Wonder Woman #8 Review

Writer: Greg Rucka / Artist: Bilquis Evely / DC Comics Who knew that we all secretly desired an intimate look into the life of the notorious Cheetah? Normally when a story shifts into the background of a supporting character I take it as a sign of laziness or a lack of creativity on the author’s part, a sort of obvious filler while they stretch out the drama of the main storyline. Yet somehow in this issue watching a young Barbara Ann Minerva grow from an adventurous and imaginative little girl into a fiercely determined and genius archaeologist feels completely natural, an almost necessary course given the dramatic and emotional intensity of our last few issues.

What strikes me most about Barbara Ann’s past is how familiar it seems. For one, there’s the obvious comparison to Dr. Harleen Quinzel; both are brilliant blonde women (Harley’s depends on the story, of course) forced to repress their sense of wonder and freedom until they encounter an abusive male figure who offers them power and companionship in exchange for their devotion. But looking deeper even more evident lies the parallel between Diana and Barbara Ann. Both women are searching for a world beyond their own, forbidden and legendary, and yet as the brightest and best of their respective peers they both manage to pursue their goals. But at what cost? In this twisted narrative where memories can’t be trusted, the loss of Themyscira leaves both Barbara Ann and Diana without an emotiobal compass or direction. You …