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After the cataclysmic events of "Crisis on Infinite Earths", the slate had effectively been wiped clean ready for Wonder Woman's revival, although DC found that things were not going to plan. Although Superman was being refashioned by John Byrne and Batman had Frank Miller, DC had managed to secure Greg Potter as writer (who as it turned out would only last two issues) but had still not found a major artist. The Amazon Princess's much heralded re-launch was in danger of turning into a lacklustre affair (Ironically, the second relaunch of Wonder Woman in 2006 following the "Infinite Crisis" crossover would be similarly botched by late shipping and irregular publishing schedules).
Then along came George Perez, one of the key creators of "Crisis On Infinite Earths" who, having heard of Wonder Woman's troubles, volunteered himself to take over the new book and help get it on its way. Initially, he had only expected to work on the title for around six months but instead stayed for five years! During this time, he created a revitalised Wonder Woman and grounded the title much more firmly in Greek mythology. He also often eschewed heroic exploits in favour of dramas concerning Diana's explorations of modern society. The title had a more 'realistic' feel to it than the pre crisis version and smartly showed how an innocent young Amazon entering Man's World might be perceived and what issues she might face.
While many fans did not like some of the more traditional pre crisis elements of the character being disgarded, it is generally felt that the Perez run was perhaps one of the strongest eras in the Wonder Woman title's chequered history and featured some of the best comic book writing in years.
As his five year stint on the book came to a close, George Perez wrote a four issue crossover series called "War of the Gods" which wrapped up loose ends of many of the stories he had told over the previous five years of "Wonder Woman". Indeed, even to this day "War of the Gods" is the only major mini series that can be classed as a true Wonder Woman crossover event. It paid an integral part to the main book's plotline and served as a rousing and fitting finale to the Perez run.
This issue therefore is officially the first post Crisis appearance of all the characters in this story. As stated, in the post Crisis DC Universe Wonder Woman's continuity is completely reestablished. Among the most obvious differences are that Princess Diana did not come to "Man's World" around the same time Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, or Aquaman began to establish their careers as super heroes either in the Golden Age era or the Silver Age era, thus invalidating her history with both the Justice Society and the Justice League. For now the Golden Age Miss America took the Golden Age Wonder Woman's place in the All-Star Squadron and the second Black Canary took her place in the Justice League. Another difference is her added ability of flight, given to her by the Greek God Hermes. There are many other differences which will become apparent as her story unfolds. These will be covered in future reviews.
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Synopsis: |
30,000 BC. A wounded a cave man is walking towards a cave. His hand was taken the day before by a sabre tooth and he no longer considers himself a man. He enters the cave, hiding his face in the shadows to stop the woman in the cave seeing his fear. However as she approaches she know something and the man pulls away. He snaps and hits her, killing her. As the woman dies a voice from the earth itself calls out to her and pulls her soul from her body.
1,200 BC. On Mount Olympus the Gods are arguing. Ares, the God of War opposes Artemis' plans to create a new race of mortals. He says that if they want power over the mortals then the Gods should let him descend upon them. Artemis points out that this will make mankind fear the gods rather than follow them. The aim of the new race is to set an example to man. Athena says that Ares way will eventually destroy them for without man they would die. The debate moves on to sex of the new race. It appears that the plan is for the new race to be completely female. Eventually Zeus grows angry of the debate and leaves saying that it does not matter if the race is created or not so it is up to those gods involved to settle the matter for themselves.
Artemis asks Hera to intervene for them with Zeus. She say that she cannot take sides against him while he still rages. Ares also leaves saying that the new race shall not matter one way or the other, because in time all the Gods, even Zeus, will bow before his power. The gods and goddesses involved in the plan decide to proceed with the blessing of Zeus. Hermes transports Athena and Artemis down to their companions in Hades,. Charon arrives and ferries the five Goddesses; Artemis, Athena, Demeter, Aphrodite and Hestia to one of the oldest parts of the underworld, The Cavern of Souls. Here it is that Gaea has gathered the souls of women whose lives have been cut short by man's fear and ignorance. The Goddesses cast their spell and the souls are transported to Greece, where they spring to life, reborn as the amazons. The first to rise is Hippolyta followed closely by her sister Antiope. The Goddesses appear to them, and grant them gifts. Hippolyta is made their Queen. They give both Hippolyta and Antiope symbols of their trust, Gaea's Girdles. Back in the womb of Gaea one soul remains, her destiny is yet to come.
In the beginning the amazons are successful. They build a city that becomes famed for its compassion and justice. The kings of Greece grow jealous of this power and popularity and so tale are told of amazon atrocities. The amazons become outcasts and all the Goddesses hoped to achieve through them looks doomed to failure.
