Forget about that "JLA" in the book's title. This is a Wonder Woman story, and it's a thoroughly entertaining one. Moeller blends the super-hero genre with fantasy and myth in a touching and fun adventure that explores the heart of comicdom's best known and most lasting female character. And it's all brought to life by Moeller's richly detailed painted artwork. This book is a must for super-hero fans.
The Oracle at Delphi (the figure from Greek myth, not to be confused with the JLA's ally, Barbara Gordon) delivers a prophecy unto the Amazonian princess named Diana, better known as Wonder Woman. She sees a dragon come to life, surrounded by gold and wreaking havoc in the world. And she sees the Justice League, successfully defeating the ancient evil... but to do so, they must pay the ultimate price. Diana is determined to save her friends, and so she sets out to entrap and delay them in order to allow her to face the dragon alone as a Justice League of one.
Moeller's figure work is stunning. He brings a stark and textures realism to the characters, and a hazy, dream-like quality to the varied settings. The most striking aspect of his artwork here, though, are the brilliant colors. His presentation of Wonder Woman's lasso, and in a key fiery scene, her bracelets is magical; they shine as brightly as the sun. I also loved his cute designs for two nymphs and a brave little gnome.
Speaking of which, Moeller's addition of these three young magical children brought humor, a sense of fun and an innocent charm to the story. These three are delightful characters, and I hope that Moeller or other creators do something else with them. There's plenty of potential in them. Another part of the fun is seeing Wonder Woman take on her teammates. Every super-hero hero has that inner child that enjoys a good scrap among heroes.
The book's greatest strength, though, is its focus on character. The confrontation between Wonder Woman and Batman was a powerful one. The rage and intellect both characters exhibit eclipses their powers and resources; Moeller seems to hint at a seed of friction that already exists between the two of them. But even more engrossing than that scene are the quieter moments in which Diana looks into herself. Moeller's take on her character is a strong one, and I'd be interested to see him explore Wonder Woman further.
