Wonder Woman: Down to Earth

Wonder Woman

by Greg Rucka, Drew Edward Johnson (Illustrator)

When Diana writes a book that shares her beliefs, it ignites a firestorm of controversy — and even gets the attention of the Olympian Gods! Now Wonder Woman faces her most personal battle yet as she confronts attacks on all levels, from Veronica Cale to Dr. Psycho to Silver Swan and even the War God Ares himself!

Collects WONDER WOMAN Vol. 2 #195–200

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Wonder Woman, Dc Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Superheroes, Fantasy

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

Greg 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.

Reviews

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The synopsis mentions plots by supervillains and gods, but that only barely gets started here. The main plot is about Wonder Woman's book, outlining her life and her philosophy. Remember: Diana is a feminist, polytheistic, and vegetarian. It's a no-brainer how some people would react to her, and that's precisely what happens here. Even more topical in 2012 than in 2003, believe it or not, when Protect Our Children probably wouldn't even wait for her to write a book before they start staging protests. Whatver else is going on is just starting to happen, and will hopefully be addressed in later comics.

For me, the most interesting parts were the inner workings of the embassy. Diana is, after all, ambassador from Themyscira to the U.N., and I liked getting a chance to see how that works. Including her minotaur chef, Ferdinand. Seeing it all through the eyes of her newest employee was a nice touch, since we're getting thrown in as deep as he is. It seems like Wonder Woman writers don't always deal with her role as ambassador.

I liked the art throughout, and the covers were very nice. My copy of the trade did have some repeating pages towards the end (in fact, nearly the entire last issue was repeated before the last few pages) but other than a moment's confusion, that didn't bother me.

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I appreciate Greg Rucka's writing, I wasn't too fond of this graphic novel. Not an auspicious start to my Wonder Woman graphic novel reading career. I thought it was way too mired in politics. I hate politics. I don't see Wonder Woman as a woman of rhetoric, but a woman of actions which show the principles she holds dearly. This book made me almost like Wonder Woman less. It seemed as though she was cast in the role of politician/representative, and my trust factor seems to diminish greatly when I see someone in this role. She seemed to be trying to juggling both roles, as representative to her people and mouthpiece and fighter and protector for justice. Also, the artwork was dated. I think I am sensitive to that when I read graphic novels. I like the newer artwork and style. So when I read a book that is over ten years old, I almost have to brace myself that I won't be as attracted by the artwork.

It's hard to say much about the storyline, because I feel that this is part of a series and maybe I dropped in when things had already gotten started. As such, I didn't know the major players well, or what was going on. I don't know if it's worth tracking down the other parts of the series, honestly.

This could be an "It's not you, It's me" kind of scenario, seeing as how I am not a big fan of political storylines, and as mentioned, I prefer the newer graphic novels' art styles.

You might like this more than I did.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the story, even if it got a little preachy there towards the end. Didn't love the art.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good material here, but too many of the female characters--not just the title one--are oversexed.

[Vikas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh man, why would you include this arc in the 75 years celebration of the character? I believe there must be other arcs much better than this one. This book had other superheroes in Superman and Flash the pantheon of Gods with a visit to Olympus. The main storyline is about a book written by Diana which obviously activates a few bad actors who wanna bring her down then there are some lesser-known baddies of Wonder Woman and the issues even though they are from an arc as it collects 195 - 200 issues of Wonder Woman but still the comic book issues appear disjointed. The art style in the stories was just OK, however, the cover designs and a few other drawings were definitely better than the others.

I have always loved comics, and I hope always to love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

OKAY I SUPPOSE I AM READING A TON OF WONDER WOMAN NOW

Rucka's run is recommended as one of top ones by the internet, and of the top ones it is one whose art I can stand -- I know! Perez! I know! Jiminez! But god man, not everything ages well my dude.

