Wonder Girl #1 is wonderful. The debut issue is full of action, full of intriguing moments, and absolutely beautiful to look at. We know that Yara Flor will play a big role in the future of the DC Universe but her story begins here.

Joëlle Jones does something really interesting and smart in Wonder Girl #1, she keeps it simple. The story focuses on Flor as she takes a trip to Brazil to learn more about her roots and the life she feels she’s missing. There’s a focus on connection and belonging that makes the character and intro issue relateable by so many. It also prevents the mistake of throwing Yara into a mystical adventure right away. Instead, the introduction to her and her world are built up naturally and slowly.

The issue only hints at Yara Flor’s role in the greater world of Wonder Woman. There’s some teases of her past and talk of prophesies, but generally all of that feels a bit disconnected from the focus on Yara. We get a good sense of who she is and that’s a genuinelly nice person. She runs to help individuals when it’s needed and though a little standoff-ish from others, she doesn’t feel jaded and angry. There’s a longing and sadness if anything.

Jones handles the art as well with Jordie Bellaire on color and lettering by Clayton Cowles. The art is fantastic. Especially those last few pages, there’s something magical about the comic and its presentation. You know the comic is going to really deliver when in a two page spread, the sense is driven into us that the world is watching Yara Flor and she’s going to potentially have an massive impact. How much of a role she’s going to play is really hammered home. But, it’s the issue’s balance of the mythical and the grounded reality that stands out. Beautiful lettering introduces us to the location and the look and style feel like different worlds but at the same time all connected. It’s an excellent flow that balances the fantastical with the down to earth aspects of the issue.

Wonder Girl #1 is an issue with a lot on its shoulders. The character is clearly one that DC has a lot of plans and hopes for and needed a debut issue that delivered on that. Thankfully, it does, and then some. Wonder Girl #1 is a hell of a start with a fantastic focus and beautiful art. This is the rare comic that is able to shine under a lot of pressure and even then, exceeded expectations.

Story: Joëlle Jones Art: Joëlle Jones
Color: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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