The final pages of Infinite Frontier gave readers a small hint as to what would come next for Wonder Woman, as the hero gave up her god-like powers and took on a new costume; one with a very different look to the one's we're familiar with. However, it did give hints that perhaps there would be some kind of Norse connection coming as she took on a more Nordic look to her outfit.
Very quickly this is proven to be true in issue #770 of Wonder Woman, as Diana awakes in the midst of a huge battle in the real of Asgard. This is the afterlife, one where warriors go to fight all day and party all night. It might not be the afterlife that she was expecting, but it does appeal to her as a born warrior all the same. Unfortunately, she discovers that she's not invulnerable in Asgard, and is killed by an axe blow she was expecting to simply bounce off her. Fortunately, those that die in Asgard don't stay dead (it is the afterlife after all), and she finds herself in the great hall feasting and drinking with her companions soon after.
The next day, as Diana wracks her brain for the foggy memories of her life, she is approached by Ratatosk, the small horned squirrel who lives upon Yggdrasil, the great world tree and a part of the Parliament of the Green. The tree is dying, and when it goes Ragnarok will come and Asgard will be destroyed. Now Diana not only has to try to find a way to remember who she is, she also has to figure out a way to save Yggdrasil if she ever hopes to escape Asgard.
Having been so used to seeing the DC Universe embrace Greek mythology over the years, with Norse mythology tending to be used exclusively by Marvel, it's really interesting to see it appear in this company's stories. It instantly feels different and fresh, and puts Diana in a place she's completely unfamiliar with, even if that's only down to her not being able to remember everything. But it also felt fresh for me, and I think if this story was being done with the expected Greek mythology it wouldn't have been half as interesting.
The new setting not only puts Diana on the back foot, but includes some interesting new things, such as Yggdrasil being connected to the Green, and therefor Swamp Thing; a character that Diana knows well thanks to her time leading the Justice League Dark. There is also a panel that might hint at another connection to a familiar character when we see Thor. The Norse god is riding on the head of a giant monster, spitting lightning from his hammer, and there appears to be a big lightning-bolt symbol on his chest. This immediately made me think of Shazam and Black Adam, who have a similar symbol; plus the fact that Thor controls lightning and it's making me think that perhaps DC's Thor gets his powers in the same way.
There's a lot of interesting stuff in this first issue, things that don't get fully explained here, but make it intriguing enough that you'll want to pick up the next issue to find out. There's also a fun back-up feature that explores the younger days of Diana's life, where we see her celebrating her birthday on Themyscira. This story has a much different look and feel to the main one, which a look and feel that marks it out as a story for all ages, with some absolutely delightful artwork.
Wonder Woman #770 is the first Wonder Woman issue I've read in years, and it seems to be the perfect jumping on point for new readers. It's engaging, has a great sense of mystery, and takes the character in an interesting new direction. Whether you're a long time fan or coming to the character for the first time, this is an issue that's sure to satisfy.
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