Yet another addition to the collection of 'Wonder Woman' comics I've read, printed way back in 2000.
'JLA: A League of One' is Wonder Woman's story - she is the "One" in the title, out of all the other Justice League team of heroes, manning their own base tower. This is about her status as a hero of truth and compassion being put to the test, vigorously. Here features the basics of her origin - Greek mythology, the island of Themyscira, fantasy elements, her Lasso of Truth. And there be a dragon! A dragon as the villain, who's female and a queen: This is what I read comic books for! Obvious J.R.R. Tolkien influences on display, too.
'A League of One' is a very well-written and drawn story. The art makes each panel look like a painting. No fanservice or cheesecake present in any shape or form, it is glorious. Makes the symbolism in the story more profound.
The characterisation is spot-on: Batman is ever the cynical detective mastermind, Superman is the kind and loyal hero of the people, the Flash is cocky but humble and quick-thinking, Aquaman is the arrogant king of sea creatures, etc. And Wonder Woman is loving, thoughtful, faithful, and strong in personality, and in her convictions and ethics.
Even when she decides to lie to and betray each of her Justice League friends. For their own survival amidst the rise of the upcoming threat of an ancient evil dragon; prophesied at Delphi to bring about the fatal downfall of all of the JLA.
Wonder Woman is the spirit of truth and honesty - her whole life she's been a dedicated warrior of fighting all deception - but she never wavers in her morally-questionable motivations in this comic. She will always set out to do what is right by everyone, and is fearless in her self-sacrifice. She hates what she is certain she must do to protect her friends and earth's mightiest heroes, but certain is what she truthfully is in making the right choice. Feelings have nothing to do with it. Diana kicks arse and saves the world, with the help of a few supernatural beings, including her Greek female nymph friends, along the way. Writer and artist Christopher Moeller does understand Wonder Woman.
Great mythological, fantastical and epic storytelling as well, for a short comic of 112 pages.
The only real thing letting down 'A League of One' is its ending. I feel it to be a bit rushed, and Wonder Woman's constant battle within herself as the spirit of truth and compassion - at odds with what she's facing right in front of her - is solved rather too easily. It's too straightforward, when the rest of the story dealt with Diana's character and challenged her ethics so well and at an even pace. There's a weird and out-of-nowhere thing going on between Wonder Woman and Superman in the last few pages. Never shipped them anyway, so not a fan of that inclusion (which serves as the conclusion to the comic, bizarrely).
'JLA: A League of One' - an enjoyable standalone outing into the world of Wonder Woman, and my first 'Justice League' (of anywhere) comic. Wonder Woman isn't just a feminist icon; she's a superhero in her own right, with a unique origin, and worthy of hundreds of stories told about her, a legend.
Final Score: 4/5
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