So okay -- I'm a Greg Rucka fan, and the art here is lovely, especially for a book colored in 2003. But this is also the height of the "decompression" era in comics -- where longer storylines of not-much-happening were encouraged -- as the industry began to adjusting to "tradewaiting" readers more likely to pick up paperback collections instead of single issues. With this in mind, not much happens in these issues, especially for a mainstream superhero comic.

To wit: Diana publishes a tell-all autobiography. Some bad guys come after her, or at least sort of talk about coming after her in ominous tones. One bad guy you've never heard of does come after her, and this is about the only action sequence in five whole issues.

I mean, I SAY I'm a sophisticated reader who doesn't need a superhero comic with tons of punching, but seriously -- one action scene. Five issues of a book tour. A midwest book tour. Bro. Bro.

But the art is lovely, the dialogue is not bad, and there's a snobby Minotaur. Like, I'll ride the ride, if nothing else.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rucka's writing is definitely my favorite out of all the comics I read during my recent Wonder Woman spree. The character stays true to her altruistic, benevolent golden age origins, with some much needed and well done modernizations. I didn't find Azzarello's (new 52) writing to have much of a relation to the original WW character, but I did enjoy all the Greek pantheon shenanigans in those stories. I'll probably continue reading the Rucka run even though superheroes still aren't really my bag.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more like it. Greg Rucka infuses Wonder Woman with political undertones as she writes a new book that teaches her values to the world. Alongside her is Garibaldi, Dominguez, Ferdinand the chef, and newly appointed assistant Jonah McCarthy as the studious staff for the Ambassador of Themyscira.

After Wonder Woman is a deceptive Ares, who has a creepy new form and a lot of hidden strife, a rich and powerful executive named Dr. Veronica Cale, and with her some recruited powerful villains such as Silver Swan and Dr. Psycho.

This new collection gives us a different look at the Amazing Amazon, she doesn't simply run around pummeling badguys, but she has a lot on her plate as an Ambassador and role model to the world.

It does leave a bit of a cliffhanger, but this volume of Wonder Woman is not to be missed.

[Maythavee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg Rucka never disappoints! While some people may think that his run started off slow with a lot of plot-points being set up, I have complete faith that they'll all build up to a fantastic conclusion. I loved that we got to see Diana balancing between her three roles: the Amazonian Ambassador to the United Nations, her role as Wonder Woman and her position as Athena's champion. Various factors are at play in an attempt to discredit Wonder Woman's name. The introduction of Veronica Cale was chilling. I loved her in Rucka's Rebirth run so I'm curious to see where he would do with her character here.

[Batastrophe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh gosh, I wish more superhero books were like this one.

This isn't a book about a superhero going out and punching the daylights out of some maniacal bad guy. There isn't much in the way of grandstanding or many epic battles against superpowered villains. This is a book less about the superhero adventures of Wonder Woman and more about Diana of Themyscira: both as her role as an advocate for peace, truth, and respect, and as an examination of how others view that role.

Much of the story is about who Diana is as a person, but the crux of it revolves around how others perceive her as both a symbol and an icon. It's an argument that almost feels more relevant today in 2017 than when it was originally published in 2003: we're living in a time when the role of Wonder Woman is more up for debate than it has been lately--she's got her own movie coming out in a month's time, Jill Lepore's book on her real-world origins was making headlines only two years ago, and she was also just recently quickly brought on and then dropped by the UN as an honorary ambassador to women--the very organization that she works and advocates for in this book--on the grounds of her outfit being inappropriate.

Is Wonder Woman corrupting the children? This is perhaps the question that has haunted Wonder Woman as a character from her very inception, and it's one that Rucka doesn't shy away from facing in-universe. It's a question people are still arguing about today, based less on the words she has to say and more on her outfit and the sensationalism of her creator.

Though the thematic arcs of the book are less about traditional comic-book villains, don't worry, there are still plenty of them to keep the plot moving. The most significant is of course Diana's longtime enemy Ares, who's up to no good yet again. The plot is really just beginning in this book, and I really can't wait to see where it goes.

