Written by G. Willow Wilson.
Art by Jesús Merino; Tom Derenick; Xermanico; Lee Garrett; Scot Eaton; Vicente Cifuentes; Trevor Scott; Norm Rapmund; Wayne Faucher; José Marzán Jr.; Scott Hanna; Romulo Fajardo Jr.; & Pat Brosseau.
Collection Cover Art by Jesús Merino & Romulo Fajardo Jr.
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics in 2020, this 208-page paperback compilation reprints Wonder Woman # 74-81 from 2019-20. To reunite a fractured Themyscira deteriorating further still under Grail’s ominous rule, Diana and her allies, Atlantiades – the winged daughter of Aphrodite, and the mortal, Maggie, search for possible allies. One may be Diana’s long-missing aunt, Antiope. In a mystical journey beyond Queen Hippolyta’s Dimension Chi sanctuary, a poignant reunion possibly awaits Diana. Yet, if there is any chance of freeing her imprisoned mother, Diana must risk igniting an Amazonian civil war in “Return of the Amazons, Parts 1-2.”
Reunited with her mother, Diana compassionately sets aside her feelings for Veronica Cale to bring another family back together. “Mothers and Children” also explores Wonder Woman & Steve Trevor’s romance, but could growing fissures in their estranged relationship now be irreparable?
Meanwhile, Cheetah has now acquired a magical blade dubbed ‘The God Killer’ from Lex Luthor. It’s a weapon from which even Wonder Woman has no viable defense. Hence, the five-part “Loveless” begins. With Cheetah deeming Amazons and Olympians alike as imminent prey, can anyone thwart her bloodthirsty hunt for vengeance? Steve and his romantic rival, Atlantiades, intervene as best they can, but an unexpected alliance may be an injured Diana’s only hope for an even battlefield.
Should she survive Cheetah’s onslaught, the dire fallout from confronting her most dangerous foe may alter Wonder Woman’s personal life forever. At the zenith of their long-standing feud, has Cheetah finally inflicted the fateful blows to conquer Diana’s heroic spirit once and for all?
REVIEW:
Throughout the somber Loveless, the art squad’s visuals are consistently excellent. G. Willow Wilson’s storytelling is both intelligent and exceptionally well-plotted, even if the result isn’t necessarily a fun read. Had there been more of a balance (i.e. occasional bits of humor), then Wonder Woman, Volume 3: Loveless would have surely fulfilled its intriguing potential.
Still, Wilson’s plot twists pack an emotional wallop for longtime fans. For that alone, this game-changing installment of Wonder Woman’s saga is certainly worth the read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Merino & Fajardo Jr.’s covers precede the issues (each appearing in a full-page format). A concluding gallery offers all seven variant covers (artist Jenny Frison: Issues # 74-79 & # 81; and artists Neil Googe & Rex Lokus: Issue # 80’s DCeased homage), each as a full page.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
