WONDER WOMAN #36 – In the Name of Love

Creative Team – Stephanie Williams, Clayton Henry, Pedro Estouco, Clayton Cowles, Jeff Spokes

Published by DC Comics

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The Story

In Wonder Woman #36, we see the story of Diana earning her title of Themyscira’s representative in the Man’s World through the Contest. In each trial, Diana is tested in ways that no one but her could emerge victorious, thus earning her her victory. While that seems pretty straight forward, there’s many layers to the story that make this issue of Wonder Wonder one of the most memorable. The story of the Contest is told by Steve Trevor to their daughter, Lizzie. You can feel the Steve’s admiration and respect of Diana, her mother, and the traditions of the Contest through the narration. Wonder Woman has always felt larger than life, but Steve’s retelling of the story, Diana herself is something magical, something mystical. She’s something for her daughter to look up to, and Diana’s mother to be proud of.

If there’s one common theme that Wonder Woman #36 has, it’s love. The love of a mother, the love of a daughter, or the love of a partner, it’s felt throughout this story. From beginning to end, this was a beautiful origin story wrapped in respect paid to Diana as a character. We see her strength, her cleverness, and her natural kindness that shines brightly even to those she’s up against in the Contest. Stephanie Williams brings so much more than an origin story of Diana, but a story that leaves you feeling your best after reading it.

The Art

With a story that’s as hard-hitting as this one, you need to have the artwork to match that level of quality, and that’s precisely what the artists gave us. In Wonder Woman #36, the emotions are worn on the sleeves of the characters with their facial expressions practically telling the story themselves.

Along with the excellent linework, you have the colors that are nothing short of stunning. Back on the River Styx, the blues and pinks used are extraordinary and really captures the energy of the mystical boundary. Outside of that, Diana’s classic red and blue acts as a focal point in many of the panels against the more muted tones.

The lettering work was handled phenomenally with perfectly capturing the admiration and love of Steve and Queen Hippolyta towards Diana, making you feel every bit of their emotion whilst reading. The artists all brought so much to the pages of Wonder Woman #36, earning every one of their flowers.

Final Thoughts

Wonder Woman #36 was phenomenal from beginning to end. Stephanie Williams and the artists truly put their hearts into this issue and it shows brightly on every page.

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments below what you thought of Wonder Woman #36!

This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of End of Life #6, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!