Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons. A Review & Ode to DC Black Lable.
Review:
Book 1
An amazing first issue. The art direction for this comic alone was incredible, taking creative liberties in designing the Olympian gods, making them grand, ethereal, and nearly incomprehensible. So long have the god of Olympus been designed as large people in togas it’s refreshing to see them designed so uniquely.
The colors used in the comic feel like they’re flooding off the page and fit perfectly well with the ethereal style. In the human parts of the comic, which are more tamed, the colors are cleverly used to express the character’s distress and overall emotional arc.
It’s also expertly used to divide the panels to help guide the reader in an otherwise overwhelming art style.
I would recommend anyone read this comic based on the art alone if the story wasn’t equally compelling.
A feminist narrative that seeks retribution for the atrocities done toward women, we see the Greek Goddesses start the formation of the Amazons.
While I’m not entirely familiar with previous renditions of the Amazons, I thought this was an incredibly unique and modern take, that also felt like an ancient epic, perfectly fitting the Greek mythos.
Every time I buy a new DC Black label I know I’m in for a treat, but this felt like a feast for my creative pallet that is always hungry for the extravagant.
I recommend anyone read this comic even if you have no prior Wonder Woman or Amazonian experience.
Book 2
Wonder Woman Historia continues to be great as it follows the story of Hippolyta and her quest to find and become an Amazon.
While the art does change moving from Phil Jimenez to Gene Ha, it does not falter in its quality. Instead of vibrant, maximalism, Book 2’s art is more grounded. This an understandable direction considering this book follows mortals and Amazons instead of the gods of Olympus (though they do make epic appearances) Ha put a lot of effort into anatomy, especially when it comes to facial expression. Many of the characters are very emotive, making their thoughts and emotions very clear to the reader. There are many subtle details as well in which many of the characters are blended into the environment making for some clever visuals. When it does come time for the extravagant, Ha does not back down creating jaw-dropping spreads that hold depth and weight with some of the godly characters.
As for the story, Book 2 is an excellent bridge that allows the reader to understand the characteristics and goals of the amazons, as well as Hippolyta. Though the story is a bit slower now than the previous book. The end of the issue does set up a lot for what should be an excellent finale.
Book 3
An excellent and epic conclusion to this Black Label series. Not only does it add so much depth to the lore behind the Amazons, but it creates such a triumphant origin for Wonder Woman.
The art once again is immaculate. A perfect blend between Phil Jimenez’s and Gene Ha’s styles, Nicola Scott mixes in beautiful spreads and set pieces as well as adds fine details in the anatomy of the characters.
There is little more I can say that I haven’t said already, but having now completed the series I can honestly say this has been the best Black Label series and possible DC series I have ever read.
DC Black Labels
I started collecting DC Black Labels in 2019 with The Batman: Last Knight on Earth. I had never actively sought out single-issue comics (with the exception of Boom’s Firefly Comics), but the first issue of LKOE caught my attention with its beautifully colored cover, and the story of a post-apocalyptic Batman interested me. The series was very good as most of Scott Synder’s work is and was reminiscent of the Old Man Logan comics, a series close to me as it was the first comic series I ever read. The issues themselves were unique and well made, with a spine and thicker paper that allowed the artwork to pop more than average comics. I also liked the limited series medium as a whole. It was far more accessible than average comic series that can range in the hundreds, and the lack of connection to canon meant I didn’t need much prior knowledge. After completing the comic unfortunately the Pandemic hit and comics ceased production for a time. The Black Label style never left my mind.
Flash forward to 2022 after watching “The Batman” I had the urge to pick up new Batman comics. Perfect timing too because a new Batman comic was released called “One Dark Knight”, and this one was a Black Label. I was already interested having wanted to get back into the Black Label line for some time, but what took me by surprise was the size of the damn thing. A Magazine Comic size nearly twice the size of a normal comic accompanied by a glorious cinematic cover similar to that of the Akram Games.
Consider my attention grabbed. I picked up the comic, and the following 2 issues as they were released. I was again thoroughly impressed with the artwork, with each issue growing darker, and the contained street-level story was a fun easy read.
After completing “One Dark Knight” I happened upon “Aquaman: Andromeda”. A psychedelic horror and Black Label, once again accompanied by a beautiful cover and equally beautiful artwork.
I was never that interested in Aquman aside from the delightfully ridiculous movie, but I was hooked instantly. I loved the story and art as I did with the previous Black Labels and for a time this was my favorite trilogy until I discovered Wonder Woman: Historia, with a first issue that completely blew my mind.
Though I have only read a fraction of the Black Label comics released, the line has truly been phenomenal. The line seems to lend itself to the writer's creativity. Time and time again authors and writers stated that the restrictions of “canon” have hindered their writing potential, but with the Black Labels, not constrained by those restrictions, writers are able to flex their creativity in an inspiring and imaginative way that the main lines may not have offered. The magazine formatting also gives freedom to the artist. Several of the issues I've read have had immaculate spreads and panels with unique styles. There are also creative quirks I noticed. For instance in “One Dark Night” Each issue is darker. The first issue has vibrant bright colors, while the second issue uses dark-toned blues and the final issue has panels that are completely blacked out.
Another drawing factor is the fact that the Black Label stories tend to be limited, with the longest run I’ve seen at 12 issues. As someone who consumes a lot of media, following comic runs that can range in the hundreds can be difficult. Straining my attending and my wallet. Jumping into these elaborate and massive runs is even more daunting. Black Label’s short runs make it easy for me to follow and catch up if I missed any issues.
The Black Label line is an overall delight as a consumer and I can’t imagine what it's like to create these works of art. I always look forward to a new arc release, especially the unique characters they follow.
