trigger happy Feds killing many, Wonder Woman was always going to be a clear and present danger in an America that feels Trumpian in its depiction. 

Leading the charge for the government is Sargent Steel, here cast as the villain of the piece, and more than happy to follow orders and take down the perceived threat of Amazons living amongst us. It’s an interesting take on this much maligned character and I can help wondering whether this depiction will stick, or whether Steel will come to see the error of his ways. But for now, he’s one Hell of a bad-ass, with ‘bad’ very much being the operative word. 

It’s a highly emotive issue that sees many innocent lives broken, so by the time Wonder Woman is facing down a crack troop of America’s best, not only are you firmly on her side, but the beatdown that the US agents get handed is even sweeter tasting. It’s a real celebratory moment expertly rendered and choreographed by Sampere. This guy gets better and better with each new issue he illustrates, with each new series he takes on feeling like its career-defining. An amazingly talented artist who’s knowledge of human anatomy informs each and every panel. The results are a Wonder Woman that oozes confidence and power through every pore and very panel. Sargent Steel doesn’t know what’s hit him! As for the scripting of this scene, King draws a clever distinction between Wonder Woman the warrior and all other superheroes. She is something more, something no soldier can cope with or second guess. Immediately establishing her – as if she needed to be – as one of DC Comics’ most powerful and impressive characters. 

Wonder Woman #1 is a case study in what can happen when bad governance is allowed to flourish under the guise of law and order. Never more has it felt like she is taking on a man’s world that truly is dangerously patriarchal. A hard-hitting, highly emotive first issue that has all the trappings of a classic in the making. Clever scripting, top-tier art and a gripping narrative.

Wonder Woman #1 is out now from DC Comics