Precinct1313 Recommends: Wonder Woman Historia – The Amazons

By the glorious gods of Gaea! DC Comics newest entry in their mature Black Label line is an absolutely astounding piece of art from two of the comic-book industries greatest talents, writer – Kelly Sue DeConnick and the superlative artistic talent that is Phil Jimenez, who has spent close to three years perfecting the glorious renderings contained within this exalted manuscript.

Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons’ first issue recounts and adapts the captivating creation of DC Comics’ Amazons, the immortal race of warrior women tasked by the Greek gods with the protection and guidance of Humankind. Borrowing heavily from one of Wonder Woman’s most compelling and predominant contributors – glorious George Perez, whose work on the Themysciran Titan’s 1980’s adventures is still significant in it’s impact on the characters growth in the time since, with much of his benefaction still seen as canon to this day, in fact his beloved work on Princess Diana is seen by most fans as the single greatest take on the character since her original creative team – William Marston and Harry G. Peter, ushered her into existence way back in the early 1940’s.

Wonder Woman Historia contains, absolutely, the greatest output of beautiful imagery I have ever encountered from talented artist Phil Jimenez, who has been a lifelong fan of Diana, and whose artistic output was heavily influenced by Perez, in fact Phil was the artist/writer for Wondy’s ongoing monthly series throughout the period of 2000 – 2003, and is also seen as one of her biggest ever influences. His work here is a symphonic synergy of magnificent pencils backed ably by the expertise of colourists – Arif Prianto, Hi-Fi, and Romulo Fajardo Jr.

Historia’s superlative scribe -Kelly Sue DeConnick is another phenomenal talent brought on board to recount the revered history of comicdom’s most beloved fictional females, the Eisner award winning writer is the perfect choice to accompany Jimenez on this astounding odyssey into the atavistic past of the ancestral Amazon race. Together they weave a comic book that stands heads and shoulders above it’s peers, and will almost certainly go down in history as one of the greatest takes on Diana’s beloved sisters.

Millienia ago, Queen Hera and the goddesses of the Olympian pantheon grew greatly dissatisfied with their male counterparts, and, far from their sight, put a plan into action. A new society was born, one never seen before on Earth, capable of wondrous and terrible things… but their existence would not stay secret for long. When a despairing woman named Hippolyta crossed the path of the Amazons, a series of events was set in motion that would lead to an outright war in the heavenly realms… but also usher in the creation of Earth’s greatest guardian!

Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons #1 is available from your local comic-book emporium right now, and comes highly recommended by this particular Wondy fanatic, Kelly Sue Deconnick constructs an emotional and tumultuous tale recounting the introduction of the immortal Amazons, and Phil Jimenez’s absolutely gorgeous art is a delight to behold, you can certainly see that those three years he spent rendering these immaculate images were worth every single month, as this is literally one of the most exquisite comics I have ever encountered!!

Merciful Minerva! DC Comics Honour Eight Decades Of Wonder Woman With Twelve New Titanic Tomes!

Suffering Sappho! DC Comics titanic twelve tome testament to the Themysciran Titan will include brand new series launches, anthology specials, free comics and more…

That’s right, my astonishing Amazon affiliates, DC Comics, the bastion of superlative superheroes, will be honouring Diana’s long lasting legacy as the world’s foremost female freedom fighter with an absolutely astounding array of anthologies and albums commencing on October 21 with a 100 page super spectacular featuring thrilling tales of the Themysciran Titan’s timeless acts of hope and empowerment.This terrific tome is brought to you by acclaimed auteurs such as – Amy Reeder, Becky Cloonan, Jim Lee, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Laura Braga and many, many more. The collectable comic will also feature a veritable virtuoso of variant covers that spotlight Wondy across her many different incredible incarnations throughout the Gold, Silver, and Bronze ages of comicdom.

Wonderful Women Of The World brings together a perfect plethora of talented artists and writers to celebrate the many international female role models across the globe. With Wondy standing for truth, justice and equality, she has been a superlative source of inspiration to real life pioneers in the world of activism, science, sport, and diplomacy and this new title will include visionaries such as – Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Greta Thunberg, Serena Williams and Malala Yousafzai amongst others. With a colossal cover by the fantastic Nicola Scott, and spearheaded by best selling author – Laurie Halse Anderson, this terrific title will be available to purchase on September 28.

