Each and every month this comic continually exceeds expectations for me.

I always liked Wonder Woman but could never stick with the series for very long. I liked what Heinberg did a few years ago, but that kinda fell apart rather quickly. Before that, you have to go back to John Byrne in the mid-90s to find a WW run I stuck with for more than 4-5 issues. But I’m on issue #7 of Azzarello’s run and don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.

More surprising than the series itself is Azzarello’s handling of the Greek gods. I’ve loved mythology since I was very young, but more often than not I find that contemporary stories using these characters — especially when mixing them with modern humans/society — all kinda seem the same. But Azzarello mixes things up enough and transgresses enough unexpected boundaries to keep it interesting. This isn’t “gods invading earth”, and it isn’t “humans invading gods” — it’s a mix of the two. Some of the gods seem rather human. Some of the human-shaped characters seem rather godlike. And then there are godlike creatures who still seem relatable because we understand the situation they’re in and their motivations. It’s all very unique in that it feels both otherworldly and, in a sense, comfortable.

I think the feeling of originality here owes a lot to Cliff Chiang. The different characters, especially the gods, are rendered so interestingly and differently than I’ve ever seen them before. I realize that a lot of the touches are derived from actual aspects of them as described in certain legends, but Chiang still has to put those ideas into specific designs and drawings. There are a lot of different character-types here, from a lot of different places and times, but they all look like they belong in the same world. Everything fits in a way that really allows the reader to feel immersed in a cohesive world.

And, still on the art side of things, I’d be remiss not to mention the color. It’s perfect and always seems well-suited to whatever overriding emotion is being conveyed in the given panel.

The negative charge this series often receives has to do with Azzarello’s punning. The characters seem to play with language in rather obvious or awkward ways. And it seems to happen a few too many times every issue. I can understand where this criticism comes from, and I agree that it can be a negative, but personally for me I don’t think it’s too important. I’ve actually started to enjoy it. The puns on “hell” in this issue were, as expected, quite glaring. But I’ve gotten used to it. As a noticeable authorial hallmark, it kind of gives the book a sort of charm.

All in all, I’m glad to see Chiang back on the book for another stint. Can’t wait to see Hades next issue!