WONDER WOMAN #36 (DC COMICS)
A hero’s legacy is forged by the choices they make.
Steve Trevor and Trinity are left with an uncertain future due to the Matriarch’s actions. On the path of uncertainty, Trevor tells his daughter the story of how Diana became Wonder Woman.
WONDER WOMAN #36 by Stephanie Williams, Clayton Henry, Pedro Estouco & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS) concludes its’ epic look into Diana’s past.
Let’s take a deeper look at the story finale.
WONDER WOMAN #36 by Stephanie Williams, Clayton Henry, Pedro Estouco & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williams wraps events up with an emotional finish as a legacy is reforged. The opening banter between Trevor and Trinity is textbook father-daughter banter. It serves as a solid intro for where Diana’s story left off. Once at the trials, the writing demonstrates the heavy weight thrown on the champion’s shoulders. There isn’t a second this pint is forgotten. This point is driven home with a subtle panel. Explaining the “goodbye” between Diana and her mother proves powerful as the contests begin.
As each phase progresses, the virtues that compose Diana shine through. The writing allows readers to gravitate towards her caring nature as events impact all around her. It re-enforces the foundation of her persona. Trevor’s dialogue serves as a fantastic narrator into the challenges. With every trial becoming more intense, the writing sees Diana handle each with compassion and grace.
Where the story makes its’ most impact is the aftermath of the trials. Hippolyta’s talk with Diana is magnificent on every level. Readers see the pain of letting her daughter grow into the warrior that changes the world. Her warnings of the cold reality grow more intense as the costume is presented. Even with this warning, a mother’ pride and love can’t be held back in this moment. It will hit readers hard as the mantle is officially earned. The aftermath sums up events before full circling back to Trevor and Trinity. Their talk casts more uncertainty into destiny, which is perfect for forging a new legacy altogether.
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Henry and Estouco lock in on the impact of the story through Trevor’s yes. His quiet smile as he begins his story is a nod of his true feelings. The trails begin with a sense of the extreme measures needed to win. Hippolyta’s proclamation over the combatants shows her emotions in crowning a winner. It’s matched by Diana’s uncertain look of changes as the trails begin. Once here, the art shines in bringing out the best of the future Wonder Woman.
Each trial is filled with visions of Diana’s compassion as each carries their own problems. The half page panel with Diana and the Kanga is prime example of this. Readers see as each new challenge is met head on. Even in combat, Diana’s kindness creeps through the immense burden of winning. This leads into the revelation of Diana’s ruse. her eyes sell the moment as events become all too personal. The talk between mother and daughter covers a range of feelings as the torch is now being passed. It hits on all key points. This leads into a fantastic full shot of Diana earning the armor with her mother’s smile behind it. A superb two page spread covers the legacy to its’ finish. Readers are left with a calmer final page with many questions hovering around it. A great break from where the Wonder War left off.
FINAL GRADE: 10
Diana’s legacy is spectacularly presented to instill hope in the Wonder War’s immediate wake. Williams’ superbly personal tale of love and triumph conquers each challenge presented. Henry and Estouco amplify the heavy drama to new heights. A phenomenal presentation that can’t be missed. Highest possible recommendation.
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