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Ever since the launch of the New 52 many fans had wondered whether Donna Troy would ever make an appearance? Some speculated that she perhaps existed in one of the alternate Earths that existed but it came as a bit of a surprise when the final panel of this issue revealed that Donna did indeed exist in the New 52 but perhaps not in the way fans had envisaged, seemingly crafted by a Sorceress from the remains of Queen Hippolyta in some sort of spell that depended on human sacrifice. Some began to immediately fear that once again, the New 52 would bring us a much darker and warped version of a much loved character. But some felt that the Finch’s needed time to tell their story and that it was far too early to draw conclusions.
It was clear however that the new creative team were intent on putting their stamp on this run and to draw a clear line between what had passed with Azzarello. No sign of the Gods and once again, we see a still conflicted and troubled Diana interacting with her Justice League colleagues.
Synopsis
The Amazons find themselves under attack as they have done for several weeks now by a flock of giant birds and as the women once more have to fend them off they ask where their Queen, Diana, is in their hour of need.
Meanwhile, on a remote corner of the island an incantation ceremony is taking place around a smoldering cauldron. A Sorceress called Hectate, accompanied by Derinoe, stands before a woman – who is Hectate’s own daughter, who in turn is clutching her own baby daughter in her arms. The Sorceress asks her daughter to hand the grandchild over but the woman begs her to find another way. But as Hectate raises her knife she tells the pleading daughter that there is no other way and brings the knife down…
Elsewhere in Man’s World, Diana is doing a workout sparring session with Kal. As they fight he tells her he is concerned about her state of mind and that they should talk about things. Having just rediscovered her mother again Diana has now lost her once more and he feels Diana needs to open up. “You’ve had too many tough choice lately” he tells her. She thanks hi for his concern but says she is fine. He replies that they both know that is a lie.
At that moment she calls it a day and they head for the showers as Kal continues to tell her that she is the strongest person he knows but that everyone has a breaking point. She snaps back that she had killed her mentor Area, her mother is dead and she had almost lost Kal to Doomsday. And now that she is the God of War she is terrified that she will also lose herself. “I miss my mother everyday Clark but grief is a luxury I don’t have time for.”
Back on Paradise Island the slain daughter now lies on the floor as the Sorceress picks up the child and looks down at the boiling cauldron in which the clay remains of Hippolyta float…
A short while later in the Amazon Counsel Chamber Wonder Woman stands before Derinoe and the assembled Amazons. Derinoe tells Diana that their patience is finally up and that the Princess must make a choice. Either to cease her dalliances with the outside world and take her place as Queen of the Amazons or renounce the throne.
Wonder Woman replies that she cannot give up her commitments to the Justice League or her responsibilities to protect the people of Earth. “And what of your responsibility to us” asks Derinoe. The longer Diana refuses to take the throne the more vulnerable it makes the Amazons look to their enemies.
Suddenly a guard rushes into the chamber and announces that the city is under attack again. Wonder Woman grabs her armour and quickly leads the Amazon forces to confront the marauding birds as they again sweep down to attack. As Wonder Woman takes charge of battle tactics, ordering her Amazons about the battle field she suddenly sees a bird about to swoop down on Derinoe. She rushes over to spear the bird but Derinoe is far from thankful and snarls that she is not some frail human who needs saving!
As the Amazon succeed in fighting off this attack Wonder Woman asks Dessa what the creatures are? She is told that they are man eating Stymphalian birds which belonged to Ares. They had started attacking about a week ago and are obviously drawn to their new master. Wonder Woman replies that she had no idea and Derinoe tells her that this is yet another reasonability she has neglected. “Your excuses are as thin as your commitment to the Amazons” snarls the withered crone.
Wonder Woman stares back sternly at Derinoe and replies that if those creatures are attacking because of her, then it is up to her both as Queen of the Amazons and God of War to resolve the problem. Just then however she receives a transmission on her secure Justice League communicator from Steel advising that another village has been wiped from the face of the earth and her presence is required.
She tells the watching Amazons that she is required elsewhere but that she will return as soon as possible. But as Derinoe watches her fly off she murmurs “We all make choices girl, but i wonder…are you prepared to live with the consequences of yours?”
Meanwhile at her lair, Hectate is told by one of her creature minions that it “has begun”. The Sorceress asks “And the traitor?” and is told that “She will do what must be done.”
As a naked figure of a woman rises from the steaming cauldron we hear the words “Rise Donna Troy, and take your rightful place amongst the Amazons.”…