Of all the titles so far announced, the one I’m personally most hyped for is the Phil Jimenez and Kelly Sue DeConnick collaboration – Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons. Millennia ago, Queen Hera and the goddesses of the Olympian pantheon grew greatly dissatisfied with their male counterparts, and far from their sight, put a plan into action. A new society was born, one never before seen on Earth, capable of wondrous but also terrible things, yet their existence would not stay secret for long. When a woman in despair, named Hippolyta crosses the Amazons path, a series of events is set in motion that will ultimately lead to an outright war in Olympus, and the creation of Earth’s greatest guardian! Phil Jimenez is one of my absolute favourite WW artists/writers of all time, and his work on this first issue is looking sumptuous and spectacular! Wonder Woman Historia unleashes on October 19.

From October 5th you can follow in the fantastic footsteps of Nubia and the Amazons. Spiralling out of the thrilling Infinite Frontier storyline, this marvellous mini-series by Vita Ayala, Stephanie Williams and Alitha Martinez finds Nubia embracing the role of Queen of Themyscira, but with this prestigious position comes climactic challenges! With the unexpected arrival of new Amazons, Nubia is forced to confront her past and forge a new path forward for her beloved sisters. Though, little does she know, that a great evil grows beneath the idyllic island of Themyscira, and it’s now up to the former guardian of Doom’s Doorway to unite the tribe before their perfect paradise is lost, forever!

Phew! and that’s just a few of the myriad titles available to celebrate Wondy’s eightieth anniversary, so why not join us in October, oh fellow fans of fantastic female fiction, where we shall once again bask in the alluring beauty of the legendary isle of the immortals and their harmonious Hellenic herald – Wonder Woman!

Precinct1313 Recommends: Wonder Woman – Tempest Tossed

Great Hera! the glorious gods of Olympus once more shine their light on the Themysciran Titan – Wonder Woman, as their halcyon hall of heroes bestows yet another fascinating fable from DC’s Young Adult range of graphic novels. This titanic tome is akin to a previous tale in the younger readers comic-book category, the fantastic “Diana: Princess Of The Amazons” and whilst that particular odyssey was most assuredly stunning and a must read for all ages, Tempest Tossed is on a whole other level of sublime.

Celebrated author Laurie Halse Anderson and illustrator Leila Del Luca provide us with a fresh new take on Diana’s early upbringing as the only child on the paradise island of Themyscira, and it’s ended up being one of my absolute favourite takes on the wondrous one. Beginning with a retake on Diana’s birth, we witness the Five Mothers – Athena, Aphrodite, Demeter, Artemis and Hestia as they weave their old magic to create the immortal female race known as the Amazons, a race of peace loving warriors, sworn to protect the planet. Hidden away from the world on their isle of tranquillity and tasked to one day save humanity when a great evil once more rears its head.

Yet, all is not contentment, revered Amazon queen, Hippolyta yearns for a child and upon hearing her cries of anguish the gods grant her wish, forming an infant from clay, Hippolyta’s dream becomes reality as the five mothers breathe life unto the lifeless form, giving birth to Diana, esteemed Princess, Amazon ambassador, emancipator and superhero, but these are titles yet to be won, as the Diana we follow in this monumental manuscript has just celebrated her sixteenth birthday, a unique concept on Themyscira known as Born Day, amongst a race of immortal adult females the abstraction of atypical birth is mystifying. 

Her Amazon sisters have begun referring to Diana as “changeling” watching perplexed as her body goes through the normal changes of all adolescents as they hit puberty, once again a concept not familiar to the sheltered island residents of Themyscira. Mood swings, sudden growth spurts and occasional clumsiness mark her as different to her beloved sisters, Diana wrestles with her feelings of being an outsider, yearning to spread her wings and pondering upon what lies beyond her celestial homeland. All of this she will finally experience on her born day, as refugees wash up on the isle’s illustrious shores having passed through a break in Themyscira’s magical barrier.

