Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    DC

    Wonder Woman #45 Review

    Matthew PetersonBy Matthew PetersonApril 29, 20184 Mins Read

    The war for Themiscyra rages on, but Jason may have the weapon to bring it all to an end.  But isn’t this someone else’s book?  Your Major Spoilers review of Wonder Woman #45 awaits!

    Wonder Woman #45 CoverWONDER WOMAN #45

    Writer: James Robinson
    Artist: Ema Lupacchino/Ray McCarthy/Marco Santucci
    Colorist: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
    Letterer: Saida Temofonte
    Editor: Chris Conroy
    Publisher: DC Comics
    Cover Price: $2.99
    Release Date: April 25, 2018

    Previously in Wonder Woman: ” It’s all-out war for Themyscira!  Jason’s been handed a gift from the gods that could turn the tide… but how will he use it?  And is this gift actually what he believes it to be?”

    IT’S ALL ABOUT JASON

    We open with a moment that sets the whole issue off on a bad foot for me: Wonder Woman, overwhelmed, crying out to Steve Trevor that she can’t prevail against her enemies.  Fortunately for her, Jason arrives just in time to deliver her sword and distract Darkseid long enough for her to gain her bearings.  Seeing Hippolyta fighting against Darkseid’s daughter, Grail, Jason gets involved and finally reunites with his long-lost mom.  Their reunion is short-lived, as Wonder Woman is still fighting Darkseid, suddenly remembering that she is supposed to be about “love.”  I’m not exactly sure what happens next, as she talks to the Lord of Apokalips about her siblings and father, somehow drawing their godly essences out of Darkseid and depriving him of the power boost necessary to his plan.  Somehow, the day is saved, Jason gets a magic spear, Grail is taken into custody by the gods themselves and a mysterious man walks away in the last pages, but I’m not sure who he is or is supposed to be.

    CAN’T MAKE HEAD NOR TAIL OF THE PLOT

    This issue is scattered all over the place, but the biggest problem for me is the focus on Jason and his deal in the middle of what should have been a personal battle for Wonder Woman and the Amazons.  There are several points in the story that I’ve now read five or six times and I still can’t follow exactly what is happening in the pages, which is not a failing of the art.  The multiple artists do affect the story, though it’s not a matter of consistency so much as one of setting, which feels again like a weakness of the writing.  When an issue doesn’t work, there are often a lot of possible reasons why, but every weakness I find in these pages (indistinct plot, no sense of danger or urgency, an out-of-character Wonder Woman, the Poochified use of Jason) seems to spiral back to James Robinson.  I am not usually the guy who tries to figure out motivations or put words in the mouths of the creators (Fallacy of Creator Intent, blah blah blah fishcakes) but it doesn’t feel like he really wants to write a Wonder Woman comic book…

    BOTTOM LINE: THIS…  IS NOT GOOD

    I like Wonder Woman under a lot of writers, and even the New 52 version of Diana, with its multiple pitfalls, dumb decisions and weird choices that seem to imply that nobody in DC editorial really knows what makes her tick, has had bright spots and really strong issues.  Wonder Woman #45 is not one of them, and the competent work of the fleet of artists can’t overcome the lack of focus, impenetrable plotting and misuse of the main character, leaving the book with a disappointed 2.5 out of 5 stars overall.  Here’s hoping that next issue’s new plotline is the whole new start the book desperately seems to need…

    [taq_review]

    Dear Spoilerite,

    At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

    dc comics Ema Lupacchino James Robinson Marco Santucci Ray McCarthy Review Wonder Woman
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleIce Cream Man #4 Review
    Next Article X-Men Blue #26 Review
    Matthew Peterson
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Once upon a time, there was a young nerd from the Midwest, who loved Matter-Eater Lad and the McKenzie Brothers... If pop culture were a maze, Matthew would be the Minotaur at its center. Were it a mall, he'd be the Food Court. Were it a parking lot, he’d be the distant Cart Corral where the weird kids gather to smoke, but that’s not important right now... Matthew enjoys body surfing (so long as the bodies are fresh), writing in the third person, and dark-eyed women. Amongst his weaponry are such diverse elements as: Fear! Surprise! Ruthless efficiency! An almost fanatical devotion to pop culture! And a nice red uniform.

    Related Posts

    COMICS PORTAL: The Thor’s, They Are A’Changing!

    Read More

    X-Men: Hellfire Vigil #1 Review

    Read More

    Gehenna: Naked Aggression #1 Review

    Read More

    Comments are closed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    7.0
    July 7, 2025

    X-Men: Hellfire Vigil #1 Review

    5.7
    July 6, 2025

    Gehenna: Naked Aggression #1 Review

    7.0
    July 6, 2025

    Retro Review: Big Apple Comix (September 1975)

    6.0
    July 5, 2025

    Wolverines and Deadpools #1 Review

    9.0
    July 1, 2025

    Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 Review

    Patreon Support
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT