Modern superhero comics are hyper-stylized tales of selfless heroism and abject villainy. They're mostly insulated from real-world events, but sometimes, reality and fiction overlap, bringing intolerance, suffering, and consequences to the shores of fantastical worlds filled with aliens, magic, and awe. Wonder Woman, who has fought for peace in the world of men, finds herself in the line of fire when the government of that same world finds takes aim at her and her sisters. Tom King's latest series from DC is off to a rocking start, making a scathing political statement. Written by King with artwork from Daniel Sampere, colors by Tomeu Morey, and letters from Clayton Cowles, Wonder Woman #1 is the beginning of a new action-packed era.
The world is full of bad men, and Wonder Woman #1 is here to point them out. The issue begins in a pool hall in West Billings, where an Amazon attacks a group of ruffians, leaving nineteen dead and two alive, both women. Before the truth can come out about the incident or the culprit is brought to justice, the government passes the Amazon Safety Act, forcing all Amazonian diplomats and expats to go back home. Those who have decided to stay behind are met with excessive force from a Black Ops team led by Sargent Steel. Only one woman stands between the stranded Amazonians and the government kill squad, as the people she once thought were allies brand her Public Enemy number one.
Like ripples from a single droplet of water, one gruesome act of violence becomes the undoing of Amazons all across the United States. Wonder Woman #1 is an unabashed, critical view of modern politics where a few stoke fear and prejudice in the masses to further their agendas. The issue stitches together multiple narratives. Marrying together news clips and public opinion is a good way of providing exposition and gives a clear idea of the tension brewing between the Amazons and American citizens. King knows how important first impressions are, and his character introductions are on point. With an added overlay of a sinister narration that follows all the way to the end, King alludes to a hidden world behind the highly modern take on Wonder Woman.
The Amazons are facing persecution, but the artwork makes a point to show their defiant stand. All Amazons stand head and shoulders above their would-be captors in Daniel Sampere's illustrations, their defiance radiating in their body language. However, no one comes close to Wonder Woman's elegance as she gracefully dispatches her enemies, looking more like a ballet dancer than a warrior. Sampere takes extra care to build the surroundings, with his expressive visages working in tandem with the script. Morey's colors give an unnatural depth to the panels. They help in the lighting, which sets the mood in each segment. From a bright palette illuminating a joyful Wonder Woman fan to blood splatters on glass, the colors are rich and cinematic in every scene. Letterer Clayton Cowles binds the script and the art together. With both being on the heavy side, Cowles concentrates on placing narration and dialogue in the perfect spot to help the action resonate with the reader.
Wonder Woman #1 serves as a political soapbox for King. While it is a rarity in mainstream comics, the discussion was long overdue. Wonder Woman has always been a champion of the oppressed. Her convictions are unwavering even in the face of the grave consequences she and her ilk may face, which makes the book an inspiring start to a new saga. The Amazons' fall from grace may seem sudden in the flurry of events. But there is something far more sinister happening elsewhere amongst the political drama where truth has taken a backseat in favor of lies.