Grant Morrison and Yannick Paquette reimagined the legend of Wonder Woman in the Earth One universe, and now ECC Ediciones has published a new edition of this work that clashes with Amazon’s patriarchy.
In the DC Comics trilogy, Wonder Woman has always been the character that has gotten the least attention. Although there are some really impressive levels in the story that have been praised by the public (Jorge Perez, Brian Azzarello…), the importance is not comparable to that of Batman or Superman. However, in recent years, this difference seems to be gradually decreasing, and now the regular Amazon series by Tom King and Danny Samper is one of the most interesting on the market.
As an example of this change in trend, we should mention the integration of the character into the Earth One universe, a series published over three volumes and now in a comprehensive edition published by ECC Ediciones of the great DC graphic novels line. under The title is Wonder Woman: Earth One.
A new legend for Themyscira
One Earth of the DC Universe was born as a kind of response to the successful (at least initially) Ultimate Universe of Marvel Comics. Here, Batman, Superman and the Titans become superheroes with their own series of stories, in which they can recreate their own mythos, keeping some elements with cultural continuity and completely changing others.
In this new origin, the matriarchal society of Themyscira does not deprive Diana (a creature made of clay in this case, by the way) of experiencing a wider world full of brave and gentle men, but instead entitles her to it. Living in that utopian paradise, bisexuality and polyamory are clearly visible and not suggested as in previous versions. When he leaves the island, he goes to help poor and dying Steve Trevor, who cannot be cured by Themyscira medicine. And it doesn’t take long for him to realize that, as his mother always told him, the human world is horrible…
And the truth is that the clear message of feminism in all his work is cleverly thrown in because Mr. Grant Morrison, far from falling into cruel clichés, presents us with an enviable society in which leading women have reached a level. Bordering on perfection, Diana, the Amazon, always tries to use kindness and love as her main weapon, becoming the best version of herself.
But this is when Amazon’s dominance works best when we see how it works in the human world. War, crime, ruthlessness, greed, and selfishness are the values that govern everything outside of Themyscira.
Wonder Woman and Patriarch
In any case, many see her as a target to be avoided because of her very progressive speech, so that our wonderful woman can leave her place of birth and join our world to become a female leader. It’s easy to imagine that exactly the same thing would happen if a similar case occurred in the real world.
And this will be the main idea that will wander through the three volumes contained here, more or less. And that’s what you have to thank Morrison for, his commitment to marrying this idea and not giving up on the series. However, aside from the success of the series’ moving ideas, it’s fair to say that this isn’t exactly the work of the Scottish screenwriter, as the rhythm sometimes gets a little heavy and the plots don’t. participate properly. And it’s hard to ignore that in a comic…
Still, some of the elements included in these stories are very interesting, such as good mythological action and the inclusion of classic characters in this new universe. Here, in addition to Trevor and the Paradise Island woman, we see the superhuman Paula Von Gunther, a prominent member of the Nazi Party and an unlikely villain like Muswell Lord, from Wonder Woman 1984.
The beauty of the Yannick packet
Undoubtedly, the most notable aspect of this volume is how Nathan Fairbairn’s colorist, Yannick Paquette, renders this entire mythological setting and characters in vignettes. Both Paradise Island and Amazonian habitat come to life and have an intoxicating presence. Diana looks right in the story of this tone, the majestic version of this version highlights all the features.
It should be mentioned that the page layout, especially in the first story arc, can be confusing when it comes to what JH Williams III did on a bad day. But that doesn’t detract from the masterpiece of an artist who gave everything to create one of the best works of his career.
This volume is presented in hardcover, 384 color pages and includes the translation of the American edition of Wonder Woman: Earth One Series, as well as additional material in packet pictures and numbered covers. included. It has a recommended retail price of €44.50 and goes on sale in December 2023.
Wonder Woman: Earth One (Greatest DC Graphic Novels)
To all his sisters.
Centuries ago, the Amazons secluded themselves on Paradise Island to escape men. Strong, swift and invincible, these women did not neglect the art of war, but cultivated the arts and sciences under Queen Hippolyta. Now that an American soldier named Steve Trevor has met an accident on their shores, Princess Diana begins a journey where she meets new enemies and realizes a patriotism that is beyond her understanding.
Grant Morrison and Yannick Paquette bring us one of the best recent Diana of Themyscira stories in this universal collection of all three episodes of Wonder Woman: Earth One.
Authors: Nathan Fairbairn, Grant Morrison and Yannick Paquette