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Wonder Woman (1987) (Single Issues) #201–205
Wonder Woman: Bitter Rivals
When Darrel Keyes, head of the anti-Wonder Woman group "Protect Our Children," was murdered on the steps of the Themysciran Embassy, the ensuing riot was just one of a torrent of crises facing Diana. Now, with the changes that befell her island home drastically altering her responsibilities in the DCU, Diana doesn't have the time necessary to focus on the murder. Wonder Woman needs help... and who better to solve a mystery than the Dark Knight Detective?
Batman quickly discovers the connection between Keyes's death and another murder, one orchestrated by well-respected businesswoman Veronica Cale. Is Wonder Woman finally going to learn that the Texas billionaire is the villain behind so many of her recent troubles? Or will another deception muddy the waters even further?
Collects WONDER WOMAN Vol. 2 #201–205
Batman quickly discovers the connection between Keyes's death and another murder, one orchestrated by well-respected businesswoman Veronica Cale. Is Wonder Woman finally going to learn that the Texas billionaire is the villain behind so many of her recent troubles? Or will another deception muddy the waters even further?
Collects WONDER WOMAN Vol. 2 #201–205
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
2 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Greg Rucka
1,495 books1,924 followersGreg Rucka, is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 25, 2023
Gorgeous artwork and the beginnings of a good story. Unfortunately, the volume ends just as the plot seems about to kick into high gear, leaving the reader wanting more, and in need of tracking down the follow up issues.
February 16, 2012
Bitter Rivals continues the overarching storyline introduced in the last collection, with no payoff in sight. I'm still trusting that when it comes, it'll be good. And for the most part, the writing is still satisfying. My favorite is, of course, the story that starts the collection: Wonder Girl (Cassie, that is) telling a kid-friendly version of the Medusa myth as a bedtime story, with input from Ferdinand. It's a great little story.
The drawbacks are, for me, mostly minor. The tidal wave is oddly handled. Shouldn't something that big be threatening the entire east coast, and not just the Carolinas? And it's dealt with so offhandedly that there's no real impact there. Unless there's some kind of twist coming up, Veronica Cale's issue with Wonder Woman, the reason for her big vendetta, is revealed as jealousy that she gets more attention. Um, really? I can't even begin to buy that. And why are the Gorgons wearing that? (Answer: fanservice. Ugh.) None of which are enough to keep me from getting some enjoyment out of the book, yet.
The drawbacks are, for me, mostly minor. The tidal wave is oddly handled. Shouldn't something that big be threatening the entire east coast, and not just the Carolinas? And it's dealt with so offhandedly that there's no real impact there. Unless there's some kind of twist coming up, Veronica Cale's issue with Wonder Woman, the reason for her big vendetta, is revealed as jealousy that she gets more attention. Um, really? I can't even begin to buy that. And why are the Gorgons wearing that? (Answer: fanservice. Ugh.) None of which are enough to keep me from getting some enjoyment out of the book, yet.
June 4, 2017
It is, to be quite frank, shocking how little happens in the opening ten issues of Greg Rucka's Wonder Woman run. This volume is basically just a prelude to a story that doesn't kick into gear until the next volume, and the volume before this (Down to Earth) had even less to show for itself.
However, this book has occult rituals and a genuine goofy/horrific 40's WW villain ('Doctor Psycho,' for God's sake), as well as continuing with insanely gorgeous art. So, like, we're getting there.
However, this book has occult rituals and a genuine goofy/horrific 40's WW villain ('Doctor Psycho,' for God's sake), as well as continuing with insanely gorgeous art. So, like, we're getting there.
June 9, 2018
The different plotlines are coming together and its leading up to an epic confrontation between Diana and her enemies! Rucka really knows how to build up a story! Veronica Cale's motivations for hating Diana seems petty though. I liked her backstory in his Rebirth run better.
June 14, 2013
So, I've always been dubious about Wonder Woman, so I had to give her a chance.
This book is just a random one and I didn't entirely know what was going on, (Um? Man? With a bull's head? I think?), but it was great. I like Wonder Woman. And I felt like there was a good reason I dropped Classical Studies, because I feel like I totally should have known more about the mythology stuff in the background. That sentence probably doesn't make sense. Grammar is hard.