The books opening chapter is comparable to how Diana originally saved Steve Trevor, with her diving fearlessly into a tempestuous and tormented ocean to save the refugees and bring them to safety, yet instead gets swept out to sea passing beyond the mystical shield and seemingly unable to find her way back. Joining the refugees she ends up alongside them in Greece, once there she is detained and placed in a refugee camp. This is her first taste of humanity beyond the shores of her cherished island, and it doesn’t leave a good impression as she witnesses in incredulity the depths of mistreatment, abuse and neglect the refugees suffer on a daily basis.

Railing back at the internment guards and treatment of refugees, Diana comes to the notice of two UN officials, Steve Chang and his husband Trevor (yep, Steve Trevor) as they pluck her from the camp and introduce her to a new life in America, with the promise that Diana can do more to help the downtrodden by securing a formal education and thus later returning to save the refugees, Diana reluctantly agrees. It’s here that we are introduced to the two most influential people in Diana’s new life, Henke, a Polish grandmother and her capricious grand-daughter, Raissa.

Tempest Tossed is a superlative piece of art from Anderson and Del Luca, showcasing their wonderful talents for empathy and enlightenment. Dealing with Diana’s integration into a strange new world, there is a lot of joy, from taking part in a Polka dance off, through discovering a secret parkour group run by Raissa, of which, of course, Diana excels in. The book also delves into the problematic areas of poor neighbourhoods and poverty, with Diana becoming increasingly alarmed at how badly people are treated by their peers and vowing to cease and educate on such practices. Throw in a crooked property developer and the increasing and upsetting dilemma of missing children, it seems adolescent Diana certainly has her work cut out for her. 

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed is an absolute must read, from the moment I got home from my local comic-book emporium clutching my hallowed copy I was engrossed, a superlative coming of age drama that’s not afraid to delve into the darker sides of humanity but is ultimately a book of family, friends, love and emancipation. One of the very best Wonder Woman tales I have ever read. Highly, highly recommended.

Precinct1313 Recommends: Diana – Princess Of The Amazons

Suffering Sappho, you’ve got to love DC Comics (no, I mean you really do, it’s literally the law in these here parts!) not content with thrilling it’s insatiable long term fan-base with stellar stories and astonishing art of superheroic stature for the past eight decades, they also provide many starting points to their ubiquitous universe, especially for younger readers.

Now, the oft overused term – “comics are for kids” is obviously complete nonsense, and usually comes from the mouths of those who don’t (and have probably never) read comics, if comics are really just for the little ‘uns then how do you explain Watchmen, or The Dark Knight Returns or The Punisher! You see comics are just a visual medium for telling stories, surprisingly they’re just like novels, except, they also contain incredible artwork, they’re as much a legitimate form of story-telling as any other medium, and conversely are actually less for “the kids” because of their narrative complexity and adult content. Yet there absolutely needs to be jumping on point for the younger reader, and DC Comics have been providing this essential option for many years now, and continue to do so with a brand new line of graphic novels for kids.

Diana – Princess Of The Amazons tells the tale of the Themysciran Titan many years before she became the icon known as Wonder Woman, an eleven year old girl growing up on the idyllic paradise island of Themyscira. And though her life and upbringing are verging on peaceful perfection, she is starting to feel ever more cloistered and isolated due to the fact that she is the one and only child on an island of millennia old adult women, and despite the fact she is well loved by her mother, Queen Hippolyta, and her many, many Amazon aunties, Diana is lonely.

With repeated feelings of being shunned by her mother, Hippolyta, due to her time commitment as Queen, and being too young to take part in the training and ceremonies of her Amazon elders, Diana’s feelings of isolation begin to grow into utter despondency, until that is she decides to create her own companion, one formed from clay, not unlike how she originally came into being, things however seldom turn out the way we expect or ultimately wish them to.

Diana – Princess Of The Amazons is an uplifting fable that touches upon loneliness and insecurity, it’s about facing yourself and your life and embracing everything that is good about them, but also dealing with the inevitable growing pains that everyone ultimately experiences on their emotional journey into adulthood. Shannon Hale and Dean Hale’s glorious narrative is a heart-warming and touching tale, and though it is fundamentally aimed at the younger reader it still proves an absorbing and surprisingly deep chronicle for all ages.

It’s not just the story that shines though but also Victoria Ying’s gorgeous illustrations. Her cartoony style visuals are wonderfully bold and beautiful and even though much simpler in design to most of DC’s “grown up” comics, still convey all the emotion and intention of her peers work in other fields. The vivid bright colours bring Diana’s world to emphatic life, and though the book is aimed at the younger reader, Wondy fans of all ages (I loved it!) will absolutely adore this little slice of Themysciran heaven… Thoroughly recommended to kids of all ages!

 

Wonder Woman is copyright – DC Comics

 

Happy Wonder Woman Day!

Great Hera! Today marks the official celebration of everyone’s favourite feisty fictional female, the Themysciran Titan – Wonder Woman!

That’s right fellow fans of fantastic female fiction, October 21st commemorates Diana’s first ever appearance in ‘All Star Comics #8’ which released in October of 1941 courtesy of her celebrated creator William Moulton Marston, and DC Comics. That’s a sensational seventy eight years in her illuminating presence!

We love Wonder Woman here in Precinct1313, she’s actually our favourite comic-book creation of all time (sorry Batsy!) and I personally have been reading and collecting Wondy comics, movies and memorabilia since I was a mere nine years of age, she has always been an inspiration to me. Unlike her superheroic peers, Diana doesn’t necessarily rely on her fists… her strength lies within her power to understand, and forgive, to first extend a hand of friendship rather than wield her sword. Diana’s mantra is love and compassion, and in the rather unpredictable world we live in today, she is very much the hero we need…

So, to honour the dynamic daughter of Queen Hippolyta and the pantheon of Greek Gods that bestowed the wondrous one upon us, let’s share in some inspirational, enlightening and quintessential quotes courtesy of the Princess of Themyscira. Happy Wonder Woman day, my astoundingly awesome Amazonian associates!

Ancient Amazon Archives Revisited – Act II

The ornate chambers of the Amazon archives are vast, stretching as far as any mortal’s eyes can see. We make our way deeper into the legendary library, stopping occasionally to survey the various parchments and tomes, the millennia long annals of Amazon deeds and accomplishments are contained within this sacred place, and conveyed to you through – ‘Classic Wonder Woman’  Precinct1313’s comic cover coundown to the 75th anniversary of the Themysciran legend.

This week’s tenacious tome is brought to you by those mythical maestros of comic book creation – J. Torres, Julian Lopez, & Marta Martinez. With the classic cover rapturously rendered by – Terry & Rachel Dodson. Released: December 2007.

Thirteen issues into Volume 3 of Diana’s daring adventures brings you a startling story entitled “Mothers and Daughters”, a crossover issue in conjunction with the mini-series “Amazons Attack”. After the cataclysmic events of Infinite Crisis, the Amazons return to Earth to find their Princess, Diana, unlawfully held in detention by the United States Government.

Led by their Queen, Hippolyta and her adviser Circe, and joined by mythic Greek creatures that includes, Pegasus, Hydra, and Cyclops, the Amazons attack the USA, with Hippolyta hellbent on destroying the world of men. Unbeknown to the Queen and her sister Amazons however is that the whole event was orchestrated by Circe, who is using the war as a means to destroy the Amazons and their fabled home of Themyscira.

Join us again next time for more Classic Wonder Woman, my astonishing Amazonian associates!

Happy Birthday Wonder Woman

On this day, in fictional comic-book history, an immortal warrior Princess was born…

Diaphanous silken banners flutter slowly in the breeze as we make our way through the tapestry of forests, mountains, and lakes that form the awe inspiring forgotten isle known as Themyscira. A warm breeze caresses our skin, and bird song greets our ears as we wend our way through the serene calm of the Amazon homeland.

Ancient baluster guide our journey flanking us on both sides, intricately carved with each vying for our attention with their Daedalian imagery of hellenic Gods and Amazons. Before us rise the majestic wrought marble gates that ultimately give way to the Elysian rapture that is the city-state of Themyscira itself, the elaborate Mycenean styled gate slowly unveils it’s secrets, ushering us through its magnificence and unto the celebrations beyond.

Welcome my awesomely affable Amazonian associates to the fabulously fictional birthday celebration of Princess Diana of Themyscira. Today, in Themysciran history, a baby Titan was born unto Amazon Queen, Hippolyta, a fledgling Amazon who would ultimately grow up into the world’s most significant and popular female Superhero, ambassador, peerless warrior, emancipator and illustriously influential icon to the masses.

Happy Birthday Diana, we raise a glass to many, many more mythical millennia in your illuminating presence…

(Imagery Copyright-DC Comics)

Classic Wonder Woman: The True Amazon

Like the proverbial Phoenix itself, ‘Classic Wonder Woman’ returns, regenerated and reinvigorated after its semi-conclusive epilogue last episode. We reached our objective denouement by both completing our original purpose; a chronicle of Wonder Woman comic-book covers, charting her heroic history from the 1940’s through to modern day, whilst counting down to her 75th anniversary. Plus we managed to surface from the Ancient Amazon Archives, from whence we recounted these great tales of Herculean proportion, in fact the trek through the archives formed an epic tale all its own (why not visit the archives yourselves, fellow fans, and relive that Olympian Odyssey.)

But from any ending a beginning can be wrought, reborn like the aforementioned Phoenix, arising from the ashes of it’s predecessor in Greek mythology, just like Diana has done so many times in her very own munificently multifaceted mythos. 

And so we begin a new chapter in the ongoing chronicles of Wonder Woman, and what better place to start than with an original take on Diana’s childhood and subsequent upbringing on the secluded tranquil paradise island known as Themyscira, home of the legendary Amazons.

Jill Thompson is an Eisner award winning writer and illustrator who has worked in the industry for nigh on 30 years. She has collaborated on titles such as Sandman alongside the inimitable Neil Gaiman, and in the eighties worked with the great George Perez, drawing Wonder Woman. Perez is highly regarded for his classic run on Wonder Woman in the 80’s and 90’s, revitalising the character for a modern audience. Thompson’s spouse is comic book writer Brian Azzarello, who was responsible for the highly acclaimed Wonder Woman run in 2011 after Diana was relaunched in DC Comics’ New-52 reboot.

Almost three decades later Thompson has returned to the venerable paradise island to retell the tale of Wonder Woman from a fresh and even more mythical perspective with ‘Wonder Woman: The True Amazon’ 

Thompson begins her story before the birth of Diana, back when the Amazons fought a war against nine armies led by Heracles and his father Zeus, who had disguised himself in a bid to seduce the Amazon Queen, Hippolyta. Zeus’ wife Hera discovered her godly consort’s plan and, with the help of Poseidon, rescued the Amazons and delivered them to a secret island, where they thrived and prospered as immortals untouched by the outside world for millennia.

Hippolyta though longed for a child of her own, she would fashion a baby out of sand and clay and would nightly sing to it a sad and sorrow filled song, that eventually reached the ears of Olympus, the Gods upon hearing the melancholic strain cried tears of gold and silver that fell onto Themyscira, breathing life into the childlike sculpture.

And thus Diana was born, reckless and at times arrogant due to her being not only the sole child on the isle of the Amazons, but also one gifted with superhuman powers by the Gods of Olympus. It’s this supercilious and condescending attitude that takes centre stage in Thompson’s retelling of Diana’s childhood, spoilt from birth and treated as if she can do no wrong, Diana begins to believe that she actually is better than all else around her, a literal gift from the gods. That is until she meets Aletha, a stable girl who isn’t overawed by Diana like all the others, her friendship cannot be attained through the usual methods of boasting, and on occasion bullying which causes Diana, initially, to change her imperious attitude, in a bid to procure this seemingly unattainable Amazon’s affections, yet an even greater upset lies in her not too distant future. 

‘Wonder Woman: The True Amazon’ is an astonishing piece of work from Jill Thompson, an alluring yet at times provocative take on the world’s first female Superhero. The story has a level of true emotional depth oft unfound in certain Superhero comics. The retelling may be seen as divisive by some, but Thompson adds a level of humanity to Diana that elegantly supersedes her demi-god status, which ultimately allows the story a much more poignant and emotive accessibility. Of course we would be remiss if we didn’t mention Thompson’s astounding artwork that adorns the pages of her groundbreaking graphic novel. Breathtaking is a word that fits her visual style perfectly, each and every panel is a fully hand painted watercolour by Thompson, the book really stands out when compared to it’s modern counterparts. The True Amazon is truly a work of art, and cannot come more highly recommended.

