“How are you feeling about the characters? Which ones do you want to see more of or learn more about?”
Like others have said, I liked Mindi the most out of them all, she definitely brings out a different dynamic to the crew. I didn’t get the feeling that she was being particularly nefarious – she saw Diana more as a business opportunity at first, but she does seem to work hard to make sure that her client is happy.
“What are your thoughts on Diana’s public identity?”
I think her being public is overall a net benefit – it separates her from the Trinity with their double lives, and fits her overall character. That said, I’ve also liked it in the past where she’s had “Diana Prince” as an identity she can hide behind. The issues showing her publicity tour shows that it can be pretty stressful to be Wonder Woman 24/7.
“Is Barbara Minerva formidable? Overall thoughts on her and Chuma?”
It’s not my favorite take on Barbara (that’s the Rebirth era), but she’s definitely formidable physically. Chuma…I mean, he’s not written terribly, but he’s definitely a stereotype and I couldn’t help but think “man, if someone tried to write this today, they would be absolutely crucified.”
“What are your feelings toward the Gods of Olympus?”
Right now, kinda “eh.” We don’t see much of them in these issues, and what we get isn’t terribly engrossing. I liked how Hera kind of goes to the side of the patrons, even if it’s because of jealousy of Zeus’ wandering eye towards the Amazons – it kind of reminded me of a truncated version of Hera’s evolution in the Azzarello run (which, by the way, best take on all the Greek Gods in history of Wonder Woman comics, fight me).
I will say that if we continue this run next week, there is an event that happens that I think will be…very interesting.
“Did you enjoy Mayfly and Diana’s relationship?”
I liked it – it was a slow build where it required listening and thoughtfulness. It made no bones about how they’ve hurt each other in the past, but it works because both parties realize it’s better to have love in your heart than hate.
“What do you think about Diana’s way of dealing with her villains? Do you prefer a Diana of compassion that attempts to rehabilitate them or one that ends them (as we saw with Deimos in last week’s reading)?”
I think it’s a case by case basis. Ideally, the Wonder Woman in my mind is one who will go to great lengths to see her enemies reformed, but in those rare times where she has to choose between the life of her foe and the lives of innocents, she’ll choose the innocents.
What I really liked was her follow-through on it and how she made it personal. Like, I believe Batman also would want to see most of his foes reformed, but he’ll contribute to it by using his charity and his fundings, he can’t personally go and visit Harley Quinn to see how she’s doing. Diana can, and does.
“Favorite part of this issue?”
Like others have said, some of the different costumes, both new and callbacks, were pretty cool, but I also liked the hints of other stories from that future period. I would love to see some of those written as actual arcs in the future.
Also, I love how this issue brought back the idea that Diana snuck into the Contest and disobeyed her mother (a decision from Year One that I think is a great diminishment to the origin. Most importantly, the KANGAS. I continue to be shocked that there are apparently these amped up kangaroos in Paradise Island and no one capitalizes on it. Give Diana a Kanga companion/steed you cowards!