And yes, there was a lot of skin showing, but I felt like that was more explainable. A lot of the women were living pretty much alone. Without men. And I feel like girls loosen up and don't really worry about clothing as much when they don't have to worry about the pressure and fear and anxiety that is often produced when around men, because we're trained to be afraid of them, and careful of our bodies around them, because you don't know when they will strike. (Obviously, not all guys are like this.)
Anyway, all this to say, I like Wonder Woman. I am totes going to read more. I'm excited guys.
This book is just a random one and I didn't entirely know what was going on, (Um? Man? With a bull's head? I think?), but it was great. I like Wonder Woman. And I felt like there was a good reason I dropped Classical Studies, because I feel like I totally should have known more about the mythology stuff in the background. That sentence probably doesn't make sense. Grammar is hard.
And yes, there was a lot of skin showing, but I felt like that was more explainable. A lot of the women were living pretty much alone. Without men. And I feel like girls loosen up and don't really worry about clothing as much when they don't have to worry about the pressure and fear and anxiety that is often produced when around men, because we're trained to be afraid of them, and careful of our bodies around them, because you don't know when they will strike. (Obviously, not all guys are like this.)
Anyway, all this to say, I like Wonder Woman. I am totes going to read more. I'm excited guys.
gave-up-on
December 9, 2015My Brief Bookshelf Overview: gave-up-before-finishing
Additional Notes: This collection contains Wonder Woman issues #201-205.
Just like I feared, the first issue of this volume introduces even more characters. Also, the change in artstyle isn't as appealing as it was for the previous six issues. On top of all that, according to Sesana's trusted reviews, things only "[start] to happen" in the next volume.
Additional Notes: This collection contains Wonder Woman issues #201-205.
Just like I feared, the first issue of this volume introduces even more characters. Also, the change in artstyle isn't as appealing as it was for the previous six issues. On top of all that, according to Sesana's trusted reviews, things only "[start] to happen" in the next volume.
October 9, 2009
I really don't like Veronica Cale.
I do like Cassie's story of Medousa -- poor Medousa! cute art! -- and Batman working with Diana (and showing up at the embassy to be bothered by her staff's kids).
I do like Cassie's story of Medousa -- poor Medousa! cute art! -- and Batman working with Diana (and showing up at the embassy to be bothered by her staff's kids).
June 18, 2018
Aside from the artist gleefully servicing the male fan base with the Gorgans, another perfect run of Rucker WWE issues.
January 28, 2019
The second volume of Rucka's run, and the antagonists begin to get fleshed out and their schemes get more development.
August 23, 2021
Really solid piece of table setting. Genuinely interesting in a way contemporary comics aren't always these days...
September 23, 2016
In this Wonder Woman graphic novel, there's a lot going on but it continues the story started in the previous book, Wonder Woman: Down to Earth. So it starts out with the story of Perseus and Danae, and ultimately Medusa. Then it goes into Wonder Woman trying to keep the Silver Swan (Vanessa Kapatelis) in her care and trying to figure out what happened to her and how to help here. Next, there's Dr. Cale and Dr. Psycho, and it cuts back to Themiscyra and back to the assassination of Keyes. It's just a lot of back and forth between the different elements of this series. Despite all of the back and forth and all of the stuff going on, I still found it entertaining and it still kept my attention.
I really like how in the beginning when the story of Perseus and Danae was being laid out, the illustration and the story itself was made more kid friendly, obviously. There was a bit of humor injected into that story that I appreciated. I also appreciated that we finally got some back story into why Cale has it out for Wonder Woman. While I appreciate the fact that Cale's story is sad in the beginning, and she's worked hard to make something of herself and now she's incredibly successful, I just think it's kind of silly that her motivation for destroying Wonder Woman is because she's jealous. To me,that's basically what her underlying motivation is towards Wonder Woman. I just didn't like that part of the story.
What's really interesting is that Medusa is being brought back... I'm curious as to how that will pan out in the next graphic novel. I do like that Batman has made an appearance in this work and has helped Wonder Woman figure out who assassinated Keyes. I also like the banter between him and Alfred. So classic.
Overall, I recommend this graphic novel. I've certainly enjoyed Greg Rucka's take on Wonder Woman and hope to read the next one soon.
