Review: The Legend of Wonder Woman: Origins (Volume One) by Renae de Liz and Ray Dillon

Synopsis: On the hidden island of Themyscira, the Amazons, led by Queen Hippolyta, live in a kingdom of peace, protected by the gods. But the balance is upset when Hippolyta is granted what no immortal may have: a child, given life from the clay of the island. She is the princess Diana, who alone can sense the evil that is infesting the Amazon’s home. But when a man from the outside world is brought to Themyscira as part of a conspiracy to overthrow its queen, Diana will risk everything to save his innocent life…and lose everything in the process. Soon, the Amazon princess finds herself in a world she never knew existed—America, a land of untold wonders that also finds itself threatened by a great war abroad. In order to get back home, Diana and her new friends Steve Trevor and Etta Candy must head into the war zone and find the Nazi agent known as the Duke of Deception, who wields a powerful artifact that belongs to Hippolyta. And in order to defeat this powerful enemy, the princess of peace must become the hero she was meant to be. She must become Wonder Woman! (online description)

Review: Being that Wonder Woman is one of the most popular superheroes, her origin story has been told many times over. This version has a unique take on the story. Told with bright bold drawings that have a lovely vintage tone, we follow Diana as she grows from child of Themyscira to Wonder Woman, hero of World War II. This is a lighter retelling than your usual story but it has enough depth and sorrow to give it weight. There is a warmth and humor to the story, particularly in the friendship between Etta Candy and Diana.

Still, I didn’t like it as much as I probably should have. But I can’t point to one particularly aspect. Perhaps it is because I enjoy the darker telling of Wonder Woman.

All that being said, I think this is a valuable contribution to the Wonder Woman lore. It is particularly suitable for a younger audience (older elementary age at the youngest) as it doesn’t contain excessive violence or sexuality. There are references to zombies and murder, but the drawings often shaded and vague. Read it first to be certain, but it is worth noting it might be suitable. 

Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-4012-6728-5
Year Published: 2016
Date Finished: 4-2-2018
Pages: 132