This issue focuses on the “round table” of gods as they gather, following the death of Ares, or as they call him “War.”  Apollo, the new ruler of Olympus, also has First Born shackled in their custody.

In London, thanks to her newly expanded “family” Diana is buying a larger house to accommodate herself, Zola and her baby Zeke, Hera and possibly Orion.  Things get interrupted however, when Hermes arrives and whisks Diana, against her will to Olympus.  Since she killed Ares, she is now the new goddess of war.  They attempt to force her to take her place among them, but she doesn’t want it.  There is much debating and bickering, but eventually Wonder Woman orders Hermes to return her home.

There is a tense stand off there, which is understandable, considering that Hermes kidnapped Zeke upon his birth.

Meanwhile Strife interrupts the gods’ meeting, angry that Wonder Woman killed her brother.  Apollo hints that he already has plans in motion.

The characterization is the selling point of this book.  Azzarello’s take on the gods has been one of the most interesting parts of this books since its relaunch and that really shines here as they are essentially the focus of the story.  There’s also some nice humor and foreshadowing of things to come.

Goran Sudzuka illustrated this issue, but I’ll be darned if I didn’t realize it wasn’t drawn by Cliff Chiang until I finished it!  I noticed a few characters looked a bit different, but that happens.  Artists evolve their style and tweak the way characters look.  He does a forger’s job aping Chiang’s style and I mean that in a good way.

There’s not much in terms of action in this issue, but the dialogue reveals some really important things about both the characters themselves and what may possibly be lying ahead.  This issue is actually a great example of the elements of this book I like!  (I have issues with other elements, but those are mostly absent here.)  Solid issue!

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WONDER WOMAN #24
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Goran Sudzuka
Cover by Cliff Chiang