G. Willow Wilson is a master of allegory who doesn’t shy away from big issues. In Wonder Woman #63, Diana helps her refugee friends find a place in a strange new world.
Three mythological creatures walk into a bar. No, it’s not the start of an old joke, it’s the beginning of “The New World,” the newest story arc from G. Willow Wilson. In Wonder Woman #63 Diana has returned from Durovnia with the three mythological creatures she rescued, but their attempts to fit into life on Earth don’t go as planned.
Wilson’s story is a cautionary tale about people that come from other places, people who are different, and their attempts to fit into a world where people fear anyone who doesn’t look like they do.
This review contains spoilers for Wonder Woman #63.
The three refugees from Themyscira — Damon, Eirene and Cadmus — are trying to make a new home for themselves. The pegasus, minotaur and goat man stand out like a sore thumb, but they’re benevolent as can be. They meet with Customs and Border Protection (is Themyscira near Tijuana?) and find that despite their insistence that they just need a new start, the public perceives them to be a threat and they can’t be helped.
Everywhere they go they’re looked at askance, with people refusing to help them because they’re different. A bright light that shines through when a young human woman named Maggie steps up and wants to help. The look of relief on this wayward trio’s face is palpable.
G. Willow Wilson started her run on Wonder Woman with a story of Ares, the God of War, trying to figure out his place in the world after he discovers that modern warfare isn’t as cut and dry as it used to be.
Now, in “The New World” she’s tackling themes of forced immigration as these refugees from Themyscira try to fit into their new home. It’s a powerful and timely, poignant story with a very clear message about diversity, inclusion and acceptance, and it resonates with everything going on today.
Between this masterfully crafted story and the power of expression that comes through Emanuela Lupacchino’s art, Wonder Woman #63 is a riveting tale that serves as a springboard for a new story.
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Pencils: Emanuela Lupacchino
Inks: Ray McCarthy
Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Wonder Woman #63 is available now at your local comic shop.