And Diana, of course, shines in this volume. She just keeps doing what she does best--working to improve the world, treating everyone with respect, and striving to help and save anyone who needs it--approaching not from a place of judgement, but of friendship. And if you ask me, that's Wonder Woman in a nutshell: in a time of crisis, in the midst of a war--instead of closing her fist in anger, Diana will first open her hand to you in friendship.

I also loved the art throughout--it's clear and easy to follow, and although I've read some reviews that claim the women are drawn too exaggerated, while admittedly it's not perfect, it's honestly one of the better renditions of women in comic books that I've seen. (In case you're wondering, my standard for horribly drawn women is probably the art in Birds of Prey, Vol. 3: Of Like Minds, which while a wonderful book, has the most blatantly mis-drawn women I've ever seen.)

Overall, great story, great themes, great writing, great art--I really enjoyed this one, and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the arc.

[David Hollingsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welp, looks like I was closer to finishing this one than I thought!

This story follows Wonder Woman as an ambassador to the UN on behalf of Themyscira. We start from the point of view of Jonah McCarthy, a newly hired assistant to Wonder Woman. He is constantly (understandably) gasping in surprise whenever he meets Wonder Woman and those in her orbit, which adds some real charm to the beginning. Elsewhere, however, Ares and other villains are scheming to try to bring Wonder Woman down. This includes her public image, as she has just released a book about her life and teachings, which quickly becomes a maelstrom of controversy.

This book is pretty overtly liberal in a fairly standard early 00s progressive sort of way. Diana is a feminist, environmentalist, and pacifist, and those who stand against her are Christian conservatives obsessed with policing perspectives they don't like. As a socially progressive socialist I vibe well enough with these views despite not being a liberal. If you lean right, you might not like this one. If you're a rightwing Christian fundamentalist you definitely won't, though you probably barely know how to read anyway so whatever.

My real problem with "Down to Earth" is that it feels crowded, yet incomplete. There are a lot of moving parts here, and it does lead to an explosive set of conflicts that create good drama, but too much is left unresolved by the end. This feels more like a beginning of a story, rather than a complete one. For me, I like to buy graphic novels because they are (usually) self-contained stories; I don't read comics because I don't want to collect a bunch of volumes just to trace one set story. But this isn't a set story, it's a set-up story. There are more threads left unresolved than resolved by the end.

Still, it was a nice read. The writing and art are good, and there are memorable moments. I just wish it was a full story instead of a messy, unsatisfying blend of so many different ideas that never fully felt like it all converged together for me. But if you don't mind something like that, then this is a good read.

[Jedhua]

Story Synopsis: Noah is brought in to the Themiscryan embassy to work for Diana. Following the publishing of her controversial new book – which includes several of her speeches and essays, as well as outlines her beliefs and values – Diana comes under fire from the POC. In Olympus, Ares plans to throw Diana's world into chaos, with his ultimate goal a mystery. Once his plan is put into motion, a fight between Hera and Zeus (stemming from a concern about the latter's potential infidelity) results in the destruction of Themiscyra, and after a fierce battle, Diana is able to help Vanessa break her link with Dr. Psycho and regain her sanity.

Other Useful Reviews: Sesana's review

Book Info: This collection contains Wonder Woman issues #195-200.


Probable Rating (if I had finished this)

ABSOLUTE RATING: {3/5 stars}

STANDARDIZED RATING: <3/5 stars>

The reason I haven't rated this volume has to do with the simple fact that after page nineteen in issue #200, other writers come on and include some short and stupid stories that I didn't even bother to read. But based in what I have read, this comes out at three stars.

Down to Earth involves Diana in ideological conflict with the POC over her controversial new book. Meanwhile, on Olympus, Ares sets events in motion that could also affect Diana and Themiscyra. I like the fact that, unlike Marvel's version of the character, Ares is more of a conniving Loki type than anything else, weaving a menacing web of danger and mystery into the story.



