With exception of the cover, this 1989 annual features artwork, including inks and colors by an all-female crew. Cover artist George Perez also pens this extra-large sized feature that chronicles Princess Diana's Post-Crisis debut.
When the princess of Thermyscira first arrived in the world of men, she didn't speak much English and knew even less of modern day ways and norms. So, Diana needed an intermediary in order to spread her message of peace and unity. Enter Myndi Mayer; a press agent who sees dollars signs in the arrival of the DC Universe's newest heroine. A progressive feminist, Mayer believed in Princess Diana's message. That didn't mean that there weren't marketing opportunities to be found around this Wonder Woman.
This story takes place after the shocking overdose death of Myndi Mayer. The PR agent's death means that end of a chapter in Wonder Woman's life. Diana has decided that the life of a celebrity is not for her. So Mayer's agency must pack up all of the artifacts and effects of the Wonder Woman campaign so that Diana can transport it back to Thermyscira for preservation. As the team goes through these mementos, they reminisce about the highs and lows of Princess Diana's first months in modern civilization.
This annual was both a closing chapter for established Wonder Woman readers as well as a starting point for newer fans. Along with the death of Myndi, Diana had just finished a climatic battle with Circe as well as Ares. But as we know, Wonder Woman's beef with the god of war is never over. The War of the Gods epic crossover is still 2 years away. But in this new stage in Diana's life, more battles with the upper echelon of Greek gods and continued alliances with the superhero community are in Diana's near future.
Perhaps the most notable segment of this story is the origin behind the logo that Diana wears on her chest. Just like as with Superman's S-shield, the supposed W's on Diana's armor are misinterpreted as English letters. Kal-El's S-Shield is the Kyrptonian symbol of hope. Diana's double-W's are in honor of a great warrior who helped the Amazons of Themyscira centuries ago: the insignia of Steve Trevor's mother!
Due to the death of Hermes' son Pan, a rift in the fabric of time and reality opens. This anomaly ushers Diana Trevor back in time to Themyscira. The time displaced pilot arrives on the tropical island in the middle of a catastrophic scene as the Amazons are attempting to prevent demons from the underworld coming topside.
We learn that Diana Trevor sacrificed herself to aid a race of people she did not even know. The Amazons as a result, bury Trevor with full honors and use the Air Corps insignia of a double-W on Trevor's uniform and incorporate it as a totem of strength and courage, which Princess Diana proudly wears. But we also learn that Diana wasn't named after the goddess of Greek myth but instead after Diana Trevor. So that means Steve Trevor is in love with the woman named after his mother!
Featuring Ramona Fradon, Jan Duursema, Colleen Doran and Trina Robbins among others.
Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.
Completing this review completes Task #32 (A Wonder Woman Story) of the 2023 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.
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