New Comics Spotlight: Wonder Woman Rebirth #1

DC Comics’ recent relaunch of their Superhero comic books through ‘Rebirth‘ returned the DC Universe to a time prior to the ‘Flashpoint’ storyline, but still incorporated the continuity and consequences of much of the prior ‘New 52’ reboot. The main architect of Rebirth, superstar writer Geoff Johns, described the relaunch as “Re-laying the groundwork for DC’s future whilst also celebrating its past and present. It’s not about throwing anything away, in fact it’s quite the opposite.”

Each of DC’s major heroes are receiving a one shot comic that precedes the relaunch of their monthly titles (in most cases now twice monthly) back to issue issue #1 (the only deviation from this are Action Comics and Detective Comics which will return to their original numbering that were prior to the New 52 reboot.)

Of course, of all the one shot titles available the one that I was most looking forward to was Wonder Woman Rebirth, and thankfully the one off special did not disappoint, in fact it was everything I had hoped for, and more.

The Minotaur is no match for the mighty Amazon

Comic book scribe extraordinaire Greg Rucka returns once more to bring his inimitable writing style to the amazing Amazon’s amphitheatrical adventures. Rucka’s previous run on Wonder Woman ended in 2006 and was the recipient of an Eisner Award for best writer. Hailed as one of the foremost authors of the Themysciran Princess, Rucka was a fan favourite choice to pen her ongoing escapades.

WW Rebirth finds Diana in a dilemma in that she is no longer able to distinguish reality and falsehood when it pertains to her past. Is she the daughter of Zeus, or was she created from clay by her mother Queen Hippolyta and then given life by a pantheon of Greek Gods. These questions and more will be asked by the Amazon herald as she explores her history, searching for the true reason behind her existence.

Emblematic of Diana’s move away from the New 52 storylines are reflected in the differing art styles encompassed in the comic, with the first two thirds of the issue illustrated by Matthew Clark whose style reflects the earlier incarnations, but when Diana takes a major turn in the book, Liam Sharp takes over the artistic duties with a complete departure to Clark’s art, his technique reflects the metaphorical change in the story beautifully as Diana also sheds her New 52 costume for an outfit that resembles rather closely Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman costume from the recent Batman v Superman movie.

Liam Sharp’s visuals are tremendous throughout

Greg Rucka, Liam Sharp and Matthew Clark create a bold new direction for the continuing exploits of Wonder Woman, fantastic writing, sublime artwork from Sharp and an intriguing new start to the chronicles of the world’s most beloved Superheroine.

Precinct1313 Rating: 5 Golden Girdles Of Gaea Out Of 5.