This first arc of J. Micheal Straczyski’s run on Wonder Woman called “The Odyssey” has thus far been very strong.  If Straczynski can maintain this level of quality, this arc may even be remembered as being epic.  I have to respect the fact that Straczynski is either a Greek mythology and history geek, or he has done some serious research.  In the last issue, Hippolyta gave a rousing (if short) speech to her troops, just as a Greek strategos was expected to do, and she brandished a Spartan sword.  The Amazons arrayed themselves for battle in a phalanx, just as ancient Greek armies would.  In this issue, the Amazons employ Greek fire, a kind of napalm that the Byzantines used to defend Constantinople from the Turks.  To this day, no one knows exactly what the recipe for Greek fire was, but without it, Constantinople probably would have fallen much sooner.  In its authenticity, this comic is similar to Pak and Van Lente’s run on “Hercules” for Marvel, but where Pak and Van Lente strive for comedy in that title, Straczynski is aiming for drama in this one.  The death of Amazons has emotional weight in this arc, and their struggle for survival is palpable.  Diana is impassioned  as she calls upon the (presumably female) gods to come the aid of the embattled Amazons, and the gods demand her trust but make no promises, as gods are apt to do.  The dialogue has been pitch perfect as in a scene where an Amazon explains why she crafted a shield with an image of Hippolyta on it.

            DC editors have wisely matched Straczynski with an art team who are just that – his match in storytelling.  Diana looks impressive in action, even in the rather underwhelming new costume.  When Diana takes off her jacket though, the bustier looks great and very classically inspired.