REVIEW: ‘Wonder Woman,’ Issue #753

Wonder Woman #753 is published by DC Comics, written by Steve Orlando, art by Max Raynor, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr., and letters by Pat Brosseau. Previously, Diana was called in to deal with a disturbance from a centuries-year-old knight, the Iron Maiden, and the beast she’d been fighting. The latter warrior was transported into the current timeline while battling a monumental chromium beast. Unaccustomed to the current ways of socially accepted behavior she kills a man in a bar, after he attacked her for rejecting him. After Diana beats the Iron Maiden in battle, she explains how things in this timeline are different, in order to gain a new ally. Meanwhile, Paula Von Gunther details out her, and her families, past bloody battles with the Amazonians of Themiscyra in a brilliant sequence of panels.

Now during Wonder Woman #753, the two warriors must defeat the colossal Minotaur-like creature. The beast is visually intimidating in size and look, encased in a metallic substance with flames pouring from its facial orifices. As the issue evolves, the protective layer of skin is no ordinary metal, but rather a substance that will serve to complicate the battle.

Wonder Woman #753 is comprised of two storylines, the first being noted above, the second involving Paula Von Gunthers’ recruitment efforts as she attempts to gather the four horsewomen to bring down Wonder Woman. Next on the list is Armageddon, but this warrior requires a lot more convincing. This issue felt a little lacking in the depth, and not just with the story, but the visuals also. Nothing dramatic really jumps out and grabs your attention. It is in no way a bad issue, but it certainly has a filler issue feel about it, with no real impact on the larger story.

Orlando’s dialogue in no way lands with the type of gravitas he’s shown he can deliver in prior DC comics issues. While the issue is loaded with action sequences, the characters do actually converse on multiple instances a fair bit. It’s just that nothing about it lands, it all feels quite forgettable.

The visuals from Raynor were disappointing given he had the opportunity to create some really creative illustrations when dealing with the chromium beast. Having the ability to utilize a modern take of a mythic creature should have conjured up some more exciting visuals. It was a minotaur with flames spewing from it’s eye sockets, and nostrils. I feel like this should have been the centerpiece of the issue.

Fajardo Jr. did a nice job with the coloring of the issue. Between the panels, and between the two major storylines, all of the colors pop really nicely. The characters are all accented really well and stand apart from the scenery. It’s especially notable for the coloring work that was completed on the chromium beast. Brosseau actually delivers some really amazing lettering to his credit. The style of font, the style, and the size, really explode from the page when you want them to. There’s a lot of opportunity with all of the combat within the issue for an experienced letterer such as Brosseau to really flex that talent.

I think overall, it just felt a bit safe. I wanted to be left more in a state of awe, and to feel like that the creative team really poured themselves into it, rather than they completed a project. I think there is a frame of a story there that could have explored more, but on this day, it was a fairly average attempt.

Wonder Woman #753 is available in stores now.