Wonder Woman #19

I'm hooked. I have to say that. For the first time in a long time, "Wonder Woman" is a compelling read. Writer Gail Simone has taken a botched relaunch and turned it around. In just a few issues, Simone has made Wonder Woman a strong character. Who knew that it would be this enjoyable to read? This issue continues the Khund story line. Simone adds quite a bit of depth the Wonder Woman during this issue as she presents her as both strong, warrior like and peaceful all in one fight. I dig it. While Bernard Chang's art is fine, I'm looking forward to Aaron Lopresti coming on board.

If you dropped "Wonder Woman" during the poor relaunch, you should check out what Simone has done with the character.

Wonder Woman #17

Gail Simone is doing something special in "Wonder Woman". For the first time since the early George Perez era, I'm totally interested in a "Wonder Woman" comic. I don't know where this story fits into current continuity and I really don't care. Simone is redefining the character. What took the previous writer a year of issues to do, Simone has done in three. The only down note on this issue was the art. I love the Dodson's work but the assist by Ron Randall did not do the story justice.

Having said that, I'm totally onboard with what DC is trying to do with getting their books out on time. They hit the damned if they do, damned if they don't region. I would prefer to see monthlies come out on time. This may mean that the art takes a hit. We can see it here. Did it distract me from Simone's great story - only a little.

I look forward to a long run for Simone. She has my vote.

Wonder Woman #16

Part Three of "The Circle" is quite an excellent read. Writer Gail Simone has come on strong on "Wonder Woman" and is reestablishing the title character as one badass warrior. The flashback sequences to Diana's birth are very good. The script for these sequences is nicely handled. Simone has presented a powerful image of Wonder Woman and I like the direction that she is taking her. The Dodsons' along with help from Ron Randall elevate Simone's writing with their portrayal of Diana and company. This is the way to present a female superhero. The Dodsons' Wonder Woman is both powerful and sexy without looking like something out of Maxim magazine.

I was wavering on dropping "Wonder Woman" but Simone has pulled me back in. If DC editorial stays out of the way and lets Simone tell good stories, I'm on for the long haul.

New Wonder Woman Artist - Aaron Lopresti

NEWSRAMA has a short interview up with new "Wonder Woman" artist Aaron Lopresti. While the rebooting of "Wonder Woman" failed to jump start interest in the character, DC has done a great job of bringing some heat to the book. First with Gail Simone coming on as the writer and now with Lopresti coming off of his successful run on "Ms. Marvel", DC has started the turnaround of this character. I've always been a big fan of Wonder Woman and am glad that DC is bringing top talent to this book.

Wonder Woman #15

Now we're getting somewhere. I had my doubts that Gail Simone could come onto "Wonder Woman" and have a great impact to the book. I stand corrected. Simone weaves a great story here. I liked the backstory tracing the creation of Diana along with the flashes to Queen Hippolyta. Simone catches us up on post-Amazon Attacks continuity. The Dodsons continue to impress me with their art. The women come across as strong and powerful, even sexy, but not lewd as seen in other comics.

If you have stayed away from "Wonder Woman", now is the time to jump on board. I think Simone has a lot in store for the Amazon warrior and you should jump on now for what looks to be a fun and exciting ride.

Comic Adventurer 2007 Year End Review: The Ugly

Wonder Woman had a bad 2007. Here return which started in 2006 pretty much ran out of steam heading into the “Wonder Woman” annual. “Who is Wonder Woman?” was the big tag line for the relaunch of the series and all I could get out of it was “who cares?” To add insult to injury DC’s heavily hyped “Amazons Attack” miniseries came out this year as well. It was a six issue series that I made to issue 5 before stopping in disgust. This cancer of a miniseries infected other monthlies “Teen Titans” and “Supergirl” bringing both of those titles to new lows - if you can believe “Supergirl” could go lower. “Amazon Attacks” highlighted the continuity holes throughout the DCU. I guess I have to be thankful for this because if continuity were a priority then “Amazon Attacks” would have hit other titles that I read. I don’t think my son made it through one monthly that this miniseries appeared in.

The only thing that gives me hope for Wonder Woman in 2008 is Gail Simone. I enjoyed her first issue on the series and think that once she unloads the baggage from the previous creative team she may elevate Wonder Woman to “Trinity” level of recognition she deserves.

Wonder Woman #14

"Wonder Woman" has continually drifted to the bottom of my comic reading stack. The "Who is Wonder Woman?" story line just didn't capture my attention and left me bored. I had heard at the San Diego Comic Con that Gail Simone would be taking over the writing chores but did not really keep track of when she was coming on board. Well, I'm watching football yesterday and my son, who really did not care for "Wonder Woman", yells out "Dad, have you read his yet?" I look up and he's holding "Wonder Woman" #14. I shake my head and he say's "It's pretty good."

Congratulations to Gail Simone for restoring some of the excitement that I remember for Wonder Woman of my young twenties when George Perez was ripping it up. Simone starts the issue out with a little intrigue and when Wonder Woman is shown on page, she's kicking ass and taking names. The art by Terry & Rachel Dodson matches the tone set by Simone and captures the strength and beauty of Wonder Woman.

Simone is setting a course to reestablish Wonder Woman on par with Superman and Batman in DC's Trinity. If you avoided or dropped "Wonder Woman" during the One Year Later restart, pick up "Wonder Woman" #14 and give it a try, you will like what you see.