Before the Amazing Amazon’s return to 1984 take a nostalgic look at her adventures from 1996 in the DC Comics legendary collected works of Wonder Woman by John Byrne Book Two!
When the legendary comic book writer/artist John Byrne took over the helm of creatively driving the adventures of the Amazing Amazon, the man that had redefined the DC Comics modern era of the Man of Steel, after Superman’s world was rocked following the events of the Crisis on Infinite Earths the imprint decided to turn Byrne loose on one of the other premiere properties leading to a comparatively new direction for Wonder Woman. It was more than just a cosmetic reimagining, Byrne dove deep into the heroes mythology.
Though George Pérez had initially given Diana her most dramatic reimagining and reintroduction into the Modern Era after the heroine had been theoretically erased during the aforementioned Crisis, Byrne assumed the lead on the title after the landmark centennial issue, and navigated Diana into all-new territory. After a stint where the heroine had abandoned her familiar star-spangled attire and tiara, Byrne brought the Amazon princess back in her traditional warrior garb, though highlighted particular innovations in her design.
Celebrating the iconic creators run in the collected volume Wonder Woman by John Byrne Book Two several elements of DC Comics third most iconic pillar harken to her cinematic interpretation and even hint at the storyline that is speculated will be unraveling when Diana returns to the big screen in next year’s highly anticipated blockbuster sequel Wonder Woman 1984. Byrne simplified the lines across her suit, but also gave Wonder Woman the now established standard length and look of her ceremonial bracelets.
During his tenure on Wonder Woman Byrne elaborated on much of the mythology that Pérez had worked into Diana’s origins, cementing her legend in Greek myths and lore. John Byrne was also extremely diligent about her placement in DC Comics pantheon; even though she had served a term as a member of the Justice League International, Wonder Woman had been much of an outsider among her contemporaries, and it wouldn’t be until much later that aspects of her story would be retconned in order to more significantly place her at the cornerstone of the universe.
Wonder Woman by John Byrne Book Two examines her place in myth as Diana is a vessel of faith, hope and love — and her theology, much based in myth is peeled back like an onion. At the center of it all is Byrne’s interpretation of the Amazon’s most relentless and dangerous adversary. The artist introduces the most feral and ferocious Cheetah, perhaps the version that may be the inspiration behind the villain’s upcoming cinematic appearance in the next film. With all the excitement building this is the perfect opportunity to get caught up before 1984 hits theaters.
Wonder Woman by John Byrne Book Two collected volume is on sale now from DC Comics.
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