Heracles gets up from the bed of his lover. The Hera's madness burns him and he must do Eurystheus' will to make it cool. His lover taunts him that the Amazon Queen that is off to find calls him "Eurystheus' trained dog". She stirs up Heracles' anger. Theseus arrives and they leave to conquer the amazons. Heracles lover dissolves in flames, consumed by the spirit of Ares. She has however served her purpose by fanning the flames of anger in Heracles and directing them towards the amazons. Ares stand on Areopagus and waits for Heracles to destroy the one thing that might have kept him in check.
Heracles and Thesus approach the amazon city Themyscira leading an army. They are challenged by amazons hidden in the trees. And directed towards a clearing where Hippolyta will speak with them. The oracle Menalippe has foreseen this day and is filled with dread. In the clearing Heracles and Hippolyta meet in single combat. Although Heracles is the stronger Hippolyta bests him though art of battle. Heracles is impressed and tells his men that the amazons are worthy allies.
Upon arriving on the
island they begin building their new home. Centuries pass and the amazon
nation renews itself. They do not age, however there still those who fall
in battle, for the evil they guard is forever trying to escape. Over time
civilizations rise and fall, but the amazons know nothing of this, all
they do know is that the voice of the Gods gradually grows weaker until
only Menalippe can still commune with them. After 30 centuries on the
island Hippolyta looks to Menalippe for help. There is a strange yearning
that fills her. She is told that this yearning is the call of her unborn
child. Hippolyta goes to the shore and from the clay of paradise shapes
the image of a child. Up in Olympus at the Womb of Gaea the Goddess send
the final soul on its way, with them stands Hermes. They each bestow on
the child remarkable gifts.
Heracles army and Hippolyta's Amazons gather in good will chatting and drinking. Only Menalippe is still not content. She still feels this to be a day of dread. Heracles and Hippolyta drink together, but Heracles had drugged the wine. She wakes to find herself chained. He tells her that he must go as the madness calls him now to Troy. He leaves taking Hippolyta's Girdle with him.
She prays to the Goddesses of Olympus for forgiveness for failing them. Athena appears to her and tells her that the major failing was in withdrawing from mankind. Athena frees Hippolyta, but not to gain revenge, rather to redeem themselves. The amazons fight there way free and kill the men left occupying their home. Antiope wants to ride after Heracles, sack his home and reclaim Hippolyta's Girdle. Hippolyta tells her that Athena spoke to her and now awaits them on the shores of the Aegean. The amazons split those seeking revenge follow Antiope while the rest follow Hippolyta down to the sea. Antiope's final gift to her sister is her Girdle. She says that she wants nothing from Olympus anymore. Upon arriving at the sea, the five goddesses appear and explain that the amazons will be jailers of evil for all eternity. As long as they do not shrink from their new task they will be immortal. Poseidon parts the sea and the amazons walk to their new home. For three long months the amazons walk, surrounded by water.
Upon arriving on the island they begin building their new home. Centuries pass and the amazon nation renews itself. They do not age, however there still those who fall in battle, for the evil they guard is forever trying to escape. Over time civilizations rise and fall, but the amazons know nothing of this, all they do know is that the voice of the Gods gradually grows weaker until only Menalippe can still commune with them. After 30 centuries on the island Hippolyta looks to Menalippe for help. There is a strange yearning that fills her. She is told that this yearning is the call of her unborn child. Hippolyta goes to the shore and from the clay of paradise shapes the image of a child. Up in Olympus at the Womb of Gaea the Goddess send the final soul on its way, with them stands Hermes. They each bestow on the child remarkable gifts.
Demeter grants her power and
strength. Aphrodite grants her beauty and a loving heart. Athena grants
her wisdom. Artemis grants he the eye of the hunter and unity with the
beasts. Hestia grants her sisterhood with fire to open men's hearts to
her. Finally Hermes grants her speed and the power of flight. She is
honored with the name of a great warrior, she is called Diana. Diana grows
to womanhood in the company of her sisters. She learns and more than that,
she excels. However fear comes to paradise. The Gods cry out that Ares is
mad and that a champion must be chosen from the amazons through tournament
and the trial of flashing thunder. That champion must face Ares alone in
the world of man. Diana asks her mother to be included in the tournament,
but her mother denies her the right. She walks in the moonlight talking to
the Gods, asking for a purpose. Athena answers her and tells her that she
will have a purpose.
The next morning the tournament starts. Hippolyta has asked the participants to be masked to stop them from holding back when competing with a friend. On the final day a champion emerges who has beaten everyone. She is awarded a set of silver bracelets and asked to unmask herself. She does, and shows herself to be Diana. She tells her mother that Athena told her to do this. The Queen is still going to forbid this but Menalippe tells her that this is the will of the Gods and it is not her place to gain say it. In the temple of Hades Diana faces the trial of flashing thunder. Philippus produces a revolver and aims it at Diana. She then pulls the trigger three times. Instinctively Diana blocks the bullets with her bracelets. She asks her mother where such a contraption came from, but her mother answers that now is not the time for tales of horror. She is the presented with her Warrior's garb, the garb being that of the warrior for whom she was named.
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