The latest issue of Wonder Woman, #25, really cranks up the tension in the “Wonder War” story arc. It does this by perfectly balancing an intense rescue mission in the present with some genuinely disturbing flashes of a dark future.
The main plot continues Diana’s search for Etta Candy and the Amazon Emelie on the mysterious Isle of Mice and Men. The island is a strange, insular place where the inhabitants constantly repeat the phrases “Mice have ears” and “Mouse Man knows.” These phrases are more than just a quirk; they are the core tenets of a fanatic belief system born from petty grievance and a dangerous isolation of dissent.
What makes this plot so compelling is the psychological depth. Diana isn’t just a hero looking for a fight; she’s burdened by her past actions and the consequences of her power. She calls herself a coward and admits she is “unmoored” and “undisciplined” because she didn’t listen when she should have. She realizes that the burden of this conflict is hers alone. While the present-day plot is engaging, it’s the future storyline that truly steals the show. We get horrifying flashes of twenty years from now, where a new villain, the Matriarch, is systematically hunting down and killing the Justice League. In a chilling sequence, Bruce Wayne is sentenced to death by the Matriarch for high treason against the true gods of Olympus and is hanged. Another scene shows a wounded Aquaman washed up on a beach, calling out to Wonder Woman.
The Matriarch is revealed to be Lyssa, the daughter of Emelie. She is prophesied to be the heir to the sovereign of America and queen of the states united, queen of Themyscira. This reveal sets up an epic conflict that will likely span the rest of the series. The tension between the peaceful present and the apocalyptic future is palpable, and it’s a testament to Tom King’s storytelling that we are so invested in both timelines.
The artwork in this book is a masterclass in comic book storytelling. Daniel Sampere and Tomeu Morey handle the main storyline with their usual flair, but it’s the guest art by Jorge Fornés that truly elevates the issue. The future scenes are stark and brutal, with a gritty, almost watercolor feel that contrasts beautifully with Sampere and Morey’s polished, dynamic style. The character designs are unique and memorable, from the “Mouse Men” and “Cat” resistance fighters to the new villain, the Matriarch herself.
Clayton Cowles’ lettering is precise, capturing the raw emotion and tension of the dialogue. The repeating phrases of the Mouse Men are particularly effective, serving as a constant, eerie backdrop to the action. There’s also that panel (seen above), littered with dynamic and fun onomatopoeias, and it’s simply gorgeous.
Overall, Wonder Woman #25 is a beautifully crafted comic that is both emotionally resonant and action-packed. It’s not just a story about a hero saving the day; it’s about the emotional toll of heroism and the difficult choices that come with it.
‘Wonder Woman’ #25 The Mouse Man Knows
Wonder Woman #25 is a beautifully crafted comic that is both emotionally resonant and action-packed. It’s not just a story about a hero saving the day; it’s about the emotional toll of heroism and the difficult choices that come with it.