Although nothing much actually happens, I felt this had a great first issue. Here it becomes pretty clear Rucka plans to weave some politics into the story, and if it's anything like what he did for Checkmate , and that's completely fine with me. Through Jonah's eyes, I think he did a great job of humorously depicting the magnitude of what it must be like to meet Superman in the flesh, and just enough time was taken before finally introducing Diana to make her entrance somewhat momentous as well. Though I'm not yet very emotionally invested in her character, enough small potential conflicts are thrown into the mix to convince me that if I stick around long enough, that might just change. Unfortunately, as I just said, these conflicts are relatively small or vague (at least for the time being), and Rucka really doesn't turn up the heat until the end of issue #199.

There remains a lot of potential for this series to go in very interesting directions, and I just hope enough groundwork has been set to get the ball rolling a little faster for the next volume. But if Rucka decides to add more characters and agendas into the mix, not only does this run the risk of turning me away due to boredom, but it could very well convince me that no payoff he could give warrants such a significant amount of focus on all those moving pieces. There's quite a bit going on in this first arc, so as a writer, there's more than enough material to work with without adding more stuff. So far, I've just been essentially going off the political and philosophical appeal of this book, but I'm not sure how long that'll hold me. Let's see if I can endure the next five issues...

[Ann DVine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Included as the second book in the Wonder Woman 75th anniversary box set.

This is a curious one. It's easy to see why it would be included in the collection, both as Greg Rucka's first Wonder Woman arc and as a quintessential pivot of Wonder Woman from ideologically interesting to outright ideologue. There's not really any action in this story - Wonder Woman has written a book of essays, and the conflict comes in the form of political adversaries and low-key conspiracies in keeping her daringly progressive ideals from reaching mainstream acceptance. There's a lot more focus on what Wonder Woman represents than anything she physically embodies, and while there's twists and turns and recurring villains as in any DC book, this one is meditative and introspective in really positive ways.

It's a shame, then, that I feel that it hasn't aged particularly well - the core morality seems frustratingly rooted in centrism, with "peace requires conflict" seemingly the lesson learned by both Wonder Woman and her foes. It ends on a cliffhanger, too, though perhaps to be expected (and Greg Rucka's first run on Wonder Woman hits some spellbinding heights, so there's a want to keep reading); worst, though, is that the entire final issue has misaligned speech and text. It's not impossible to follow, but it quite noticeably blocks the art, and it makes both this book and the entire anniversary box set seem cheap in comparison. I don't know enough about the printing process for trade paperbacks - whether or not mistakes present in the original periodicals can actually be fixed for collected editions, or if it's just an outright copy, warts and all - but DC is a company of notable clout, and this collection is presented with a prestige all its own. So to see such sloppiness on display is a great shame.

Still. This is a thoroughly engaging, and unique, Wonder Woman plot, and I'm happy to have read it.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Not my favorite Wonder Woman story, but the politics weren't the problem. It was prescient with regard to women's issues, particularly those women who hate women who always seem to crawl out of the woodwork every election cycle. A little too West Wing maybe, but having a Minotaur as a chef in your ambassador's mansion is nothing short of awesome. What I enjoy about Rucka and Thompson is how they humanize the character, something very hard to do when it's someone so fundamentally decent, and well, stiff; it's why characters like Wonder Woman and Superman are more complex and more of a challenge to get right.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge Greg Rucka fan and have always liked his portrayal of Diana. Here, I thought the story of a young woman who comes to Wonder Woman for aid is a little lacking. Maybe if this was part of her monthly series and could be fleshed out many times over it would have meant more. Here, you're not left with much and care about those involved very lightly. The art however, is beautiful. I J.G. Jones could do a monthly book, no matter what book, I would buy it. Fantastic stuff. Overall, pretty to look at but not doing much.

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chronology of Wonder Woman is so hard to figure out. The last one I read was Paradise Found and I feel like things happened between that one and this one that made this a little hard to understand. I loved Jonah's introduction to the job of working for Wonder Woman and I always love Ferdinand and wish he would be in the story more often.

