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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.

Although this issue is numbered 1, the ongoing numbering from Volume One is shown in brackets as DC decided to return to the original numbering with what would have been the 600th issue Banhad the book not been re-booted several times. Ironically however, this renumbering was to be short lived as the book was once again “re-booted” as all DC titles were effectively “reset” to brand new issue ones with the introduction of the New 52 Universe.