Wonder Woman: The True Amazon is Jill Thompson‘s original graphic novel reimagining of the early years of the Amazon Princess Diana, who would grow up to become Wonder Woman. This fully painted graphic novel is unlike any Wonder Woman tale you have ever read, told as only Eisner Award- winning writer/artist Thompson could. When young Diana has the fawning attention of a nation, she grows spoiled. But a series of tragic events take their toll, and Diana must learn to grow up, take responsibility, and seize her destiny.

This original graphic novel Thompson dives into the the history of Wonder Woman with this original stand-alone take on the character that follows the history of the Amazons to Wonder Woman’s taking the mantle as champion.

The story is an examination of Wonder Woman herself and what it’d be like to be an island’s only Princess. This isn’t the normal Diana you’re used to. In fact the vast majority of the graphic novel this Diana is pretty unlikeable and a spoiled brat. And that’s a reason I really enjoyed it. Thompson has given us a flawed person who rises to be a hero. She’s a princess and treated as such in the worst way turning into a brat.

Thompson gives us a warts and all take on Wonder Woman and by doing so gives us a real hero that feels realistic in many ways. This isn’t someone who’s been a hero from the beginning, she stumbles and stumbles a lot here. And due to that we see some growth along the way. This feels like a unique take to me, and one I really enjoy because it’s not so much about how Diana becomes Wonder Woman as it’s about Diana becoming a decent person. She’s really unlikeable, and that’s a pretty gutsy thing to put out there.

To me, this feels like a graphic novel to read to teach a child a lesson, an entertaining parable. And it is entertaining. Thompson’s art is beautiful to look at with some fantastic detail.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this graphic novel, but this is a wonderful take on a classic character in a new way that feels fresh and also like something you want to share with others.

Story: Jill Thompson Art: Jill Thompson
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review