...and that's just part 2 of Fan Favorite writer Gail Simone's "Rise of the Olympian".
Talk about suspense. Gail certainly knows how to keep the excitement going. No longer content with just maintaining the status quo, Gail has finally created a very different kind of menace. Whoever thought we would ever see Wonder Woman actually defeated in this fashion? For the first time, we have an original Villain- Genocide who has recently been revealed as a 'god'. And yet, we are shown in DC Universe#0 that Dr. Poison was collecting soil samples from places where genocide was committed (implying that this would be part of the creation of this new adversary). So how can Genocide by a 'god' if is a creation of science? The mystery continues...
Genocide is definitely a powerhouse villain. One that not even the combined might of the Justice League may be able to defeat. Although not as physically imposing as Superman's foe "Doomsday", Genocide (whose face looks like a venus fly trap)is just as as terrifying because her very presence actually affects mortals and superbeings alike on both a spiritual and psychic level. (So its attack against Diana was both physical as well as psychic.) And what's worse than that?....it has actually managed to steal the Golden Lasso of truth with Diana admitting that there are many things the JLA does not know about the lasso's other powers. Only that in the hands of Genocide, it has become the deadliest weapon in the DC Universe. Whoa!! Intense and suspenseful.
The battle between Diana and Genocide in the high end mall was brutal. In Part 2 (WW# 27), we see her allies in shock at what had just transpired. The character of Nemesis (Agent Tom Tresser)is such a breath of fresh air from the other leading men Wonder Woman has had over the years. Unlike the traditional portrayal of Steve Trevor in golden age comics or the TV series, Nemesis shows us the very qualitites that make him worthy of Wonder Woman's affections.
The question had often been raised through the years: "What does WW ever see in Steve Trevor that made her fall in love with him?" (but no one could find an answer)
In Nemesis' case, we see the very qualities that would attract Wonder Woman. He shows us that despite his lack of powers, he is a very capable individual on his own right. As Nemesis , he is a capable agent and a resourceful one at that. But he also accepts his mortality and is not insecure of Diana's powers. We also see his sense of responsibility and that he can keep a clear head as he tries to comfort Diana after her defeat by Genocide.
It was also great to see Donna Troy and Wonder Girl II included in this storyarc. Donna's leadership skills and focus in the face of such overwhelming odds while at the same time reminding Cassie to act like an Amazon was great characterization. It's long overdue. Cassie has often been portrayed as an overemotional teenager who keeps whining a lot. Donna's leadership skills and warrior instincts shines through in this issue. She takes charge and and teaches Cassie what it is to be an Amazon as they face an enemy of this magnitude.
Meanwhile the rest of the mystery deepens as Athena lays on her deathbed and asks Zeus to promise her that he would save the Amazons. How can an Olympian god die? What did the Olympians mean that they have been altered just as the Amazons were altered? (and what exactly is the ICHOR?) We will find out as we read the rest of this incredible story arc. Bravo Gail Simone & Aaron Lopresti !!!