Taut And Tense But Somewhat Formulaic: Reviewing ‘Wonder Woman’ #3

Wonder Woman #3 continues in the same vein as the first two issues with a portrayal of an Amazon warrior who struts with calm confidence into any situation. And in this issue the situation is Sarge Steel’s office. Artist Daniel Sampere’s powerful presentation of Princess Diana almost catwalks off the page as he infuses supermodel grace with pro-wrestler physicality. Brawl, beauty and brains; a deadly trinity of traits. This is a woman who takes charge of any room she enters, as she does here when confronting an angry, arrogant Sarge Steel. His barely contained contempt sharply contrasting Wonder Woman’s stoic stillness. 

Meanwhile, the allegorically charge secret ruler of America continues to scheme with a similar calmness, but one covering up a merciless cold heart. The very antithesis of Wonder Woman, right down to owning his very own magically charged lasso. One, unexpectedly, used for Machiavellian purposes. It’s a clearly defined contrast explored by writer Tom King in another purposefully slow paced, but highly charged issue. With the perspective of three issues the reader may begin to notice a familiar narrative formula being played out: the calm Amazonian powerhouse confronting the male-dominated world of the US government and military, before letting loose. Rinse and repeat. The dialogue remains taut with the appropriate tension rising before climaxing in another moment of bombastic, superpowered action, but it is becoming a trope that I hope King breaks soon. Familiarity does breed contempt after a while. 

Alongside this unfolding drama is a back-up tale featuring the Supersons on babysitting duties for one Elizabeth Marston-Prince. Set a few years from now and delving into the possible future in which Trinity the toddler, as introduced in Wonder Woman #800, is a reality. A reality that is currently being played out in the main storyline. It’s a fun interlude written by King and illustrated by Belén Ortega, and a welcome change in tone too. Adventures in babysitting with a superpower toddler stories tend to add a bit of humour into the mix and it’s a nice way to round off the issue. 

Overall, Wonder Woman #3 is another exploration in what makes Wonder Woman one of the bigger badasses of the DCU, and another opportunity for the patriarch to grossly underestimate her. D’oh, when will we ever learn? 

Wonder Woman #3 is out now from DC Comics