WONDER WOMAN #35 (DC COMICS)
Diana of Themyscira has been taken down by the events of the “Wonder War”.
Steve Trevor and Trinity are making plans to stop the Matriarch from achieving victory. With a long road ahead of them, Trevor tells Trinity the beginnings of Diana’s heroic journey as she once told him.
WONDER WOMAN #35 by Stephanie Williams, Clayton Henry, Pedro Estouco & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS) steps away from the Wonder War to dive into Diana’s past and possible future!
Let’s take a closer look at what happens now.
WONDER WOMAN #35 by Stephanie Williams, Clayton Henry, Pedro Estouco & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Can we just have Williams write Wonder Woman ongoing? The way she taps into Diana’s true nature and soul is unmatched. The voyage into the unknown allows Steve Trevor to have some caring time with his daughter. Their banter is lighter considering the circumstances. It allows Trevor to break into a needed story of hope and destiny. Retelling Diana’s origin through his eyes provides a unique perspective with an impactful fallout.
Diana’s yearning to learn more about a world she’s been held back from drives his portion of the book. Her encounter with her mother causes friction in a sense of caring. Being she was the original Wonder Woman, the perspective of Man’s true nature causes the over-protectiveness to take hold. This becomes complicated when Trevor’s ill-fated flight occurs. The writing shows the uncertainty in his fate. It also allows Diana to break from her path into the formation of her divine character. The writing nails this aspect before letting Trevor pose a heavy question to his young daughter. The gravity of his words is immense as he challenges Trinity. It leaves events on a strong note with fate uncertain yet again.
Henry and Estouco open with the devastating reality of the Wonder War. This pushes Trevor and his daughter into a dangerous new path. While here, the art shows how Trevor’s fatherly instincts take over as he tries to converse with Trinity. His approach to telling Diana’s origin is filled with calm looks and a deep smile, reflective of the impact she’s had on him. The transition page has great panel structures moving events to the past.
Readers watch as Diana’s curiosity is met with strong opposition form her mother. The past experiences fuel the protective nature. It crafts a sense of doubt amongst the panels. This gives way for a great action half panel of sparring. The panel becomes the precursor for Trevor’s plane crash sequence. A full page image shows how the Amazonians are tending to Trevor’s injuries. This is a very intriguing scene. It shifts events to Trevor’s fate being decided. Panels show the heavy choice being made. This is reflective in Diana’s actions. The result leads to a heated debate followed by a classic full page image. The epilogue locks in on the story’s impact, capping off with a superb final page.
FINAL GRADE: 9.7
The past might control the future as Diana’s origin is told through a new voice. Williams unveils the true spirit of Diana with phenomenal writing. Henry and Estouco bring out the emotional weight on every panel. An exceptional look at the heroic beginnings of a legendary hero. Don’t miss it!
Let me know your thoughts on WONDER WOMAN #35 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