[DeAnna Knippling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reread.

[clumsyplankton · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really expected more from this and it was a massive let down

[Jason Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down to Earth marks the beginning of Greg Rucka's tenure on Wonder Woman. He has decided to make Wonder Woman's stated mission--to educate the patriarch's world on the Themysciran way of life--a central point in his story in a big way. He has taken her mission, which was overtly political, and had her do something overtly political with it: She acts as ambassador for Themyscira to the UN and she writes a book detailing her philosophy. Diana hopes that by doing these things, she can generate a healthy discussion and bring enlightenment to the people. The book is immediately denounced by social conservatives, and naturally, as in the real world, this conservative group is in bed with a pharmaceutical executive with an axe to grind. Veronica Cale, the executive in question, is being set up as Diana's Lex Luthor. She is rich, powerful, and brilliant, and she has no qualms about violating the law to get what she wants. For as yet undisclosed reasons, Cale wants Wonder Woman discredited as thoroughly as possible.In addition to pulling the strings on the backlash against Wonder Woman's book, she also kidnapped and upgraded the Silver Swan to sic on Diana and unleashed Dr. Psycho on a protest against Amazons, turning protesters and counter protesters violently against each other immediately after the lead voice against Diana was assassinated (which Cale also masterminded). At the same time, a newly empowered Ares is making a power play in Olympus by turning Hera against Zeus, with disastrous results for the Amazons.

While this was not an action-packed book per se, a lot went down. Rucka really excels at characterization, and it's clear that he thought a lot about the dynamics in this story. Diana's team at the embassy feel like real people, as do the Amazons and the Greek Gods. Political intrigue abounds on both the physical and metaphysical planes. Down to Earth is a first act for Rucka, and he's building a world in it. The book ends just as the world he's built so masterfully is about to come crashing down on Wonder Woman's shoulders.

I highly recommend Down to Earth. It has strong character work, political intrigue, mythology, and a Minotaur who makes crepes.

[47Time · Rating 1 out of 5]

TLDR: I can't stand this book. At least it's out of my to-read list.

Superheroes these days don't battle as much as they used to. They send messages instead. Feminism, of course, what else? Diana can lift buildings over her head - she even topples dictators in this volume. But the true, wholesome way to make a difference is to write a book that shapes the minds of the masses. The environment must be protected by refusing a limousine.

What I'm worried about is where Diana's hips disappeared to. Also Peter Garibaldi as a baldy. That's just plain funny.

Jonah McCarthy has just been hired in ambassador Diana's staff. His first task is to set up her book tour. A group calling itself Protect Our Children led by Keyes is worried that her presence is sparking the creation of cult-like gatherings made up of younger people, including their own children who look up to Diana. They are working to disband the gatherings.

Meanwhile Diana is signing books. When she is summoned by a bird to prevent a forest fire, she lets it burn. It's for the good of the forest, she claims. The networks don't think so when a secret recording of her reaches the public. She is accused of protecting the trees at the expense of the people.

Keyes is murdered at a rally. Diana doesn't have time to feel bad because she gets attacked by cyborg Vanessa. And Ares stirs some trouble in Olympus.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is #2 in the 4 volume 75th Anniversary boxed set of Wonder Woman graphic novels. Unfortunately, it is almost the same as WW Vol. 1 by Rucka and Goodreads even indicates that Down to Earth collects comics 195-200, and WW Vol. 1 collects 195-205 and takes the story just a bit farther.

My review of Wonder Woman Vol. 1 by Greg Rucka:
3+ stars to this one. As inspiring as Wonder Woman is, some people have problems with her philosophy and when she releases her book, a collection of speeches and essays, the protests really start. As ambassador from Themyscira, she also encounters resistance and rocky relations with some of her sister Amazons back home, especially after an act of god (Zeus) disaster that violently moves the islands of the Amazons much closer to the U.S. In the midst of all this, there is someone who truly resents Diana and wants to discredit her and hurt her, using villains such as Doctor Psycho and Silver Swan. [end of review removed because Down to Earth doesn't include those comics.]

