Wonder Woman #31 Review

Is this build up or distraction? Read on to find out.

The official description from DC:

An unlikely ally arrives on the eve of the Battle for Olympus… but standing by Wonder Woman’s side is a deadly place to be!

The question that should be on everyone’s mind right now is can our Goddess of War do anything to thwart the machinations of the monster know simply as First Born? From the villain’s first appearance he’s been an imposing tide and the creative team has made sure to make his threat level relevant to all who oppose him. The things he’s done, and will do, come into focus while the politics of Paradise Island garner friction.

Brian Azzarello has been a stellar scribe for this property since it relaunched at the beginnings of the New 52. From Diana to her followers and friends there’s an expansive cast that remains largely detached from a greater universe, especially as they live their own unique tale. There are interesting narrative elements at play that capture attention but the dialogue drags. When I go to my comic shop and tell other customers about this title I always spin it as the type of book that played the long game, and that’s true here which at this point feels like the author is stretching the plot quite a bit.

The illustrations within this book highlight the improvements of Goran Sudžuka through some stellar visualizations. The talent does not surpass the main artist but embodies what fans have come to expect in a way that never detracts from this particular outing. I was particular intrigued by the care that was taken when it came to individual players that have long been in the background, but now get a spotlight and perhaps a leading roll in what’s coming. Add in the colors by Matthew Wilson and this comic looks as good as it honestly needs to.

Wonder Woman #31 feels like a distraction and that makes it rather disappointing. Even so enough goes on to yield an entertaining outing that can please and even earns a recommendation from me.