Deron Generally
Deron Generally
Wonder Woman #51
DC Comics
Written by Steve Orlando
Art by Laura Braga
Colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr
Letters by Saida Temofonte
This issue takes place on the fringes of everything else happening to Diana over the course of years and shows the Amazon’s commitment to her mission as well as her desire to be an agent of change for people beyond their initial encounter. In this instance, Diana has captured the villain Mayfly aka Moon Robinson and is visiting her behind bars at the metahuman prison she has been assigned to. Moon believes that Wonder Woman is there to gloat over her capture or to warn her about what will happen if they cross each other again, but that isn’t the case. Diana is there to try and find a way to reach the angry young woman.
The issue is a series of moments between the two of them. There are allusions to bigger issues in the DCU and the issue does a great job of showing the passage of time, but this story is about Moon fighting her perceptions of why the Amazon princess is there and Diana fighting for understanding with the angry young woman. Both characters walk a tightrope between being vulnerable and being guarded and Diana takes some really interesting steps in her understanding to try and find a way to relate to the imprisoned villain.
Steve Orlando has crafted a really subtle and tense story with this issue. Rather than following easy to write tropes, the story takes its time and doesn’t give the reader all the answers. It shows that the relationship that these two women are building is complicated and difficult for both sides, especially given their surroundings and roles. It’s a testament to the character of Diana that she’s written in a way that will not allow her to give up.
Laura Braga’s art is beautiful and each panel is great to look at. There are some great close up shots in this issue and I love that there are still some really sharp and thick angles mixed with softness in many of the facial features.
I enjoyed this issue more than I thought I would because it took a step back from the largeness of Diana’s world and showed a side of her that deserved to be examined.
Wonder Woman #51
