DC's Wonder Woman #780
- WRITER
- Becky Cloonan, Michael W Conrad
- Artist
- Travis Moore, Steve Pugh
- Letterer
- Pat Brosseau
- Cover Artist
- Travis Moore, Tamra Bonvillain
- Publisher
- DC
- Price
- 4.99
- Release Date
- 2021-10-12
- Colorist
- Tamra Bonvillain
Even though she'd likely disagree, even Wonder Woman needs to take some time to relax. In DC Comics' Wonder Woman #780 by Michael W. Conrad, Becky Cloonan, Travis Moore, and Steve Pugh, the titular hero does just that, taking a breather as she returns to the land of the living. The issue is an ideal entry-point for the monthly adventures of Diana Prince and offers many of the satisfying character moments that fans crave, making it a heart-warming encapsulation of everything there is to love about Wonder Woman.
Wonder Woman #780 opens with Diana returning to the Hall of Justice after escaping death in Dark Nights: Death Metal. She's met with tears and hugs, as Superman, Black Canary, and even Batman are joyous to see her alive. As she continues walking through the building, Diana's mother, Hippolyta, pulls her aside and advises her to take a moment to recuperate from her recent cross-dimensional adventure. Diana, never one to take it easy, instead ventures out and saves a boat from capsizing. Her actions catch the attention of the world, including many of her family and friends. As millions of people rejoice over Diana's return, others plan her downfall, setting the stage for Wonder Woman's next adventure.
With Wonder Woman #780, writers Michael W. Conrad and Becky Cloonan are offered their first real shot at tackling Diana and her supporting cast. They have spent the better part of the last year exploring DC's Infinite Frontier, taking Wonder Woman on a journey from Asgard through the gender-bent Earth-11. Diana's reunion with the Justice League is immediately endearing, as fans get to see a rare moment of joy in the lives of heroes. The League, often busy saving the world, doesn't have time for Batman to crack a joke or smile, so seeing both happen is fantastic. This approach only improves when Diana talks to Hippolyta, who has assumed Wonder Woman's duties on the Justice League in her absence. It is rare to see a motherly embrace in a mainstream superhero book, and it provides a sense of satisfaction to readers that everything Diana endured over the last year was worth it.
Wonder Woman #780's artwork is by Travis Moore and Steve Pugh, both veterans of the Amazonian character. While the two have their individual styles and strengths, they complement each other well and give the book a consistent tone. Moore excels at depicting his characters' emotions, such as Yara Flor's displeasure that Wonder Woman has returned. For his part, Pugh revels in the beauty of Themyscira and their traditions, whether that be the intricate architecture of their temples or the grandeur of giant kangaroos performing an Amazonian ceremony. Furthering this cohesiveness is colorist Tamra Bonvillain, who gives the book a radiant beauty befitting a god. Her color palette feels welcoming and comfortable, perfect for the story at hand, with echoes that hint at the danger yet to come.
Ahead of Wonder Woman's Trial of the Amazons crossover event, this story is a brief reminder -- for both the reader and DC characters -- that there are moments of joy in between their larger-than-life battles. Like Thor, Wonder Woman's role as an outsider among humanity can make her feel removed from reality. It can make it hard for some readers to connect with her emotions. However, by touching upon many of Diana's relationships and her role in the DC Universe, this issue gives her actions more emotional weight and resonance.
Overall, Wonder Woman #780 is the perfect jumping-on point for the series. Conrad, Cloonan, Moore, Pugh, and Bonvillain do a great job of telling a fulfilling standalone story that simultaneously closes the book on Diana's otherworldly adventure while setting her up for an incoming and epic threat. On the heels of her 80th anniversary, Wonder Woman #780 is a fantastic entry for the Princess of Themyscira and an ideal representation of the franchise.