Author: Various
Illustrator: Various
Genre: Graphic Novels, Superheroes
Publisher: DC Comic on February 14, 2017
Length: 166 pages
Free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads
The collection focuses on battles that highlight her characteristics and values: hope, the power of the mind, defending the innocent, peace, etc. While this might sound a bit preachy or dull, the issues chosen also have a healthy dose of humor and, of course, LOTS of action.
What I liked
Action: Simply put the action was great. It really delivers on its title.
Humor: There's quite a bit of mid battle philosophizing and internal monologging throughout the book, but it's peppered with great moments. I loved when Steve Trevor popped up, he pretty much said what the reader was thinking. Flash, Aquaman, and Green Lantern were great in "Justice League Part Three". I want to read the entire Murder of Crows story arc because that one was hysterical. I laughed through that whole section. I have never liked Power Girl but I really enjoyed her here. As Arousing Grammar puts it, "you’re going to witness an incredible fight between two combatants who don’t wear pants." That might sound a bit skeevy, but Power Girl's costume is infamous. And the "creepy hellion kids" were such a cool idea and wonderfully realized.
Hellion Kid 1: "Shocking. What sort of "heroes" fight like thoughtless badgers in the sky for all to see?"
Hellion Kid 2: "Most unladylike."
Hellion Kid 3: And their outfits! Why, I believe I might have seen something most unsuitable of a child my age! Two somethings even!"
Art: I really enjoyed the old school comic style, as well as Jim Lee and Cliff Chiang's issues. I've long been a Jim Lee fan but haven't read any of his DC work. His work remains detailed and gorgeous throughout his issue.
Hellion Kid 1: "Shocking. What sort of "heroes" fight like thoughtless badgers in the sky for all to see?"
Hellion Kid 2: "Most unladylike."
Hellion Kid 3: And their outfits! Why, I believe I might have seen something most unsuitable of a child my age! Two somethings even!"
Art: I really enjoyed the old school comic style, as well as Jim Lee and Cliff Chiang's issues. I've long been a Jim Lee fan but haven't read any of his DC work. His work remains detailed and gorgeous throughout his issue.
What I'm on the fence about
Hard to follow the overall arc of the character: This isn't really the fault of the collection, DC has dramatically changed up its universe twice (2011 and 2016). Because stories from the original and revamped storylines end up in Greatest Battles it can make it a bit confusing for readers who don't normally follow DC. "Justice League Part 3" is the second to last story in the collection and none of the main characters know each other. It's an action packed and funny story, but might throw you for a loop when Superman doesn't know Diana, but they were best buds two stories back.What didn't work for me
Cover Art: It does speak to elements of the character (strength, Greek, ready for action) but it's a bit brown and boring. DC has a treasure trove of amazing Wonder Woman art and I'm not impressed with what they picked for their cover.
Rating: 3.0
This is enjoyable for any Wonder Woman fan, maybe not that great if you're wanting to try out the comics for the first time. But that's mainly due to the dramatic changes to the DC universe and skipping around Diana’s timeline. I think it does give you a good sense of who Wonder Woman is and what she stands for, but it just seemed like it was missing something. I think this makes a better library checkout than purchase. I'm definitely going to recommend it to my upper school library. The mix of action, humor, and great at will make this a hit.
Do you think DC's massive universe reinvention will confuse readers or are these characters too well known for that to have an effect on casual readers?
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