Wonder Woman #54: The Sands of War

This is the third installment of the newest story, but it leaves me feeling like we’re moving backward. The first two issues of the arc offered something of a new direction with new locations and actors, albeit still a struggle against gods of one sort of another. Now we find ourselves heading into another story of family and betrayal. I realize these are classic themes, and the writing itself is enjoyable to read, but the last three or four arcs at this point have all centered around the same ideas in a different form. The motivation upon the arrival of Diana and the others to the camp seemed thin compared to the earlier parts of the story, making the Bana-Mighdall appear to be more naive about the outside world than Themyscira ever was. The plot, which was trucking along nicely feels considerably thinned out at this point. Ambitious rulers, deceptive advisors, betrayal, blind patriotism were all present along with a strangely incompetent queen’s guard.

The art style takes another considerable shift here, the new team brings a detailed and realistic feel, the pencil work is thinner and there are more subtle effects worked in throughout. There is less of a sense of motion conveyed in general, but a stronger sense of gravity, which is perhaps more appropriate for a senseless war.

I don’t always mention the cover art, which I should because it’s always fantastic, but I want to call particular attention to both versions this time. David Yardin delivers a beautiful classic action cover featuring the main players and a single image summary of the issue. Jenny Frison’s variants are routinely spectacular, but this one, in particular, is a hit out of the park, with a striking pose and a stunning use of color. Both are display-worthy assets to the book. The covers by themselves are worth looking forward to.