I really like how in the beginning when the story of Perseus and Danae was being laid out, the illustration and the story itself was made more kid friendly, obviously. There was a bit of humor injected into that story that I appreciated. I also appreciated that we finally got some back story into why Cale has it out for Wonder Woman. While I appreciate the fact that Cale's story is sad in the beginning, and she's worked hard to make something of herself and now she's incredibly successful, I just think it's kind of silly that her motivation for destroying Wonder Woman is because she's jealous. To me,that's basically what her underlying motivation is towards Wonder Woman. I just didn't like that part of the story.
What's really interesting is that Medusa is being brought back... I'm curious as to how that will pan out in the next graphic novel. I do like that Batman has made an appearance in this work and has helped Wonder Woman figure out who assassinated Keyes. I also like the banter between him and Alfred. So classic.
Overall, I recommend this graphic novel. I've certainly enjoyed Greg Rucka's take on Wonder Woman and hope to read the next one soon.
July 31, 2010
I have a number of disjointed thoughts on Wonder Woman:
* I'm not one to really be bothered or even notice issues of objectification, especially in the arts. My reasons for that are many and for a different day, but yeesh can this get squicky at times. There's a fine line between strong, worthwhile feminist and, well, how I feel Wonder Woman is put out there. It takes a lot for me to get thrown off by this, so take it for what it is.
* I get why Wonder Woman appears to be such a difficult character to write for. I was told to jump into the series at this part, so I don't know how the early stuff was handled, but it is a very jarring difference between the modern time that this Wonder Woman lives and the somewhat...strange things she's saddled with, like the Lasso. I get how it works with her backstory, but still.
* My first significant jump into the DC universe, and we get cameos from Batman and Superman. I get that it's a universe and all, but having Spider-Man and the X-Men in the same universe makes some sense. Having Batman and Wonder Woman? I'm struggling with that a bit.
With all that said, I am enjoying it. It's an interesting take, and the story got really good with this volume, so I look forward to keeping up with it on the short term, at least.
* I'm not one to really be bothered or even notice issues of objectification, especially in the arts. My reasons for that are many and for a different day, but yeesh can this get squicky at times. There's a fine line between strong, worthwhile feminist and, well, how I feel Wonder Woman is put out there. It takes a lot for me to get thrown off by this, so take it for what it is.
* I get why Wonder Woman appears to be such a difficult character to write for. I was told to jump into the series at this part, so I don't know how the early stuff was handled, but it is a very jarring difference between the modern time that this Wonder Woman lives and the somewhat...strange things she's saddled with, like the Lasso. I get how it works with her backstory, but still.
* My first significant jump into the DC universe, and we get cameos from Batman and Superman. I get that it's a universe and all, but having Spider-Man and the X-Men in the same universe makes some sense. Having Batman and Wonder Woman? I'm struggling with that a bit.
With all that said, I am enjoying it. It's an interesting take, and the story got really good with this volume, so I look forward to keeping up with it on the short term, at least.
January 3, 2023
Bitter Rivals takes up right where Down to Earth left off. Wonder Woman begins the story seeking help for the Silver Swan, whose cybernetics are killing her. She transports the two of them to Paradise Island, only to find it in chaos after an..unnatural disaster. Political tensions increase as warships appear ouside Themyscira and the US State Department want answers regarding the assassination of Diana's political opponent and the ensuing riot, and with the Amazons apparently harboring the Silver Swan in the embassy. Meanwhile, we see more of what makes Veronica Cale tick (and yeah, the Lex Luthor comparison I made in a previous review is even more apt). More drama is introduced into Cale's life as Wonder Woman seeks the aid of her best friend and business partner, and as she reaps a little of what she sewed in releasing Dr. Psycho.
Characterization is still Rucka's greatest strength. Although, I'm realizing after all these years that I am not crazy about his portrayal of Batman. (This was written during the height of the antisocial douche batman era, and it shows.) Plotting is also going strong; things are unfolding at a good pace. Rucka was concurrently writing Superman at this time, and the pacing was all over the place. Maybe he was more focused on Wonder Woman?
In all, this is a worthy continuation or what Rucka started in the previous book.
Characterization is still Rucka's greatest strength. Although, I'm realizing after all these years that I am not crazy about his portrayal of Batman. (This was written during the height of the antisocial douche batman era, and it shows.) Plotting is also going strong; things are unfolding at a good pace. Rucka was concurrently writing Superman at this time, and the pacing was all over the place. Maybe he was more focused on Wonder Woman?
