Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #3

Writer: Greg Rucka

Pencils: Nicola Scott

Inks: Jonathan Glapion

Colors: Nei Ruffino

DC Comics

February 3, 2010

Nicola Scott’s rendering of Wonder Woman makes me want to go to the gym in the worst way. I mean that as a compliment, because Scott manages to make heroines’ bodies womanly, strong and distinctive without ever slipping into G-cup exaggeration. Her art is the best thing about this third and final chapter of Blackest Night: Wonder Woman, which is a bit of a letdown after the action-packed, emotionally charged second issue. Frankly, I started to feel a little sorry for Mera, who, as a Red Lantern, was reduced to incoherent rage and red goo-spewing. Not a good look.

(Spoilers ahead)

But if this issue lacked the surprise factor of its predecessor, it’s still a perfectly good read. There are some great panels of Wonder Woman continuing to lay the smack down on Maxwell Lord’s trash-talking corpse. (Note to villains: Bondage jokes are always a bad idea.) And BatWondy ’10 crusaders were rewarded, however modestly, with another acknowledgment of Diana’s feelings for Bruce. As Wonder Woman attempts to calm Mera’s rage, she binds her with her lasso, giving both women access to the other’s dreams and disappointments. The splash page of that moment conveys plenty about the sacrifices Diana and Mera have made in the fulfillment of their royal/heroic duty. Wonder Woman’s explanation of her silence about Bruce is appropriately dignified and poignant: “There was nothing that ever needed saying.” Swoon!

I know it’s corny, but when Hal shows up in the final panel with the Rainbow Rodeo and declares, “We’re going to kick this night’s ass,” I was all, “Hell, yeah!” Overall, Blackest Night: Wonder Woman has been one of the more enjoyable event tie-ins, and this issue offered a solid return on my $2.99.

By the way, is it just me, or does Greg Horn’s cover make Diana a dead ringer for Jennifer Lopez?