Review: WONDER WOMAN VOL. 7: WAR-TORN
Written By: Meredith Finch
Pencils By: David Finch, Goran Sudzuka
Inks By: Richard Friend, Jonathan Glapion, Batt, Danny Miki, Sonia Oback, Goran Sudzuka, Johnny Desjardins
Color By: Sonia Oback, Peter Steigerwald, Brad Anderson, Ive Svorcina
Letters By: Sal Cipriano, Dezi Sienty, Rob Leigh, Tom Napolitano
Publisher: DC Comics
The seventh volume of Wonder Woman sees the introduction of a new creative team: Meredith and David Finch. David Finch is no stranger to DC Comics, having provided art on Batman and the event series Forever Evil. Meredith Finch is the writer of Tales From Oz: The Cowardly Lion from Zenescope.
“War-Torn” is the New 52 debut of fan-favorite heroine, Donna Troy. Readers have been patiently waiting for Donna Troy to make an appearance. The only question is are they pleased with the end result?
What I Liked
As volume seven begins, the Finch’s continue the story thread of Wonder Woman being the God of War. This is yet another responsibility added to Diana’s already full plate. She is starting to feel conflicted inside. Between being a member of the Justice League, Queen of the Amazons, and the God of War, Wonder Woman is a busy hero.
Meredith Finch raises many parallels between Wonder Woman and another ruler of a society: Aquaman. They are a Queen and King, respectively. Also, their subjects do not always agree with their decisions or actions. The Amazons feel that Wonder Woman is neglecting them for the Justice League, or for their brothers. She would like for the males that were cast away from Themyscira to rejoin the Amazons and have everyone live as one. Of course, this is easier said than done. There is a faction working against Diana to make sure that does not happen. Their ultimate weapon is a newly created Donna Troy, making her post-New 52 debut.
If I am not mistaken (and I entirely could be), Donna Troy is created in a similar fashion to one of Wonder Woman’s previous origins. That is being a child of clay. During an attack on Paradise Island, Wonder Woman’s mother, Hippolyta (who was turned into a clay statue), is destroyed. Her remains, along with good ol’ magic, are used to create Donna Troy.
Having Donna Troy be their antagonist on their opening arc was a great choice by the Finch’s. She was a highly requested character, so that immediately bought them bonus points with DC’s fanbase.
A subplot to the Donna Troy storyline is a mystery of natural disasters occurring around the world. This brings in the Justice League as supporting characters. It helps to have the Justice League guest-star, plus it illustrates how Wonder Woman is constantly pulled between helping society as a member of the Justice League, and ruling as queen of Themyscira. The League is worried about Diana. However, they are not worried about her ruling Themyscira. They wonder what becoming the God of War is doing to her. Can she control the unknown urges? She does display some violent tendencies, especially in a “misunderstanding” with Swamp Thing (more on this later.)
Remember when I mentioned that Hippolyta was dead? We find out later that she is now a spirit of Themyscira that Diana can see and speak to. It isn’t played up too much in this story, but I can see it playing dividends down the line.
David Finch is one of DC Comic’s premiere artists. Wonder Woman is a stoic finger under David and Sonia Oback’s guiding hands. There is so much detail in their collaboration. The art team gets to craft some visual battles between Amazons and monsters. Then moves to the creepy with witchcraft when Donna Troy is made. Even quieter moments are displayed well, showing range of emotions from a conflicted Diana.
What I Didn’t Like
So earlier I mentioned a fight between Swamp Thing and Wonder Woman. Just as the Justice League was investigating the first natural disaster, so was Swamp Thing. Wonder Woman, in a fit of rage (God of War anyone?), assumed Swamp Thing was behind everything. I understand Meredith Finch wanted to use this as an example of how being the God of War is affecting Wonder Woman. It just came across as very cliched.
The island being constantly attacked is another example of Wonder Woman neglecting her duties. She is no where to be found. She is supposed to protect her people and is failing. And you know what….I agree with the Amazons. They are getting the raw end of this deal. They deserve a leader that is present.
I didn’t mind Meredith Finch’s story structure and overall writing. However, I wasn’t completely comfortable with her depiction of Diana. The story flowed naturally, but I question the choice of the side story of aliens causing the natural disasters. What was the ultimate purpose? More focus could have been given to the Paradise Island soap opera.
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
