I’ve read a lot of WW while never having actually read a single issue of her solo series. She is perennially a second-tier character in a world where she is considered first tier. I’m familiar with her from time versions of the Justice League from Morrison’s run on JLA to her key role in Kingdom Come to her characterization in the Justice League cartoon. I’ve always liked her because she’s literally a bad ass Amazon, but to be honest, I’ve never really felt like there was much depth to her beyond being tough.

While reading this first issue of her new series, I found myself just dreading when I would be done with the issue and would have to wait a month for #2. Where I’ve been really excited to see the next issue of many of the books I’ve read from DC this month, WW is the only one to really give me that feeling. The story is thick with Greek myth which is a weak spot for me. I love ancient myth, and pretty much wherever it shows up is something I’m going to want to read. Writer Brain Azzarello uses the mythic aspects of the story to create an engaging narrative in which WW is able to be a true action hero. Much like in Birds of Prey, the female protagonist carries a great presence that shows off just how great a stable of female heroes DC has to offer. It really makes me think of what Marvel could possibly offer up in comparison, but I digress.

Cliff Chiang was the original draw for me. Whoever matched that man up to do the art for Wonder Woman deserves a medal. It’s one of those fits of artist to character that just feels so satisfying to see. Chiang does not disappoint. In every frame she appears, Diana looks equal parts fierce and gorgeous. The monsters look nice and terrifying, and the gods, or half-gods (whatever) look very alien in a classic myth-y kind of way. One thing I don’t talk about much is the coloring. Colorist Matthew Wilson did an amazing job to make the book look truly unique. The lush greens, reds, oranges, blues, and purples make Chiang’s art pop off the page and creates a very Mediterranean flavor (whatever that means exactly) for the book of a pallet that’s just off of the basic primary colors. It’s vibrant and soothing at the same time.

While the story isn’t full of mysteries and hooks like some of my other favorites from the New 52, the combination of story, art, and characterization of WW makes me want to just keep reading this book for ever. Everything clicked here, and I just loved it.