Join us again next time for more ‘Classic Wonder Woman’ my affable Amazonian associates!

Classic Wonder Woman: 75 Years Of The Awesome Amazon

After our Herculean trek through the Ancient Amazon Archives reached it’s climactic crescendo in our previous instalment, we find ourselves, once more, basking in the alluring beauty of the legendary paradise island known as Themyscira. A warm breeze again caresses our skin as we cross the tranquil tapestry of forests, mountains and rivers that ultimately unfolds before us to form this awe inspiring isle of immortals.

Bird song greets our ears and a serene calm seems to hang over this ethereal island. As we move further inland, ancient baluster rise from the ground arranging a beautacious path that weaves it’s way towards an ancient city that defies mortal eyes with it’s diaphanous presence of elegance, gleaming incandescently in the golden hue of the sun. The Baluster give way to pennants softly swaying in the breeze, with each of these intricate vexillum vying for our attention with their Daedalian imagery of the Hellenic Gods and Amazons.

Our heartbeat quickens and anticipation heightens as we finally reach the majestically wrought marble gates that lead, ultimately, into the elysian rapture that is the city-state of Themyscira. Hanging conspicuously from a single strand of an unknown golden gossamer to the side of the grand gates is an elaborately detailed horn depicting Zeus’ nurturing goat Amalthea, softly blowing into the Cornu causes the Mycenaean styled gate to slowly reveal the magnificence of it’s interior, a vision so resplendent that it can only be relayed to mortal eyes through… ‘Classic Wonder Woman’ Precinct1313’s comic cover countdown to the 75th anniversary of the Themysciran Titan.

And lo our odyssey reaches its conclusion as we find ourselves at the denouement of this quest to celebrate the creation and continuation of the world’s premier and most important fictional female character. The journey through the Ancient Amazon Archives has been filled with many tantalising tales of heroism, and heartbreak, a grand adventure that ultimately ends here with the 75th anniversary of Princess Diana of Themyscira, better known to the world as Wonder Woman.

DC Comics, that fine purveyor of the fantastic, have pronounced that today is their official celebration of Diana’s virtual birth, it coincides with the United Nations event naming the wondrous one as their ‘Honorary Ambassador For The Empowerment Of Women And Girls’ and you can count on Precinct1313 to commemorate this monumental occasion with a week long salute to our favourite fictional female. 

Classic Wonder Woman: Wonder Woman (Vol 4) #1 – The New 52 Years

Our Olympian Odyssey through the ancient Amazon archives continues expeditiously as we leave behind the Herculean Amphitheatre of knowledge we surreptitiously unearthed in our previous instalment, and guide ourselves through a small vestibule daedally draped in silken banners that portray the subjugation and eventual emancipation of the deific Amazons from their ancient adversary Hercules.

Upon closer inspection of the various Vexillum we notice one of them softly swaying back and forth, possessed of a zephyr of air from an unknown source. Pushing aside the intricate pennant we discover a set of majestic marble steps that lead upwards, twisting and turning erratically, triumphantly obscuring our vision of their eventual end.

After what feels like an eternity of elevation our perpetual pace comes to cessation as we find our progress halted by a lavishly engraved bronze Mycenaean style Lion Gate. Incisively running our fingers across a prominent carving of a Lioness, we discover a hasp ingeniously masquerading as one of it’s intricate incisors. Pulling the hasp towards us causes the Lion Gate to slowly open… instantly we move our hands to shield our eyes as blinding sunlight pores in through the now unlatched gateway, after months spent scouring the archives under scant torchlight, the suddenness of the solar rays scorch our eyes.

With the colossal Amazon archives now behind us, does this mark the end of our epic odyssey? or is it symbolic of a new beginning for Wonder Woman? these questions and more can only be answered through… ‘Classic Wonder Woman’  Precinct1313’s comic cover countdown to the 75th anniversary of Diana of Themyscira.

