By Kelly Gaines
Gail Simone’s Wonder Woman/ Conan title has taken us back into the original age of heroes, one full of bloody battles, mythical creatures, and ancient prophecies. Issue 5 continues the journey of The Amazon princess and her unlikely companion, Conan the Barbarian. On the surface, both are dark-haired and muscular pictures of strength, but their personal codes of honor could not be more divided. The title’s fifth installment solidifies the stark contrast of Diana and Conan. Diana, a believer in truth, honesty, and loyalty dumbfounds Conan by her interactions with the world around her. Something as simple as dismounting their horses for the night draws a clear line between Diana’s faith and Conan’s hardened worldview. Any literary buff can tell you, the best epic journeys are the ones traveled by an unlikely team. Simone revels in every opportunity to use the pair’s conflicting personalities to add an extra layer to the story, and the payoff is a satisfying read.
Accompanying these personal comparisons, we are shuffled back and forth between Conan’s memories of youth and the Amazon’s reactions to a missing Diana. These separate moments have a common thread - neither Diana or Conan are strangers to violence, loss, and sacrifice. This heightened the tension when our heroes are faced with the fate of the Amazonian rescue team sent after Diana. Conan and Diana have to choose between each other's desires, and the result is messy. Fortunately, it’s not easy to take down an entire squad of Amazons. Diana and Conan are spared ripping each other apart, but the Amazonian rescue means Diana must leave Conan behind. Ever the loyal friend, he is not completely without her help. She leaves behind one of her most powerful weapons to help Conan- her lasso.
The lasso is an interesting choice of gift for a man like Conan. From issue one we have seen his animalistic ability to lie, cheat, and kill when he deems it necessary. The title of “barbarian” is well deserved. I’m interested to see where the lasso takes Conan, and if compelling others, to tell the truth, brings out extra honesty within himself.
Score: 3/5
Wonder Woman/Conan #5
DC Comics