Funny Coincidence: two graphic novels about Diana/ Wonder Woman

Image: DC Comics

Diana: Princess of the Amazons by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale. Illustrated by Victoria Yang. 160 p. DC Comics, January 7, 2020. 9781401291112. (Review of arc courtesy of publisher.)

Image: DC Comics

Wonder Woman: Warbringer Graphic Novel by Leigh Bardugo. Illustrated by Kit Seaton. Adapted by Louise Simonson. 208 p. DC Comics, January 7, 2020. 9781401282554. (Review of arc courtesy of publisher.)

It was kind of a funny coincidence that I read these two Wonder Woman origin stories on Sunday. I was organizing the arcs I got from Midwinter. I spied the Hale GN and dove in. I am huge fan of Shannon Hale, ever since Goose Girl.

In the Hales' origin story, Diana is still a tween trying to find her place among the Amazons and feeling the loss of her mother's attention. Inspired by the story of her own birth and lonely because she is the only child on the island, she asks to keep a flawed piece of clay and molds a child she names Mona. Mona comes to life but is not quite as vibrant as Diana. The two quickly become thick as thieves. It isn't long before Mona begins influencing Diana in negative ways - encouraging her to break rules and harm people. Soon, Mona convinces Diana to travel to the island where monsters are imprisoned behind Doom's Door. 

The art is brightly colored and energetic. The panels are easy to follow. Diana is an appealing tween with relatable issues of identity. This is an all-girl adventure with zing!

------------

In Wonder Woman: Warbringer, Diana is a teen and also wrestling with her identity and place among the Amazons. She is determined to win a foot-race and the approval of her mother when she spies a sinking ship. She abandons the race and dives into the sea looking to rescue survivors. There is just one, a girl names Alia. She brings Alia to the island, hides her and returns to the race, which is over, and her disapproving mother. Earthquakes rattle the island and Amazons quickly fall ill. Alia is the cause. She is a Warbringer and must die. Diana decides to bring her to a spring near the burial place of Helen, the original Warbringer instead. 

The palette in this graphic novel origin story is decidedly darker and moodier. The blue and gray tones have occasional splashes of red during the action sequences. This will appeal to fans of graphic novels as well as fans of the DC Icons novels and also the many fans of Leigh Bardugo.

Both origin stories belong in any school or public library collection.