In all, this is a worthy continuation or what Rucka started in the previous book.
December 20, 2014
Greg Rucka and a host of illustrators continue the politically-charged run of Wonder Woman in this collection. Determined to underscore the popularity of the Amazon warrior, Veronica Cale has launched a counter-campaign to eliminate the influence of Wonder Woman. Unfortunately, her machinations and plots have released the mind-warping Dr. Psycho - and he fully intends to exploit the smear tactics to their fullest. Meanwhile, Diana teams with Batman to help solve a murder on her embassy steps and rescue an old friend; the Gorgons have enlisted the help of Circe to resurrect Medusa. Rucka juggles numerous plots, exploring ancient mythology, modern politics, and classic villains to weave together a new look at the feminist icon. Veronica Cale's determination to prove herself as a better "wonder" of a woman is the highlight of the volume, as it demonstrates the schism between the self-made success and the popular talent. The Bitter Rivals are gearing up for a powerful showdown, one that sets this volume up as the preliminary weigh-in.
May 28, 2011
This is an okay story, but mainly serves as the setup for future pay-offs which are not present int he graphic novel. The interplay between Diana and Bruce Wayne are great.
The beginning part of the story sourced me to the rest of the novel. In a major action piece, Diana and an ally have to stop a giant tsunami from ravaging the Eastern United States seaboard. The art and action sequence that follows, apparently just a few miles off of Charleston, is unconvincing and seems to only affect the harbor of Charleston itself, when a tsunami of the size depicted would be a catastrophic event from Newfoundland to Florida and consequentially should have shown a much larger focus than what was shown. It's only a small point in a much larger story, but the inattention to this detail threw off my enjoyment of the rest of the book.
The beginning part of the story sourced me to the rest of the novel. In a major action piece, Diana and an ally have to stop a giant tsunami from ravaging the Eastern United States seaboard. The art and action sequence that follows, apparently just a few miles off of Charleston, is unconvincing and seems to only affect the harbor of Charleston itself, when a tsunami of the size depicted would be a catastrophic event from Newfoundland to Florida and consequentially should have shown a much larger focus than what was shown. It's only a small point in a much larger story, but the inattention to this detail threw off my enjoyment of the rest of the book.
April 18, 2010
Not sure why it took me so long to get to Greg Rucka's 'Wonder Woman' comics, but damn, this is a great story. I love the characterization of Diana, and the balance between her place in the real world vs. her place as a mythological figure. Plus, Rucka really obviously wants her and Batman to hook up and editorial won't let him do it, so that's fun to watch. Seriously, I find I really enjoy Batman as a supporting character here.
The art in this book doesn't really live up to the writing. It's not awful but doesn't really seem to fit the tone of the story -- though it works better for the mythology than the 'real world'.
The art in this book doesn't really live up to the writing. It's not awful but doesn't really seem to fit the tone of the story -- though it works better for the mythology than the 'real world'.
January 8, 2016
Set after the events in which Themiscyra is blown out of the sky by the fury of the goddess Hera. Its interesting to see how Diana is dealing with it and also the circumstances surrounding Vanessa Kapatelis.
Do love the background that goes on with the Gorgon sisters in regards to bringing back their sister Medusa. I don't exactly like how Batman is on the front cover when its advertised as Bitter Rivals when the bitter rival is the undeclared rivalry between Wonder Woman and Veronica Cale.
Still and nice read. I especially applaud how they develop Cale, since in many ways her jealousy and bitterness is very much like Lex Luthor's. That would be a nice team-up.
C+
Do love the background that goes on with the Gorgon sisters in regards to bringing back their sister Medusa. I don't exactly like how Batman is on the front cover when its advertised as Bitter Rivals when the bitter rival is the undeclared rivalry between Wonder Woman and Veronica Cale.
Still and nice read. I especially applaud how they develop Cale, since in many ways her jealousy and bitterness is very much like Lex Luthor's. That would be a nice team-up.
C+
April 20, 2014
I don't know. Veronica Cale can be crafty and enterprising, and I should see her duality with Wonder Woman in the same way I view Lex Luthor as the brains to Superman's brain. But I can't do it for some reason. I don't know if I need more time with the character, or if I need her to have a giant death ray, but her rage against Diana doesn't feel operatic, or at least justified/stakes-worthy, to me. That said, the gods in this series are terrible creatures, and what happens to Paradise Island thanks to Ares' scheming is a game-changer.
