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Chuck Moore on the issue!

Forget the costume controversy, forget the change in creative direction... Just sample the issue and you will find a mix of great stories, some amazing pin-up art (a sample is included to the right) and an end of issue story tease spelling out things to come that, for this reader, was really promising in presentation, style, art and storytelling. For me, this issue was a complete win!

Okay, I have to jump into the controversy a little. Yes, I enjoyed the Simone run on the series but I will admit I was getting a little bored with the stories. They never quite hit me as hard as her work on say, Secret Six. I give her all the credit in the world for being one of the few writers over the years that really enthused me to even read the character of Wonder Woman and I do feel that her run was exemplary, but I don't lament the change in direction like many readers. I honestly find it a bit refreshing.

Wonder Woman has been held up as one of the classic trinity of DCU lore, yet she has always struck me as a bit out of step with her iconic Batman and Superman counterparts. She always felt like the "B" list celebrity of the bunch. At times, she's even felt a little dated, a little miswritten and a little out of step with modern comics. I think this issue goes a long way toward kicking off the reestablishment of the character.

DC presents a universe of heroes and villains that you immediately understand and just get. You think Batman, you understand his personality. Heck, you think Booster Gold or Martian Manhunter and you immediately know much of their individual approach to the world. Iconic heroes is something DC does very well. That said, I never felt like I knew Wonder Woman in the same way I know the characters of Oracle or Catwoman or even Power Girl. She's sometimes written as a bit aloof and I've felt a little out of step with her in much that same way.

Sadly, this costume change has made me realize that in my eye she was the warrior princess still trapped in the wardrobe of a pin-up fantasy. Count me as one who loves the new look. It's sexy, modern and feels very 2010 DCU. Further, this issue wins as a great story tease for where Straczynski plans to take the book. It shows a lot of promise. There is a feeling of upsetting the cart which I understand is frustrating to some fans, but I have to admit that I think a shake-up is way past due. I believe in what I hope Straczynski is about to bring to the table and will absolutely be on board for issue #601.

Also in the issue, they also pulled off something I feel is very hard to do. They tossed in a couple short stories and still maintain an enjoyable issue. I don't know why, but in recent years I've found it very hard to find a comic write in "mainstream comics" who can tell an enjoyable really short story. It's a skill that exists more in the world of indie and small press. That said, the assembled creative team that took part in the issue is amazing and I found this to be a fun read (with just a couple minor complaints about the WW/Superman story) almost cover to cover. Recommendation and hot shot honors!

The Official Word From DC Comics

Wonder Woman #600

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI, GEOFF JOHNS, GAIL SIMONE & others Art by GEORGE PEREZ, PHIL JIMENEZ, JOE MADUREIRA & others - Cover by GEORGE PEREZ, 1:25 "DC 75th Anniversary" variant cover by ADAM HUGHES - 1:75 "DC 75th Anniversary" variant black and white cover by ADAM HUGHES

You're invited to the gala celebration featuring WONDER WOMAN talent from the past and present to commemorate this landmark issue! Renumbered to reflect Wonder Woman's starring role in 600 issues, this book features the industry's top talent - including Geoff Johns, Phil Jimenez, George Perez, Gail Simone, Joe Madureira and more! Plus, readers won't want to miss a chance to check out the exciting, all-new direction for the Wonder Woman universe as new ongoing writer J. Michael Straczynski (SUPERMAN, BRAVE AND THE BOLD, Amazing Spider-Man) provides a story of his own!

DC Universe | 56pg. | Color | $4.99 US
On Sale June 30, 2010