[Juliet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline, an okay art - neither terrible nor amazing, but smooth on the eye.

Everything in this book could still be written today in reaction to what's happening in our societies. The part about journalists twisting her words, making controversies from lies and reactionary positions sums up how the debates go nowadays.

It clearly highlights how Wonder Woman is in favor of feminism, equality, every kind of social justice, ecology... There are also a couple of hints of her being gay. So yeah, people who were shocked about these bits last year didn't really know their classics.

I love how the Olympian gods are depicted: spoiled rich kids & (not really) adults. I felt like I was watching a daytime soap, it was funny and smart since it's both original and on point.

At last, there is still one big bad and some medium-bad, not so many fight scenes but still enough and a cameo from The Flash. It all makes for a strong comic book!

[Namratha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Diana Prince is doing a stellar job of balancing her roles as the Amazonian ambassador to the United Nations, Athena’s champion and the infallible Wonder Woman. She has also decided to release an autobiographical book to share her thoughts and beliefs with the world. Many accept it with enthusiasm but there are a lot of villains and naysayers who twist her words to present the super heroine in a bad light. Wonder Woman however is open to debate which sadly also leaves her open to people like the conniving Veronica Cale, Dr. Psycho, the Silver Swan and Ares himself.

This plotline had a great premise but I felt a bit muddled as I wasn’t familiar with the backstories of many of the characters. Not one of my personal favourites but still a solid read.

[Tomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title of this book spot on right. Diana has a PR problem. She publishes a book and you read about her team trying to navigate in the complicated waters of not offending people and still getting message out. I must say that this is the first WW book I read that Diana had a support team in her embassy. Really interesting stuff to read. Greg Rucka can really write Wonder Woman story. There is almost no action in this but it is still very much super power and essence of grown up Wonder Woman is in every page.

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This collection is my first exposure to this era of Wonder Woman. While I appreciated her status quo as officially-recognized ambassador of Themiscyra, this particular six issues doesn't read as a coherent story. Characters are introduced and abandoned, other characters return (from...somewhere) without adequate introduction, Diana's book release serves only as a handy trigger for manipulated social protest, and the collection doesn't end with any kind of resolution. The whole thing seems pointless.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was told that the 75th anniversary collection was a good place to start for Wonder Woman comics, but after Gods and Mortals and now this I'm perplexed; these are the best? Really? Just taking this volume on its own, it's alright I suppose. The artwork isn't really my cup of tea, and the story wasn't anything special. I find it hard to believe it was included in a special collection of any kind but there we are!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

15 years after it was first published, Down to Earth holds up amazingly well. Rucka sets up a supporting cast, sets several story lines into motion, and has a solid handle on what makes Diana an interesting character in just five issues. There are no major punch-ups here, and the book is entirely groundwork, but it's written so well and the cast and development had been lacking in WW for so long, that it never feels like filler.

[Maria Vercelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much politics, not enough superhero-ing. I read this as part of the 75th anniversary collection and I have no idea why they put it in there. It's not great as a stand-alone: there's too much effort put into building up tension only for it to end right at the beginning of the conflict. Looks like the follow-up may be good, but was kinda underwhelmed after Gods and Mortals.

[Dubzor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rucka's amazing journey alongside Diana of Themyscera begins here, and it's my personal preferred take on the character. While this run is similar to the NEW 52 Azarello run in that the people around Diana get more of a spotlight than Wonder Woman herself, unlike the Azarello run it still very much feels like her story being told.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. The thing that Greg Rucka does for me better than nearly anyone in comics is make me keep urgently wanting to read just one more page.

CN: war, death, murder, violence including between people who love each other; kidnapping, mind control, mistreatment of prisoners, medical abuse; misogyny, homophobia