Nerding Out

I may have already mentioned it a few times, but I’m a huge fan of Wonder Woman. Hers were the first comics I ever owned and the only ones I still buy. I’m not the kind of comic buff that can cite issues or plot lines. I’m more about the history, the all-encompassing representation of the feminine, the suffragette influences, the queer supporting, the sisterhood, and above all, a character that exemplifies unconditional love (it’s definitely not all pretty and soft).

Today, I took a trip to the big library a few towns over with the kids. I am determined to read more this Summer, and inspire my kids to as well. I had already picked up my three books and was helping my middle one find what she was looking for when I found this beauty.

The first book is drawn by Phil Jimenez, colored by Hi-Fi, Arif Prianto, and Romulo Fajardo Jr. These vibrantly exquisite panels are each a work of art. I’ll be taking my time on the second read to really absorb all of it.

The second book is drawn by Gene Ha, colored by Wesley Wong. These panels are much more story driven. Deceptively simple looking, the emotional tone bleeds off the pages.

The third is drawn by Nicola Scott, colored by Annette Kwok. This one feels a lot more like the comics I grew up on. Softer hues. A sort of hazy, misty, twilight or dusk coloring. Exquisite close-ups.

Kelly Sue DeConnick has delivered a masterfully crafted tale that stirs up a primal connection to a sisterhood we all remember, but often forget. She definitely went big and took up space.

Here’s my favorite part. There’s a section in the back where two of the artists write out some of their process for this piece and the author has a few things to say too. I love collaborative art. Hearing how excited and open to the process these artists were (and, I’m sure, still are) in their own words creates a deeper level of satisfaction for their art.