REVIEW: ‘Wonder Woman,’ Issue #770

Wonder Woman #770 is published by DC Comics, written by Michael W. Conrad, Becky Cloonan, and Jordie Bellaire, with art by Travis Moore, and Paulina Ganucheau, colors by Tamra Bonvillain, and Kendall Goode, with letters by Pat Brosseau, and Becca Carey. Having rejected the offer of the Quintessence to join their ranks Diana intended to join her friends in their continuing mission to protect their planet. But when Diana regains consciousness in the middle of an icy battlefield with only a jumble of half-clear memories it is apparent that something has gone quite wrong. Plus, we get a glimpse into Diana’s adolescence on Themyscira.

Our tale opens as Diana comes in the middle of a medieval-style battle. Blades, axes, and shields are all around, and the din of slaughter is everywhere. The combatants are clearly Norse in origin, though Diana does not grasp this. She is immediately aided by a man named Siegfried who tells her that she has found herself in Asgard. She has been chosen to spend the rest of the time preparing for the final battle. Ragnarok. Each night the warriors battle. After the battle, all retire to the feast hall of Valhalla where the slain are returned and all eat, drink, and make merry. When the next day comes they do it all again.

During her first battle, Diana is slain as she moves to save Siegfried from an unseen ax. While she is “dead” she is spoken to by a disembodied voice warning her that she is not where she should be. That she must escape. Alas, when she comes to she is in the great hall with Siegfried. The mead, food, and merriment flow freely, and Diana’s confusing vision is soon lost.

From here Wonder Woman #770 sees Diana begin trying to make sense of her current predicament. But with so few of her memories intact she barely knows what questions to ask, let alone where the answers might be found. But when she encounters an unexpected individual in need of aid Diana’s instincts take over and her heroic nature insists she lends a hand.

Conrad and Clooney pen a good introduction to this new story arc. Numerous elements are introduced and require balancing to allow the reader, as well as Diana, time to adapt and process them. These scribes do an admirable job of giving everything its fair share within the story.

Accompanying this fine writing is Moore’s versatile art. From the cold chill of the frozen battlefield to the warmth of Valhalla roaring hearth and other more mysterious places, every scene is delivered well through Moore’s strong line work and captures the ever-popular Viking aesthetic.

Furthering the energy of Moore’s lines is Bonvallian’s excellent color use. From the warm reds and yellows that wash over the interior shots to the icy blues of the battlefield, every scene is bathed in an appropriate color palate.

Lastly, we have the lettering by Brosseau. The letters are fundamentally well-executed, with the dialogue easy to follow as the reader moves from panel to panel.

The back of Wonder Woman #770 features a secondary story about a young Diana. It is the young princess’s birthday, and Diana feels like she has done all that she is allowed to do on her island home. She wishes to grow. Luckily, the Amazons have a timely surprise for her.

Penned by Bellaire, this story is filled with the purest of childhood enthusiasm. Diana’s desire for excitement is written in a way that delivers its sincerity, while still feeling like it is coming from a kid.

Artist Ganucheau and colorist Bonvillain team up to deliver the story’s island paradise setting in all the warmth and beauty one could ask for. As one reads the panels it is almost difficult to imagine having any complaints at all about being there.

The lettering in Wonder Woman #770’s secondary story is the final touch for this visual treat. While most of the lettering is delivered in the industry-standard I like the design of the dialogue for Diana’s running internal monologue throughout the book quite a bit, as well as how letterer Carey deliveries the many “Huffs” from Diana’s pet flying kangaroo Jumpa.

When all is said and done Wonder Woman #770 delivers solid beginnings to a duo of tales. Each one delivers on their own story nicely, as well as providing a welcome contrast to each other.

Wonder Woman #770 is available now wherever comics are sold.