Wonder Woman

It is entirely possible that I have become a little obsessed with Wonder Woman since seeing the movie. And by a little I mean a whole heck of a lot.

I have been reading everything I can get my hands on lately, and watching the old Justice League cartoons. I’m enjoying all of it, but had to do a shout out to my recently discovered favorite: Wonder Woman Year One written by Greg Rucko and illustrated by Nicola Scott. 

There is so much to say about is volume that I scarcely know where to start! 

Let’s start with artwork: I have discovered a complete love of the artist Nicola Scott. Not only does she draw very distinctive characters, male and female, in very non-traditional non-sexualized ways (look at that slouch! The modest skirt length! The lack of side boob!), but she is able to capture both the extreme power and extreme vulnerability and awkwardness that is Wonder Woman’s first discovery of Men’s World. The facial expressions alone that Nicola Scott creates are so real that they break your heart or bring immediate joy based on the situation. I’ve rarely seen an artist so able to express the character’s emotions and personality. Major kudos!

Now onto the writing: based on this volume, it appears to me that the Wonder Woman movie was strongly influenced by this book. The characters all have similar personalities and the story has some simularities as well. Not only that, but there are times that Steve or Diana speak and I can HEAR Chris Pine or Gal Galot saying the line. So if you like the movie, you will love this book. 

Beyond that, though: the story has a sense of joy and innocence that overlaps even the most terrifying and devistating of moments. It had me laughing out loud and clutching the book in fear for the heartbreak that was being threatened. The writing easily stands up to the shear wonder that the artwork displays and in combination the two features of this comic are truly touching. 

Please go read Wonder Woman Year One, by Greg Rucka. Appreciate the story, which is really wonderful, and fall in love this amazing art!