Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Cliff Richards; Art Thibert; John J. Hill; & Jason Wright
Cover Art by Christian Alarmy
SUMMARY:
Published for October 2007 by DC Comics, Batman is recruiting operatives for his black ops Outsiders for the upcoming Final Crisis. Corresponding with Countdown # 35, this last issue of five one-shots is entitled “Member of the Tribe.” In the wake of Amazons Attack, lonely half-Bana Amazon Grace Choi returns home to Cleveland. Sharing her backstory with Wonder Woman, Grace guides her new friend on an intriguing tour of her hometown.
Batman soon sends them to investigate an irradiated woman being treated at the Cleveland Clinic, as she may have been exposed to a Bana radioactive bomb. With Batman’s long-distance help, it’s up to them to defuse a nuclear weapon!
REVIEW:
Inevitably, these two heroic Amazons would team up, and writer Mark Andreyko doesn’t disappoint. Humorously playing up Grace & Diana’s newfound sense of sisterhood (or actually distant cousins), he ensures that both characters shine. Told from Grace’s point-of-view, her poignant backstory is well-played. One of the story’s best moments is a public bus ride where the two Amazons charmingly meet one of Diana’s impressionable young fans. Wonder Woman’s supportive big sister-like role immensely helps making this team-up plausible. Andreyko also wisely saves Grace’s irate reaction for last once Batman’s imminent game plan comes into focus. The spot-on cover art demonstrates that this issue’s s focus on teamwork and compassion — in fact, there is a welcome absence of bloody violence and profanity. Overall, Five of a Kind: Wonder Woman and Grace # 1 proves a pleasant surprise.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The anonymous “DC Nation” column hypes the Sinestro Corps War saga. Sneak peek covers are for Outsiders # 50 (which is the follow-up to this mini-series); Four Horsemen # 1; Amazons Attack # 6; and Teen Titans # 50.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
