BOOKWRAITHS REVIEWS

Wonder Woman Volume 4: War is my first foray into the world of the New 52, and I have to say this graphic novel left me with mixed feelings: some good and some bad.

The story itself revolves around Wonder Woman protecting a baby from a group of characters who are desperately seeking it.  Helping her in this endeavor is Orion and the New Gods of New Genesis. Naturally, there are lots of action sequences, especially in the climax portion of the story, but also some humorous frames and emotional scenes.  The Wonder Woman portrayed here is much stronger and assertive than previous renditions, and generally more believable as a strong super heroine of the modern world.  However, in my opinion, Orion steals the show, providing both the small amount of humor as well as the most dramatic moments of the book as a whole.

The artwork in this graphic novel is top notch, not spectacular perhaps but far more than just serviceable, and it is very appealing to the eye.  The layout of each page was easy to follow.  Each panel told its story through facial expressions and character placement.  And the new look Wonder Woman was great, combining an athletic and deadly appearance with feminine beautiful.  Even Orion, who turns from normal man to his more bestial visage at various times in the tale, was penned admirably.  So on this front, Wonder Woman Volume 4: War did not disappoint. 

The same cannot be said for the story however.  While I was able to immediately grasp the storyline involving a baby being in danger and needing protection, I never really understood why - other than general morality - it was so important to keep the child safe nor who was trying to take the infant.  That coupled with the fact that the whole story revolved around said baby being moved from Point A to Point B with smaller fight scenes leading up to a final climatic fight scene left me somewhat unimpressed and uninterested.  Indeed, when I closed the book, I really had no burning desire to know what happened next to the baby or Wonder Woman.

In summation, this graphic novel was okay: good art work not so good story.  If you are a current reader and fan then you might disagree with my assessment, which is fine.  If I had been following this story arc for a while, this graphic novel might have been much more enjoyable to read.  However, for those of you - like me - who are new to this "New 52" Wonder Woman, I can’t really encourage you to start your reading experience with this book; I really believe you will not appreciate this story very much.  However, I do like this New 52 Wonder Woman and will be picking up some back issues in the near future.

This ARC was provided to me for free in return for an honest review.  The review above was not paid for or influenced in any way by any person, entity or organization, but is my own personal opinions.