Wonder Woman has been a delight since Becky Cloonan and Michael Conrad took over writing duties some 30 issues ago. The pair of writers have taken readers on a journey through different realms, face-offs against evil corporations, and even battles against gods. Now, here at the end of their mainline run, the duo send Diana off with a beautifully touching finale, reminding readers why Wonder Woman is so wonderful.
Like Alan Moore’s 1986 story “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” and Neil Gaiman’s 2006 “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” Cloonan and Conrad’s “Whatever Happened to the Warrior of Truth?” brings about the close of the series by giving a retrospective look at all that is Wonder Woman. The milestone issue #800 allows the characters closest to Diana the opportunity to help showcase what truly makes the Amazonian so special as she bounces around their dreams while healing beneath Themyscira.
Cloonan and Conrad’s run on Wonder Woman has been something special. It is one of the few books on shelves that truly captures the hero’s spirit. Each issue, regardless of story or plot, left me feeling warm and comfortable. The series gave me the feeling I imagine the characters in the universe feel when around the Princess of Themyscira: hope. It has been a constant reminder of why comics are so important and the impact they can have on a reader.
DC Comics
The feelings of the series are a testament to Cloonan and Conrad capturing the voice and spirit of Diana in each page, panel, bubble, and word. Wonder Woman #800 is no exception to this pattern. As Diana visits the dreams of her partners and friends, including Yara Flor, Donna Troy, Cassie Sandsmark, Bruce Wayne, and Clark Kent, and even visits her mother, Hippolyta, the writers allow us to see the impact Diana has on those around her, and not just in a fictional sense.
For many, Wonder Woman is a shining light to strive towards, standing up bravely for a better future. To others, she is a warrior defeating tyranny wherever it exists. Others still, she is a companion, a leader, an icon, or a symbol. The issue celebrates all these amazing things that define why Wonder Woman’s so special in a truly rewarding fashion.
Each vignette is drawn and colored by a variety of different talents. This includes artists Joëlle Jones, Alitha Martinez, Mark Morales, Nick Robles, Todd Nauck, Skylar Patridge, Cully Hammer, and Jen Bartel along with colorists Jordie Bellaire, Tamra Bonvillain and Jen Bartel and letterer Pat Brosseau. Each dream is drawn and colored differently, creating a tapestry of talent between the book’s covers. Like walking through a museum, the creative team has put together a wonderful celebration reflecting Diana’s rich history, with care and detail on each panel and page.
DC Comics
And we still need to talk about meeting Trinity, the daughter of Wonder Woman. Oh yeah, she also happens to be here. In a backup, Tom King, who will be taking over writing duties beginning with Wonder Woman #1 in September, gives readers the first official appearance of Elizabeth Marston “Lizzie” Prince, the champion of the Amazons, leader of the Justice League, and daughter of Diana. The backup features Lizzie, Jon Kent, and Damian Wayne journeying somewhere they shouldn’t to speak with someone they shouldn’t. The story is a fun teaser, giving us a taste of who Lizzie is and setting the stage for Tom King’s run on the series.
There can be no future without first there being a past. And while a new journey is about to begin, Wonder Woman #800 is a celebration of all that has come before it. From the writing to the art to the colors to the letters, this milestone issue of Wonder Woman is exactly what it should be: a stunningly drawn and colored comic issue that celebrates and captures the joy, strength, humanity, compassion, empathy, and true spirit of one of the world’s most important heroes.
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