A new day does indeed dawn on the paradise island known as Themyscira, as our Hellenic Herald embraces a new origin story, and siblings of Godlike stature. In September 2011, DC Comics relaunched it’s entire line of comic books, with the elaborate event being named ‘The New 52’  fifty two titles each following a classic DC character. Diana was no longer birthed from clay, moulded by her mother Queen Hippolyta, and given life by a pantheon of Greek Gods, but instead is the demi-goddess daughter of Zeus himself. Her original origin is revealed to be nothing more than an elaborate cover story to protect her from the preconceived wrath of Zeus‘ wife Hera.

DC brought on board sensational scribe Brian Azzarello to pen her ongoing tales of fantastic fiction, and astounding artist Cliff Chiang to bring her virtual soul to life. Together they succeeded in producing one of the most celebrated runs in Wonder Woman‘s long and varied history.

Join us again next time for more ‘Classic Wonder Woman’ my accomplished Amazonian associates!

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.

Classic Wonder Woman: Wonder Woman (Vol 3) #13

(Wondy Is Copyright: DC Comics)

The ornate chambers of the Amazon archives are vast, stretching as far as any mortal’s eyes can see. We make our way deeper into the legendary library, stopping occasionally to survey the various parchments and tomes, the millenia long annals of Amazon deeds and feats are contained in this sacred place, and conveyed to you through ‘Classic Wonder Woman’  Precinct1313’s comic cover coundown to the 75th anniversary of the Themysciran legend.

This week’s tenacious tome is brought to you by the mythical maestros of comic book creation – J. Torres, Julian Lopez, & Marta Martinez. With the classic cover rapturously rendered by – Terry & Rachel Dodson. Released: December 2007.

Thirteen issues into Volume 3 of Diana’s daring adventures brings you a startling story entitled “Mothers and Daughters”, a crossover issue in conjunction with the mini-series “Amazons Attack”. After the cataclysmic events of Infinite Crisis, the Amazons return to Earth to find their Princess, Diana, illegally held in detention by the United States Government.

Amazons Attack!

Led by their Queen, Hippolyta and her adviser Circe, and joined by Greek mythical creatures that includes, Pegasus, Hydras and Cyclops, the Amazons attack the USA, with Hippolyta hellbent on destroying the world of men. Unknown to Hippolyta and her sister Amazons though is that the whole event was orchestrated by Circe, who is using the war as a means to destroy the Amazons and their fabled home of Themyscira.

Join us again next time for more Classic Wonder Woman, my astonishing Amazonian associates!

Legendary Amazons: Caught On Camera…

Wonder Woman & Colonel Steve Trevor, Circa: Early 20th Century

Wonder Woman’s solo cinematic debut is still well over a year away from theatrical release, but we can console ourselves with these recent set pictures of Gal Gadot’s Princess Diana and her sister Amazons on the Paradise Island of Themyscira.

The pictures were taken during filming in Italy, in the Basilicata region, primarily Lucania. These territories include many ancient locations including the city of Mattera, where the 1959 Charlton Heston led “Ben Hur” was filmed. These southern Italian areas are perfect for the depiction of the tranquil idyll that is Themyscira Island.

The highly anticipated 2017 movie recently transferred shooting to Italy after a long period filming its turn of the century World War One sequences in the UK. A large majority of the film will chart the amazing Amazon’s experiences in dealing with the once forbidden outside world, during the great war of 1914. It is during this time that she will first meet future love interest, Colonel Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) who will be introduced in an iconic scene ripped straight from comic book lore as he crash lands on the secret island of Themyscira.

Old & New: classic meeting from the 40’s and the 2017 retelling with Gal Gadot & Chris Pine

This paradigmatic meeting between the Themysciran Princess and the American service man has been told and retold many times throughout Wonder Woman’s almost 75 years of existence, in comic book, animated and live action forms with the latter performed by the lovely Lynda Carter and her co-star Lyle Waggoner in the seventies and early eighties Wonder Woman television series. This event was also the catalyst for Diana becoming Wonder Woman and leaving the ancient Island to travel to the outside world for the first time as the Amazon’s herald.

