Annuals in comics celebrate characters. They showcase the best stories and artwork. Sometimes it’s a singular story out of time with the rest of the series. In other instances there are a set of short narratives that help the reader remember just how important a character is. For Wonder Woman fans it’s a chance to read several perspectives on this comic book icon.
Diana of Themyscira was a pursuer of truth long before she became Wonder Woman. In Greg Rucka’s take we see a potential first meeting of the big three. As they hold the magic lasso, each reveals a truth about themselves. And Batman doesn’t like it one bit. Still, there is a friendship there and Rucka keeps a pulse on it by having her come into the fray at just the right time. He reveals through Diana how much she is the heart of the justice league. If anything Rucka has had the greatest impact on Wonder Woman’s mythology. From the graphic novel ‘Hiketeia’ (where Diana must wrestle between her moral code and her Amazonian duty) to her sexuality, to her battle skills (She blinded herself temporarily to fight Medusa and passed a series of tests to remain on the Justice League) Rucka has helped put readers understand the nuances in Diana’s narrative. It’s what all those film posters attempted to convey. Wonder Woman is at the forefront because she is the most important. And perhaps no other story in this annual conveys her necessity more than ‘The Curse and the Honor.’ As a warrior there is a code where you’re not an assassin. If you have to kill, you do so with honor. What Diana is asked to do in this tale is heart wrenching. As she attempts to find another way to rectify the situation, she realizes that there are just some things that are out of her control. She fulfills the request her way. And it makes you want to be a little better.
Overall the reader sees Diana’s kindness. Always self-assured, she listens before she acts. It’s a lesson Superman desperately needs. Things do not always appear to be reality. Sometimes a normal looking human being can be a monster. Before you come pounding in fist first it’s best to assess the situation. It’s how you resolve conflicts. Wonder Woman does that.
So the next time you put on your tiara or play with your own lasso of truth, understand that you’re embodying ideals that you should at least attempt to live up to.
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