Wonder Woman #10 is published by DC Comics, written by Tom King, art by Daniel Sampere, colors by Tomeu Morey and letters by Clayton Cowles. There is a backup story written by King, art by Belén Ortega, colors by Alejandro Sánchez and letters by Cowles. Wonder Woman is sent to an island where one of her greatest foes is trapped and imprisoned. A huge fight breaks out between Diana and Cheetah.
The plot is split between locations, moving with the same leisurely pace that King’s comics often do. On an isolated island, Wonder Woman and Cheetah are forced into a fight neither of them wants, but their broken mental states after so much time in captivity have affected their judgement. It leads to an incredibly violent battle built off of savagery. The fight scene is exceptional, with the power and durability of both combatants on display. Far away, The Wonder Girls are trying to make their way to rescue their idol.
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Each time the scenes switch location, the tone changes to one that is hilarious. Where visceral violence takes place on the island, a buddy comedy unfolds from Diana’s former sidekicks. It shows the variety of tones that King can write. Emotions run high within Wonder Woman #10, with tensions between Diana and Barbara. Theirs is a complicated history, their love being replaced by hunger and resentment for their own situations.
The characters and the dialogue are exceptional. The narration is beautifully poetic, delving into the rivalry between Wonder Woman and Cheetah. It is in-depth and thoughtful, instilled with the same passion that Wonder Woman speaks with. Diana’s dialogue whilst fighting Cheetah is loving and caring even whilst they are brawling. The two sides of the Amazonian are clear: the warrior and the carer.
Cheetah is quiet for the bulk of the chapter, with only snarls and roars being ushered as she scraps with her age-old enemies. Far away from the island, the personalities of Donna, Cassie and Yara are merging perfectly. Their jokes are hysterical, brimming with sass and self-confidence. They bicker and probe at each other, all fuelled with a steely determination to rescue Wonder Woman.
The art is simply sensational. Sampere’s immaculate, lifelike art style adds humanity to the page. The strength and stature of each woman on the page are perfectly presented. Wonder Woman strides into any situation and can respond to anything she faces. That height and attitude can be replicated in Donna Troy, a true disciple of Diana. The fight is phenomenal, taking place over several pages. It’s intensely physical, with fists and claws and teeth. It’s no sparring match either, with damage visible from the issue’s earliest parts.
The tropical island location features exquisite detail and is utilized in the fight. With Donna, Cassie, and Yara, their designs are also fantastic. Each has its armor and costumes, with brilliant expressions within the panels. Much of the comedy comes from slapstick and visual gags, with the crux of the comedy stemming from the invisible jet.
The colors are stunning. Almost all of this run’s most extreme fight scenes have taken place in broad daylight. While disconcerting and unusual, it brings out the vibrant shades of Wonder Woman’s armor. The texture and tones of Cheeath’s are also exquisite. During the second half of the comic, the issue darkens, and the campfire is warm. It makes the comic more atmospheric, just as the space slows down.
The backup story is another entertaining aside featuring the young trinity of heroes. Jon and Damian care for baby Lizzie, teaching her how to fly a kite. Brimming with energy and heart, the side story showcases the young girl’s temper. Her dramatic expressions are infectious. We are slowly learning more about this mysterious girl and how she will fit into the broader storyline.
Wonder Woman #10 is outstanding. Many aspects of King’s writing and Wonder Woman’s personality come to the fore in a single issue. It has powerful drama and adorable comedy in the central and backup stories. The narration that can stoop to the vocabulary of a prose novel plays alongside a formidable battle. Wonder Woman is a warrior of war and a mythological marvel, too. She can fight for an eternity but also has more love and compassion within her than a whole continent.
Wonder Woman #10 is available where comics are sold.
Wonder Woman #10
TL;DR
Wonder Woman #10 is outstanding. Many aspects of King’s writing and Wonder Woman’s personality come to the fore in a single issue. It has powerful drama and adorable comedy in the central and backup stories.
