Graphic Breakdown: ‘Wonder Woman: The True Amazon’ Gets an A+ & More!

Welcome back to Graphic Breakdown!

It’s Friday and man, I’m loving two of the titles on this list I read this week. Let’s take a look!

Wonder Woman: The True Amazon

Written and Illustrated by Jill Thompson
Published by DC Comics

I really enjoyed Grant Morrison’s Wonder Woman: Earth One graphic novel earlier in the year.

So much so, when I saw this story, about Wonder Woman’s early years, I thought “do we really need this?”

I can assure you after reading this my tune changed to “Yes! Wes! We really need this!”

Thompson’s fully painted graphic novel is beyond excellent. This may be her best work pretty much ever. The character of Diana is well rendered and the art is gorgeous. Just gorgeous.

Then, there’s the story. It’s well written, emotional, and fluid. Thompson excels as a cartoonist who can still do both (very few can) and impresses.

What’s even more amazing is that she makes a tale of legend. It’s a classic.

I’m glad this graphic novel exists. Not just because it’s one of the best of the year. And not just because it’s so dang good. Both those points are certainly true. Mostly because this is a book I plan to read to my seven year old this weekend. Because she needs a hero she can look up to. And Jill Thompson has succeeded in giving us just that.

RATING: A+

Empress #6 

Written by Mark Millar 
Illustrated by Stuart Immonen
Published by Icon

Speaking of one of the best comics of the year, Empress is awesome! A space epic from the crazy Mark Millar! What more can you ask for?

I had read the previous five issues, but this one amps up the drama. What I love about this series is that the emotions are played so well, and there is never a false note.

The Empress in question takes her kids away from their father, who is an evil despot. It shows her past, the wrong choices she made, the people she left behind.

Yet, besides the characters it is damn action packed to the hilt.

This is the second to last issue of the title and it’s been a fun ride (sequel, please?)

Millar writes so damn good. And Immonen should only be doing space comics from now one. The imagination on this is amazing. More please.

RATING: A

Teen Titans #3

Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Brett Booth.
Published by DC Comics

I love Brett Booth. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again! Loud and proud. He’s damn good. And /i‘m not ashamed to admit it: The Titans are a pleasure to read. It’s kind of like eating candy, but high quality candy.

This is part of the “Return of Wally West” storyline. It’s fun watching the Titans face off with Abracadabra. It’s a very light read. Fast paced and enjoyable. I have to say Abnett grew on me as a writer on this title. He’s solidified himself on here.

So, a fun issue. I’m still hoping for more nods to Watchmen as this is the title most likely to tell us what the hell is going on with that whole ordeal. But there is a reference to it in the book. Here’s hoping we see more nods like that.

RATING: B+

Harley Quinn and her Gang of Harleys #6

Written by Frank Tieri and Jimmy Palmiotti
Illustrated by Mauricet
Published by DC Comics

As part of Dc’s new initiative to flood the market with Harley Quinn title’s comes this issue. I have to be honest: I can’t follow what the hell is going in in this title.

But I enjoyed it as much as one can!

This issue has Harley and her gang of Harley’s facing off against their captors. It’s rather nutty but I guess that’s’ the point. I laughed a few times for sure. Not my type of comic book by I appreciated it enough.

The art and writing are both strong. So if you’re a fan, you’ll love it. I mentioned before Harley Quinn is DC’s answer to Deadpool. So expect a lot more on the way. Here we go!

RATING: B

Teen Titans: Rebirth #1 

Written by Benjamin Percy
Illustrated by Jonboy Meyers
Published by DC Comics

This issue starts up a new Teen Titans title with the Damian Robin taking the lead. It’s not half bad either. I wish it just didn’t feel so damn disposable.

I think that has to do with the fact that Percy likes to write characters and focus on them. He’s very good at that. What he doesn’t focus on is telling a deep and meaningful tale.

That being said, Meyers does a great job on art. He has a youthful strong style. I fear we may be going too close to animation rather than comic art in some of DC titles (and comic books in general).

Either way though, the enthusiasm of this title won me over.

It’ll be interesting to see where this goes…and I plead again, lets see more of the Watchmen connection already. Not a bad book overall.

RATING: B