The story of Wonder Woman is a familiar one, at least to comic book fans, who all know about Diana, the Amazonian princess who grew up on the peaceful island of Themyscira, the daughter of Queen Hippolyta, destined to join man's world to protect Earth from danger.
However, the story not told is what it was like for young Diana to grow up on an island without men, a child made of clay as a gift to Queen Hippolyta, destined to stay on Themyscira forever to rule over her people.
That story comes to life in DC Comics' The Legend of Wonder Woman, which begins with the story of how the Amazonians ended up on Themyscira in the first place. And although this is a familiar story, this series shows us a young Diana, who isn't comfortable with her place in the world and who begins to question her destiny as forced upon her because she's the Queen's daughter.
Although Wonder Woman has appeared in comics since the 1940s, this is a version of the character never seen before, and that's what makes The Legend of Wonder Woman not just unique, but also interesting. Comic book readers already know Diana as a defiant princess, insistent on not becoming Queen of the Amazons, but wanting to care for the mortal world instead. Here, though, we see the beginning of Diana's rebellion against her mother and path to becoming Queen, and it all begins with the princess inherently understanding that all is not well on the island.
Of course, the other Amazonians don't believe Diana and dismiss her, mostly because of her young age, but also because the Amazonians have become complacent in their peace. However, Diana rebels and leaves the city to explore the rest of the island, although such activity is forbidden. What she finds there confirms her fears, and so begins the story of the world's most beloved female superhero.
This unique story comes from writer Renae DeLiz (The Last Unicorn), who manages to take something old and create something new. DeLiz also illustrated the book, with inks by Ray Dillon (Star Mage). It's one of the few Wonder Woman titles that has a distinctly feminine look and feel, from the vibrant colors of Themyscira (also known as Paradise Island) to the faces of the Amazonians, shapes that are soft, but tough. The artwork also displays Diana's defiance, the thing that makes her different from her peers, from her body language to the rebellious look in her eyes.
The art, combined with the writing, brings us a new version of Diana, offering a new story worth telling, and readers will want to see how this young Diana grows up to become Wonder Woman.
This is, after all, the beginning of the legend.
The first nine issues of The Legend of Wonder Woman as part of DC's Digital First program are now available on ComiXology.
Story
★★★★★
Art
★★★★☆
Overall
★★★★☆
