Wonder Woman: Down to Earth [Paperback]

Having read the excellent "Wonder Woman: Hiketeia" by Greg Rucka, I was feverishly anticipating the beginning of his run on the regular "Wonder Woman" comics. This volume collects the first six issues (195-200) of his monthly WW comics and while very different in tone and scope from "Hiketeia", it certainly does not disappoint.

Greg Rucka is what I'd call a very "serious" and "focused" writer. Reading this volume, one can see that he's setting up for some big things here. In fact, my only complaint about the man's writing is that he's seriously lacking a sense of humor - something that can be quite detrimental to a "comic" book writer! But then, that also means that we are spared the many self-deferential humor that is dominating many other books at the moment. In fact, one can easily see the seriousness and passion Rucka brings to Wonder Woman in just these short issues. Wondy becomes a woman of intelligence and heart - you tend to overlook the skimpy costume when she starts talking about "real-world" issues like equality, tolerance, sexuality, religion, etc. Rucka is also building a new group of supporting characters with this volume - mostly people who work with Wondy at the Themyscriran Embassy (including the kitchen-help!).

As for the story, I feel that Rucka is being deliberately "political". This is very apt for a character like Wonder Woman, who was originally meant to represent socio-political ideas in the 1940s by her original creators (William Moulton Marston and H.G. Peters). What we see here, however, is an update on the "political issues" that Wonder Woman is representing today. The story begins with Wondy publising a book of essays and speeches called "Reflections" and all of a sudden, she becomes the new Bertrand Russell. In other words, she starts getting followings and cult groups - and also offending quite a lot of other people who disagrees with her ideas on sexuality (Themysciracn lesbianism), religion (Greek paganism) and capital punishment. Here, we see the supporting characters really getting to work as her P.R. agents, as her public defenders, etc. The whole things comes off feeling like "The West Wing" meets Classical Greek mythology. But it works!

Speaking of the Greek myths, this volume also sees an "update" on the Greek pantheon. We live in a post-modern world where ancient gods either learn to keep up with the times or they grow obsolete and are forgotten. The most interesting of the updates here is, of course, the War God Ares (Mars), who comes off as very post-modern and devious - somewhat like Mike Carey's "Lucifer". As for other villains, we have Zeus (at least, I think Rucka is setting him up to be a problem to the Amazons), Doctor Psycho, some women (Veronica Cale and Leslie Anderson) and the return of the Silver Swan.

Finally, the art. The art is what makes this work a gem. Even if you don't like Rucka's take on this book, you'll love it for the art. Everything from the gorgeous covers by Adam Hughes, Greg Land and J.G. Jones to the interior art by new-comer Drew Johnson simply shines. Johnson gives us a lovely Diana who comes off as beautiful and intelligent - thus, perfectly complementing Rucka's envisionng of the character. However, my favourite piece of art inside is the "Norman Rockwell" painting of Diana in the park by Steve Rude. Lastly, Eric Shanower (who is doing excellent work with Greek stuff in his own "Age of Bronze" series) contributes some pieces at the back of the book as "press releases" covering the release of Diana's book of essays.

There's so much to like and enjoy in this package. What are you waiting for? Get this book today!

Wonder Woman: Down to Earth is Wonder Woman at her best, and Greg Rucka at his best. The characterization is excellent. Wonder Woman is strong and accessible, understanding and firm in her beliefs. The supporting characters are all well written, with individual but sympathetic personalities. This story introduces Veronica Cale, Wonder Woman's own Lex Luthor, a business woman out to topple the living legend that is Wonder Woman. The artist Drew Johnson is able to depict women (and men for that matter) who are both beautiful and strong. The story is an interesting take, with Wonder Woman reaching out to people by publishing a book, a collection of essays and opinions, in the hopes of inspiring others. The book becomes controversial, and the controversy builds, resulting in a superhero/supervillain showdown. The subplot following the Greek gods is brilliant, showing petty bickeries which have devastating results. This is an excellent graphic novel and I highly recommend it and the other Wonder Woman books that follow.

I have always been a fan of Wonder Woman, but i find it difficult to remain interested enough to purchase her monthly magazine. After Phil Jimenez departure i decided to take a break. After browsing DOWN TO EARTH in a store i quickly purchased it. Greg Rucka does a great job in providing the ground work for where his run on Wonder Woman is headed. Personally i find that WW has a lot more "BLAH BLAH BLAH" and less action than other comic books but when Rucka does it it doesn't bore me. Overall great storytelling and great art make this a satisfying read. EP

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