Graphic Novel Review - 'Wonder Woman: Agent of Peace, Vol. 1: Global Guardian' by Various

Another day, another era, another 'Wonder Woman' anthology comic.

Not that I'm complaining. Keep these coming, DC. Keep showcasing the champion of truth and love. Keep elevating women being heroic, and kind and peaceful.

'Wonder Woman: Agent of Peace, Vol. 1: Global Guardian' contains some stories that are good, some that are not so good, and only a few that I would call great, but overall it is a solid collection for newcomers to learn about Wonder Woman and what she represents, and older fans who just want to see more of her being her awesome self. There are few stories also that I would call forgettable, mediocre and underwhelming.

There isn't really anything about Themyscira and Diana's identity as the princess and ambassador of the Amazons here, but it is mostly about her as a hero to the public, to the common people; admittedly in man's world, but peace and diplomacy are always her first resort to anything, and her Lasso of Truth and invisible plane are not forgotten about.

Equally important, she is always a champion, supporter, partner, friend, and sister to fellow women.

Yet, there is no LBGTQ+ rep in any of the stories in the book, which is a mark against it. And sadly not the only one in terms of lacking in inclusivity and diversity: it is very white, and it seems the only people of colour in it are either victims, living or dead, or villains. Except a detective in the last story.

Yikes. Do better, DC. Don't regress now.

Alongside Diana in 'Agent of Peace, Vol. 1' are Harley Quinn, Lois Lane, an old school heroine called Socialite (but her design page calls her Aristocrat, an early draft name?), Great Gundra the Valkyrie, Etta Candy, General Tolifhar of Gorilla City (nice callback to her association with intelligent talking gorillas, who shared her apartment once!), and Steve Trevor, who shows up in more than one story and is mainly Wondy's main squeeze. From her usual rogues' gallery are Cheetah and Dr. Psycho, and there're also Batman's rogues' gallery villains (not including Harley Quinn), such as Penguin, Killer Croc, and Scarecrow, though they don't contribute much.

A few of Wonder Woman's adventures in 'Wonder Woman: Agent of Peace, Vol. 1: Global Guardian' are not self-contained and are incomplete, and at least one does not fit with the main DC Comics continuity at all, making it look like a "what if?"-type fanfic. But I enjoyed most of them, and I enjoyed reading about the spectacular, inspirational, aspiring Wonder Woman again.

I'm glad I gave this a chance, despite it headlining as a product by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, whose work on Harley Quinn I am steadfastly not a fan of. To be blunt and honest, I hate their take on the character, and it's lucky that I read 'Agent of Peace, Vol. 1' before giving them another chance with 'Harley Quinn & the Birds of Prey: The Hunt for Harley', which is a disaster on many, many levels, and 'Harley Quinn and Power Girl', which is one of the worst comics I have ever read in my entire life. I am still recovering from it, and for the sake of my health in every way I wish not to talk about it ever. Suffice it to say, I am beyond loath to read anything by the Conner and Palmiotti team again.

But at least the Harley in 'Agent of Peace, Vol. 1', in the first story, 'Commitment to Chaos', is a little more tolerable than the duo usually write and draw her, even though she still acts like a toddler desperately trying to be Female Deadpool, with revolving bad catchphrases, and who still thinks with her stomach (less with her libido this time, thank *%@#!, and no toilet humour - a double plus).

Oh, and this 'Wonder Woman' book actually has Wonder Woman say, "Suffering Sappho!". That alone makes it worth your time (even if it brings further attention to the queer erasure).

'Wonder Woman: Agent of Peace, Vol. 1: Global Guardian' - not a powerful recommendation, but a recommendation nonetheless, from this Wonder Woman (and Harley Quinn) fan.

Other 'Wonder Woman' anthology comics I recommend:


'Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman Vol. 1'

'Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman Vol. 2'

'Wonderful Women of the World'


'Such a shame a thing of beauty could be abused in such a way. But that's human nature.'

'One part of being a hero is understanding that the sacrifices you make today will hopefully shield future generations from what we had to endure.'


Never stop calling yourself a feminist, everyone. And an Amazon.

Never let fear stop you from living, from being your true self.

Final Score: 3.5/5