May 2, 2009
When I was little girl I used to love Wonder Woman. I would twirl around real fast in my Wonder Woman Underoos to become her and then fly (jump off the sofa), and lasso evil villains (my siblings) with my golden lariat (My jumprope).
A friend lent me some wonder woman graphic novels to read. I hadn't thought much about wonder woman since I was about 7 or 8, I'd say. I was skeptical that I would like them. I'm not a huge fan of DC style superheroes, but truly I loved her all over again.
A friend lent me some wonder woman graphic novels to read. I hadn't thought much about wonder woman since I was about 7 or 8, I'd say. I was skeptical that I would like them. I'm not a huge fan of DC style superheroes, but truly I loved her all over again.
December 30, 2009
A great story, although this volume deals mostly with what happened before and builds up to what - I suppose - is going to happen. What I love is that even the minor characters feel fleshed out, and there are wonderful moments of humor.
And this piece of wisdom from one of Wonder Woman's BFFs:
"Not every friendship with the opposite sex must be governed by romance." Truer words have never been spoken.
And this piece of wisdom from one of Wonder Woman's BFFs:
"Not every friendship with the opposite sex must be governed by romance." Truer words have never been spoken.
December 27, 2012
Yes, I know its too late to matter but Greg Rucka's Wonder Woman matters. In the past few years she hasn't but what he does here, weaving action, political intrigue, mythology, and science into an amazing title that is unique in a cluttered market. The art here was fantastic making Diana both sexy and powerful and making the supporting characters recognizable. Overall, this was a really good read.
January 27, 2013
This volume picks up right where the last one left off, with the aftermath of Dr. Psycho's mind induced riot, and the death of Keyes, Wonder Woman's biggest opposer. With New Themyscira in ruin and lots of stuff on her plate, Wonder Woman gets closer to the people who are trying to destroy her image. A nice cameo from Batman and nice plot twists make for an engaging story, but still leaves a cliffhanger for the next volume.
April 23, 2016
A reread. Two things struck me this time through: most of the characters are women. Unless there's a reason for a character to be a man, the characters are almost always women. The other - and these are the WW stories that I like the best - is that it's the setup for a very Greek tragedy, in which you know a character is doomed, and that pride (hubris?) has set them on their path, and yet you wouldn't be able to conceive of the situation any other way.
August 15, 2015
This was more like it. An exciting story with real intrigue. I like how she's more of a grown up in this one. Thymescyrian ambassador to the US, dealing with political issues back home and in "gateway city". Plus the tie ins to the Greek mythology were very cool, especially after all the Percy Jackson I've been reading. Nice to see those stories from a different angle. Really liked this one.
June 18, 2016
I liked this better than Down to Earth overall. There was more intrigue, both with the Gods on Olympus and with Dr. Psycho turning the tables on Cale, who was not a very threatening villain for Wonder Woman on her own. We also get some backstory for Cale here, and that's always welcome. I'm still not a huge fan of the artwork but oh well.
June 22, 2022
I'm really enjoying these books but i really dislike veronica cale. her motives are eye roll inducing. i like what the end sets up for though.
i will say, the design for eros is hilariously dated.
2022 update: yeah i still hate veronica cale. she's literally the most petty villain and not in a good way.
i will say, the design for eros is hilariously dated.
2022 update: yeah i still hate veronica cale. she's literally the most petty villain and not in a good way.
March 15, 2009
read this one a few years back, since I am adding graphic novels to my goodreads, gotta include this one.
An updated contemporary Wonder Woman + Batman together fighting crime = yummy.
(And I want that lasso of truth. gotta have it.)
An updated contemporary Wonder Woman + Batman together fighting crime = yummy.
(And I want that lasso of truth. gotta have it.)
May 25, 2011
Wonder Woman's to do list never ends (just like me). Solve a murder, find a cure for a half human/half silver swan, save her beloved Themysciran Amazonian island home, and oh yeah, protect the planet from the gods! My favorite character- her chef, Ferdinand.
September 22, 2015
First dip into Wonder Woman and...eh. I'm not going to pass final judgement on the character based on one book, but here she didn't do much for me. Came off as a bit boring, the story line a bit pedestrian. I feel big characters need big narratives and this wasn't one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews