Justice League: A League of One
Christopher Moeller’s A League of One similarly looks at her place in the Justice League, but by what she’s willing to do for them. When she discovers a prophecy that says all her friends in the League will die by at the hands of an ancient dragon, she decides to forestall the prophecy – by taking the dragon on all by herself.
A League of One showcases why Wonder Woman is such a fearless warrior as she takes on hordes of the dragon’s forces alone. Even still, she uses violence as a last resort and talks with the ancient beast, hoping to come to a peaceful resolution. The short graphic novel is a testament to the character and has some truly great art that is painted by Moeller himself. Its definitely a story Wonder Woman fans should check out.
The Lies/Year One by Greg Rucka
As The New 52 faded away and DC Universe Rebirth began, Greg Rucka came back to the title to usher in a new beginning for Diana. Rucka began telling an alternating story in the issues, one that focuses on Wonder Woman in the present and the other redefining her origin as Diana first came to man’s world.
In The Lies, Wonder Woman discovers that someone or something has altered her memories and goes on a quest to find them. This leads her into an alliance with the Cheetah while Rucka brings back Veronica Cale, the villain he created in his first run, to plague the superheroine. Liam Sharp provides the artwork on this arc and is one of the best looking titles of DC’s Rebirth era with some very eerie images, particularly on Cheetah.
Year One, meanwhile, reimagines Diana’s origin in modern times and follows several of the classic elements of her mythology: Steve Trevor crashing on Themyscira, contesting for the spot to journey to man’s world, etc. Rucka even throws in a couple references to Perez’s Gods and Mortals. But where he succeeds is really examining the effect Diana has on people and her optimism for the world. Nicola Scott’s art is bright and colourful, but also full of emotion in her facial work. Given the fact that Rucka is ending his run on Rebirth’s Wonder Woman with issue #25 in a few weeks, now is the perfect time to get caught up.
Ricky Church
Originally published May 13, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