Wonder Woman (Lynda Carter) and Steve Trevor (Lyle Waggoner) From The Classic 70’s and 80’s TV  Series.

Queen Hippolyta, Artemis and the Amazons confront downed pilot, Steve Trevor in the (highly recommended) 2009 animated origin story.

Amazons Attack! General Antiope (Robin Wright) and her sister Amazons confront a group of WW1 soldiers in another scene from the 2017 movie

Wonder Woman is due to be released theatrically in June, 2017. Directed by Patty Jenkins, and starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewliss, Ewen Bremner, Elena Anaya, Lucy Davis, Said Taghmaoui and Lisa Kongsli.

Hippolyta Steps Forth

Connie Nielsen In Gladiator

Danish actress Connie Nielsen has been officially cast in the iconic role of Hippolyta, Themysciran Queen and mother to Wonder Woman. Connie Nielsen is best known for her role as Lucilla in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator,” but has also starred alongside John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson in “Basic,” and Tim Robbins in Brian De Palma’s “Mission To Mars.”

Hippolyta made her first appearance in “All Star Comics #8” in 1941. Created by William Moulton Marston and Harry G. Peter, she is the Queen of the Amazons, ruling the immortal race of Greek warrior women from the paradise island of Themyscira. 

The Amazon Queen has undergone a few revisions in origin over the years, but in current continuity Hippolyta and her sister Amazons were created by a select pantheon of the Greek gods that included Hestia, Athena, and Aphrodite from the souls of women slain by men throughout the millenia, with Hippolyta herself over 3200 years old. Hippolyta is both a shrewd diplomat and skilled warrior, and bore her daughter Diana from a romantic entanglement with Greek God of Gods – Zeus. 

Wonder Woman is currently filming in the UK and Italy, with actress Gal Gadot starring as the Amazing Amazon and Chris Pine as Steve Trevor. Due to be released in 2017.

Classic Wonder Woman: Wonder Woman (Vol 2) #139

Copyright: DC Comics

Raise your swords and ready your shields as we march into yet another instalment of “Classic Wonder Woman” Precinct1313’s weekly comic cover countdown to the 75th anniversary of the ultimate Amazon warrior. This week we return from the depths of the ancient Amazon archives with – Wonder Woman (volume 2) #139. Written by Eric Luke. Illustrated by Yanick Paquette. With cover art by the astonishing Adam Hughes. Released in December 1998.

The tantalising tale secreted behind this superlatives Hughes’ cover is titled “Gods and Monsters,” and finds our titular heroine faced with the difficult choice of either, continued immortality, or a mortal life as the chosen guardian of Earth. Whilst Diana ponders the Olympus rendered request, she also takes the time to reaffirm her former bond with Amazon sister Artemis. This empyrean issue contains a pantheon of Olympians including, Zeus, Hestia, and primary creator of the Amazons – Hera.

Hera and Hippolyta

Olympian Queen  Hera, is the Goddess of marriage and women and wife of Zeus, King of the Greek Gods. She is the mother to many of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses including Hephaestus and Ares, and along with Athena, Aphrodite, Hestia, and Demeter, is also the surrogate mother of the entire Amazon race. In Wonder Woman‘s original origin story, Hera was key to the Amazing Amazon‘s birth after directing a distraught Hippolyta, who longed for a child, to fashion out of clay a baby girl, which was then brought to life by Hera and her divine brothers and sisters.

Queen Hippolyta prepares to confront an angered Hera

Legends tell that Hera was one of six siblings born unto the Titan Rhea, and her consort Kronos. A prophecy from Gaia foretold that ultimately Kronos would be usurped by one of his children, taking steps to prevent this ever happening, the colossal Kronos devoured his children at birth, Hera, Hestia, Hades, Demeter, and Poseidon all shared in this fate. But his wife Rhea, angered by her husband’s treatment of their children and pregnant once more, conceived her sixth child Zeus in secret with the help of Gaia. Zeus stayed hidden from Kronos until adulthood when he confronted his father, and using an emetic given to him by Gaia, forced Kronos to regurgitate his siblings. Zeus went on to become King of Olympus and Hera eventually his Queen.

Join us again next week for another classic WW cover, my articulate Amazonian associates!