WONDER WOMAN: BLACK AND GOLD 2026 SPECIAL #1 (DC COMICS)
The legacy of Diana of Themyscira is unparalleled.
In 2021, a new series ran that celebrated her 80th anniversary. The six issue “Black and Gold” anthology welcomed various creators to craft stories around the Amazon Warrior. Using the color scheme of her Lasso of Truth under the “Black and White” brand, the series was a smash hit with fans. Many have waited to see more Wonder Woman stories told in this fashion. The wait is finally over in 2026.
WONDER WOMAN: BLACK AND GOLD 2026 SPECIAL #1 by Tom King, Mitch Gerads, Clayton Cowles, Alyssa Wong, Karen S. Darboe, Steve Wands, Steve Orlando, Rossi Gifford, Pat Brosseau, Jordie Bellaire, Paulina Ganucheau, Kendall Goode & Becca Carey delivers four new stories paying homage to the one and only Diana Prince.
Let’s take a closer look at how this special unfolds.
WONDER WOMAN: BLACK AND GOLD 2026 SPECIAL #1 by Tom King, Mitch Gerads, Clayton Cowles, Alyssa Wong, Karen S. Darboe, Steve Wands, Steve Orlando, Rossi Gifford, Pat Brosseau, Jordie Bellaire, Paulina Ganucheau, Kendall Goode & Becca Carey (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The issue is a compilation of three stories. Due to the amount, the overview of each tale will be shorter than usual reviews.
“Decent Docent” by King, Gerards and Cowles tells the story of a young artist names Penny. She has won the opportunity to meet Wonder Woman at a Museum. The docent Coy has to keep covering for Wonder Woman as she is tied up with dealing with some villains.
Gerards hits all the key points in the writing. The banter between Coy and Penny reflects the impact Diana has had on the little girl. It is easy to see the impact Diana inspires in her. Building confidence in a young child leads to an unbreakable will to be patient. The art captures this optimism form both parties as time slips further away. It results in a heartwarming ending fitting for the legendary character.
“Last Flight” by Wong, Darboe, and Wands sees Diana pair up with Xanthe Zhou on a search through the afterlife for Steve Trevor. The quest seems impossible but that has never stopped Wonder Woman before. Once the pair crosses over to investigate, the tale takes many twists and turns.
Wong features Diana in a very unique ight. Dealing with the longevity of mortal life, it poses a difficult question to the audience. Rarely is this side seen in Wonder Woman. It does lead into another aspect of her great character. The art brings out her vulnerability in handling how Steve’s loss is affecting her. Darboe crafts beautiful images through the violate landscape. There’s a solid action sequence once some smoke and mirrors wear off. It leaves on a strong note with a great parting image. Very creative take on Diana handling this loss.
“The Truth Unreal” by Orlando, Gifford, & Brosseau sends Diana into an island on Lake Superior in search of a cult leader. Her undercover actions lead to a discovery of lies buried underneath disillusion. It also features the Lasso of Truth becoming a key component into the complex story. It results in a straight-forward ending of honest truths.
Orlando sends this tale into a darker tone than the other chapters featured here. Sending Anton into the Golden Perfect results in a unsettling move of desperation on his part. The dialogue is far past any semblance of reason. Anton is sold on his lies to where combat is the only way to break him free. Gifford brings this clash to life with fantastic art. Watching the reactions before and after spins a different vibe of sympathy for what transpired. It leaves with a strong final image, proving few things are stronger than truth.
“Peach Thief” by Bellaire, Ganucheau, Goode and Carey spotlights Young Diana as she searches for a Peach Thief. The all ages tale brings out the heroics as Diana sleuths her way into solving the mysterious thefts plaguing Themyscira.
Bellaire steps into the writing side of this issue with a light-hearted script. It spotlights Diana attempting to crack the case through “detective” means. The result is a solid ending playing up the youthful innocence of the crime at hand. Ganucheau & Goode display the young hero’s good nature as she handles the situation. A solid adventure to conclude events on.
FINAL GRADE: 9
The impact of Wonder Woman’s legacy is on full display in this excellent special edition. The creative teams bring out the best of Diana through varying stories. Each one has its’ own look and aura to it. They each remind readers of why endears Wonder Woman to fans for 80+ years and beyond. Check it out.
Let me know your thoughts on WONDER WOMAN: BLACK AND GOLD 2026 SPECIAL #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
