REVIEW: ‘Wonder Woman’ Issue #7

Wonder Woman #7 is published by DC Comics, written by Tom King, art by Guillem March, colors by Arif Prianto and letters by Clayton Cowles. Superman and Wonder Woman head to an intergalactic shopping mall to find a birthday present for Batman.

This is an issue aside from the ongoing saga within the Wonder Woman series. Taking place after Wonder Woman #5, this issue’s tone is a breath of fresh air. It’s lighthearted from start to finish as the superhumans peruse the stalls inside a cosmic cacophony. The current events sit on the back burner for this issue. It’s a bumper-sized issue with a calm pace, allowing for countless jokes. King doesn’t often utilize silliness so this issue highlights a range in his writing. Whilst the comic is a comedy, the book has a true heart. Every page shows love and kindness, elements that fuel these characters. Any action is played for laughs and is inconsequential.

The dialogue is genuine and heartfelt. While it only features two members of the Trinity, the relationship between all three is even more evident. Clark and Diana assess Batman as they attempt to find an adequate fit for him. The conversation is constant, like two trains of thought happening concurrently. There are moments of touching intimacy. When Superman attempts to bring up Wonder Woman’s war with the US government, it is waylaid with attempts to change the subject. There are many hysterical moments, with callbacks and cliches referenced on every page. Comics written by King comic often have narration attached. Interestingly, Wonder Woman #7 has nearly none.

The art ensures that this comic, filled with dialogue, is still energetic and enthusiastic. There is something classical to the style of March, especially regarding the costumes. Every panel is busy and rife with details. The mall looks endless, teeming with life. Everywhere you look are aliens and market stalls, all attributed with immaculate details. The comic has multiple sections, and the art can change slightly to demonstrate the chapters. Each represents a new activity in the mall, whether a movie, shopping or even pedicures. There’s a terrific sense of scale and power when the action explodes. Even with the presence of Superman, the emphasis lies on Wonder Woman. The facial expressions are perfect. March can make the characters goofy when they need to be but severe and vulnerable in their most tender moments.

The colors are sensational. While Wonder Woman and Superman share a similar color scheme, Prianto slightly changes the shades. It is almost imperceptible, but it diversifies the costumes with superb depth. The lettering is also flawless, making the large amount sod dialogue easily digestible.

Wonder Woman #7 is a charming break from the chaos. It’s a remarkable romp that completely changes the comic’s mood, precisely the palette cleanser the series needed. It’s fun, fresh and energetic. But there is also a nostalgic feel to the comic. The location brings back the memories of 90s movies, placing Superman and Wonder Woman in an intergalactic version of Mallrats. And it is that reminiscence that makes the book so wholesome.

Wonder Woman #7 is available where comics are sold.