REVIEW: ‘Future State: Immortal Wonder Woman,’ Issue #1

Future State: Immortal Wonder Woman #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Becky Cloonan, Michael W. Conrad, L.L. McKinney, art by Jen Bartel and Alitha Martinez, inks by Mark Morales, colors by Emilio Lopez, and letters by Becca Carey and Pat Brosseau. Having bested He Who Laughs and convinced the ones who created the universe to spare our world, Diana Prince walks throughout time, fighting for the causes she finds just. But now, at the end of all things, is there anything left to fight for?

Writing Diana’s follow up story to the stellar conclusion to Dark Nights: Death Metal had to be a daunting task. With Diana shining like a veritable sun, she is given the opportunity to deliver a victory few have ever equaled in DC history. Where does one go from there? How do you follow that act up without feeling inadequate or just simply too small? By going in an entirely different direction. Whereas Death Metal focused on Diana’s power and her will, Future State: Immortal Wonder Woman #1 focuses on her heart and compassion.

As the Earth clings to life, Diana finds herself making the preparations she can so all is not lost. To this end, our story opens with Diana visiting a rather familiar cave to say one final goodbye to what remains of an old friend. This opening scene establishes the tone for this story perfectly. The somberness of Diana’s pilgrimage to say goodbye highlights the vulnerability that has always been one of her most endearing features. Even after countless years, she still hasn’t allowed herself to let go of those that always mattered most. But while Future State: Immortal Wonder Woman #1 is mostly a somber story, the universe doesn’t intend to let Diana have her goodbyes in peace. For there is a power coming, and this time there may be no stopping it.

While writers Cloonan and Conrad pen a beautifully touching narrative here, it is Bartel’s art that steals the show. From her pitch-perfect presentation of the immortal Amazonian to the glowing colors that infuse every panel, Bartel delivers art that truly captures everything the narrative sets out to deliver.

The last piece of Future State: Immortal Wonder Woman #1 opening story is Brosseau’s letters. The lettering here delivers both mechanically as well as aesthetically. With the dialogue placement always permitting easy reading and keeping clear of the gorgeous art, it further enhances some perfectly executed color choices for some of its characters. Enhancing their lines while still meshing with the overall artistic feel of the book.

The back half of this issue follows Nubia much closer to the end of Death Metal. While no exact date is given, it has been numerous years, and the Amazonians have by and large retreated from the world of men. Now, Nubia is trying to right that failing, as she returns to protect and defend. And it seems none too soon, as her enemy Grail is hunting down ancient relics from the past. But for what purpose is a question Nubia will need some help answering.

This secondary story serves as a good starting point for an adventure. It has solid action, introduces a mystery to hook the reader, and a solid cliffhanger to propel interest beyond the book’s final pages. McKinney does a great job building an enticing story to keep readers interested.

The art for this story works well both internally and balancing the look of the book as a whole. Martinez’s art spends a lot of time pulling the reader in close to the subjects. This creates a nice contrast to Bartel’s generally more distant framing of her’s. This great contrast also extends to the colors. As the opening story spends most of its time bathed in softer hues and warm colors, the book’s back half spends its time in mostly darker surroundings.

Rounding out the presentation is Carey’s lettering. The letter work here is done well, as it guides the reader through the story’s panels smoothly.

When all is said and done, Future State: Immortal Wonder Woman #1 delivers a great pair of stories. With a vast difference in setting and focus, the variety of narrative greatly emphasizes each story’s strengths while also allowing each to stand on their own.

Future State: Immortal Wonder Woman #1 is available on January 19th, wherever comics are sold.