Wonder Woman: Earth One Vol. 1 by Grant Morrison

It is hard to keep track of all the new and various retellings of the DC superheroes’ origins. In this variation on the Wonder Woman theme Morrison modernizes the story. Instead of Diana coming to the “world of men” during WWII, she comes today. Most of the story is told in flashbacks at Diana’s trial. She disobeyed her mother and took Trevor back to the world of men. There she had several adventures and became more and more distressed with the state of the world. She submitted to her mother for trial to try and convince her that the world needs the Amazons—and the Amazons needs to the world. Through the course of the trial the Lasso of Truth is used to not only compel truthful testimony, but as a translator, as well. Using the Lasso, Hippolyta unveils a millennia old lie—one that explains much about Diana’s own character.

Sexuality plays a role in this story. Hercules was a misogynist and a rapist. The Amazons were depicted as lesbians. I guess that makes sense when they were all alone on that island for over 3,000 years. Morrison does not make a “big thing” about it, but it is not left as subtext either. It’s just the way it is. Diana had a lover on the island. Apparently they had been together for thousands of years. I think the very fact that Morrison includes that bit of information without making a big deal over it worked. It comes across as natural and understandable.

Steve Trevor is an African-American in the version; this sets up a scene where Diana makes a tremendous faux pas without realizing it. He is pretty much all that is right with the world of men. He is honest and honorable, truthful and brave. His character as well as his testimony make a big impression.  Etta Candy is back, as a bisexual sorority party girl. She is still a big, beautiful woman and is proud of it. When one of the Amazons tries to body shame her, she shuts that down fast. I really liked her character a lot. Under the party girl exterior there was a core of steel.

I enjoyed the artwork. I am not an artist, just a fan who enjoys good work. This counts for me. The most jarring thing—aside from the teenage boys’ fantasy of the Wonder Woman costume—was how young Diana looks. Even though she is thousands of years old, at times she seems like a teenager herself.

I look forward to seeing where this Earth One version of Wonder Woman goes from here.