Wonder Girl 2022 Annual: Who’s On Top and Who Gets Buried

I’m a big fan of fifth Tuesdays as they typically mean DC Comics puts out unconventional comics, oftentimes double-sized Annuals like this one. The Wonder Girl ongoing series may be over, but that doesn’t mean DC is done with Yara Flor or the Esquecidas!

From the minute I started this issue, I knew it was going to be good. Joëlle Jones has done a magnificent job with Yara Flor, but it’s the art that truly blows me away. There’s a host of different artists who worked on this Annual, and each of them delivers impressive work. The standout for me, however, is Emi Lenox. Lenox opens the issue with a tale about Jerry, Yara’s faithful pegasus. These delicate illustrations feel ethereal, perfect for a story about flying horses in a magic kingdom. Jerry’s essential to the Wonder Girl lore, so I’m glad to see of the lovable steed.

The overarching story involves Cuca, who was introduced way back in Wonder Girl #1. I love Cuca, the fabulously witchy alligator woman from Brazilian folklore, so I’m thrilled to see her origin explored in greater depth in this special. Artists Adriana Melo and Sweeney Boo do a magnificent job with the majority of the issue, but I also have to mention Ben Dewey, whose art brings Cuca’s haunting origin to life. Wonder Girl has always featured amazing artwork, and this Annual continues that trend.

I have no doubt that DC will continue to publish Yara Flor’s adventures in some capacity, and I hope that future stories manage to live up to the standard that this 2022 Annual has set for the character.