1414 ( )

I wasn't sure if I was going to like the change in her outfit, but it actually works. I love the story. The artwork is amazing. I can't wait to read more of the story and see where it goes. ( )

This seems like a sort of half reboot of Wonder Woman. A different universe dimension sort of thing. Instead of leaving Paradise Island as an adult after winning a competition for the right to so, Paradise Island was destroyed and Diana, as a small child, was spirited from it so she would live. (First thing I thought, 'why does everyone Superman's backstory now?')

So, bad guys are coming after her, then bad women too. All wanting to kill the Amazons. I guess it's a thing. The art was amazing though, while the story was just sorta confusing on a lot of levels. ( )

It’s no small feat to redesign an icon, both story-wise and visually. When I heard and saw the new Wonder Woman costume I was highly skeptical – this isn’t Wonder Woman! Sacrilege! But in the end, Straczyinski won me over with smart choices and a fierce but relatable Warrior Princess. Just as Millar’s “Dark Knight” reinvigorated Batman, I feel the same is happening with Odyssey.

This isn't just a reboot, another slightly altered origin story. Straczynski provides a logical and compelling reason for this Diana to exist. The timeline has been upset by someone powerful. Diana did not grow up on Themyscira, discovered by the world of men as an adult. Instead, the Amazon are attacked and slaughtered by a great force and the infant Diana is smuggled out with some survivors. But, this isn't how things should necessarily be and Diana has dreams to that effect; she actually sees herself in the original costume. This was a brilliant way to bring Diana into the modern world while also keeping true to her Amazon roots. The plot also gives her a concrete purpose beyond just fighting America’s enemies or villains of the week. She must find the one who set this timeline in motion while also protecting her Amazon sisters from those hunting them. There are a lot of excellent action sequences, and Diana does not escape every encounter unscathed. The fighting has more realism.

Usually, I don't comment on the art unless it has a significant impact on the story (because it’s subjective really). However, since Diana has been drastically redesigned, in this instance it is significant. The new costume is more realistic for fighting, which I can appreciate, though I would have preferred that her iconic symbolism not be downplayed so much. The artwork is bold, with a lot of detail and an incredible use of light and shadows, which complements the story well. Even without stars and stripes, Wonder Woman stands instantly recognizable to the reader.

Overall, I like this Wonder Woman very much and can't wait to read volume 2. Highly recommended! ( )