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The return of Hermes is a major event, as the Messenger God had played a pivotal role in Diana’s formulative first five years in Patriarch’s world and was the main supporting character during George Perez’s run. Hermes’ murder at the hands of Circe during the “War of the Gods” story line was a major shock and it is surprising that it took almost fifteen years for a writer to bring him back.
This issue is therefore a rare happy ending for Wonder Woman, who over the last few years has experienced more pain and heartache than anybody should have to; losing her mother, Hippolyta; her “twin sister” Donna; her lover Trevor Barnes and many of her Amazon sisters during the Imperiex War. This, together with losing her sight (all be it temporarily) all coincides with the DC Universe’s move towards a much darker place and with the major crossover event “Infinite Crisis” looming on the horizon, nothing would be the same for any of DC’s heroes – particularly in Diana’s case.
Synopsis
Diana, Cassie and Ferdinand battle the armies of Hades and all seems lost when Diana is tortured by Hades as his brothers Poseidon and an uncomfortable Zeus look on. Ares arrives and Cassie assumes that the God of War has been in league with the other Gods all along, but he proceeds to slay Hades! Wonder Woman is then free to rescue Hermes as Ares reveals that he has struck a deal with Athena to become the new ruler of Hades. He warns Poseidon to leave and return to his watery domain before Ares extends the bargain to include the oceans too! Zeus, full of regret for his actions, apologises to Diana and secedes the throne officially to Athena.
The grateful Goddess of Wisdom once more thanks her champion and grants her wish, courtesy of Hermes – to restore the life of Martin Garibaldi. Cassie is rewarded too and finally finds out that her real father is Zeus himself.
As Wonder Woman, Cassie and Ferdinand return to Earth, Athena secretly binds her own vision to Diana’s and restores the Amazon’s vision. A smiling Diana is thus able to watch joyfully as Martin is reunited with his father. This will be the last moment of happiness for the Amazon Princess for some time to come.
