Art By: Goran Sudzuka
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 21, 2014Highway to Hell
Brian Azzarello deserves all the credit being heaped on him. He has helmed one of the best Wonder Woman runs of all-time. DC also deserves some credit here. They have let Azzarello take his time and craft a long running story that doesn't fit into neat little story arcs and is not new reader friendly. If you decide to start reading this month, good luck. Do yourself a favor and go back thirty odd issues and enjoy the whole run. It's worth it. If you are caught up, this month continues the greatness as Azzarello steers us towards his finale this summer.
The issue begins with Dio and Hermes enjoying dinner. Well, at least Dio is while Hermes pouts. The meal is cut short however, when the two notice the walking dead. No, not that Walking Dead, but actual spirits from Hell. Something is obviously wrong.
We then travel to Paradise Island where Diana continues to argue with her sisters about Zeke and changing the Amazonian way of life. War is on the horizon and Wonder Woman is desperately trying to set up their society to thrive no matter what happens. One of her sisters, Dessa, is most against the change, but eventually coalesces for the good of her sisters, or so it seems. Then it's discovered baby Zeke is missing.
Meanwhile, Dio and Hermes try to figure out what's going on with Hell...the place and their Uncle. What they find is disgusting and terrifying. I won't spoil it, but it's such a good twist on a great mythological story. Then Bondage Minotaur strikes. I love Bondage Minotaur.
The book ends with both stories coming together. Wonder Woman finds Zeke, but must think and act fast to save him. Then, just as the Sons of Paradise Island approach to strengthen their forces, Dio stumbles out of the jungle a bloody pulp and lets Wonder Woman and the reader know that the War has already begun and Hermes may be one of the first major casualties.
It's hard to give a score to any one Wonder Woman issue only because each is a little piece in the big puzzle. On the surface, this issue can be looked at as pure setup, but it is so much more. Everything is coming together to give you the bigger picture of what is sure to be my favorite event this summer. The way Azzarello mixes the mythological with the modern is brilliant. I'll be sad when his run ends, but I can't wait to be there when it does.
Goran Sudzuka fills in and does another stellar job. He is the all-star relief pitcher of the New 52. He is always there when you need him and when he's called upon, the book is in good hands. His style fits this book and Azzarello's story so well.
Bits and Pieces:
Wonder Woman #31 continues Azzarello's brilliant run by being another great brick in the wall. The road has been so good and the destination is in sight. Goran Sudzuka fills in on art and is superb as usually. This is the best book in the New 52 and everyone should be reading it.
9.5/10
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