It’s strange to think that it’s been almost a decade since DC’s Rebirth initiative, and almost a decade since they reorganized their continuity into a version that incorporated the post-Crisis world into the one rebooted in the New 52. The latter event also takes place 15 years later. I’ll probably revisit both within the next year, but for now I wanted to focus on the ones that spun out of Wonder Woman. As part of Rebirth, the rebooted Wonder Woman title was helmed by Greg Rucka, Liam Sharp, and Nicola Scott. The two artists alternated between painting issues in different eras, with Sharpe painting the present and Scott painting the past. I don’t think it’s controversial to say that it was one of the best comics in the reboot series.
However, regeneration is more of a spring thing and the weather is cold right now. It’s time to sit by the fire and remember what we’ve lost. Or a fable about something that never was, but could have been. lore and legend. Magical. And that’s exactly what Sharpe took the time he spent on Wonder Woman and moved on to crafting his own timeless story.
“If you want to make God laugh, make a plan!”
The Brave and The Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman, by Sharpe, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and A Larger World’s Troy Petteri, starts out as a murder mystery. Brings DC’s two modern pantheons into a world populated by the gods and monsters of Irish and Celtic mythology. Wonder Woman and Batman are tasked by Cernunnos with solving the murder of King Elatha and easing tensions between rival factions of the Faerie People. You just discover something deeper.
It’s interesting to see how Sharp weaves the fables and legends of Celtic mythology into the story, from the characters and setting of Tir na Nog to the tapestry of paintings meant to keep the story alive for those trapped in the fabled land. This is an interesting way to present backstory and explanation in a more natural and interesting way. There is a fatalism and sadness about them, and they are almost becoming echoes of a time when humans still believed and loved them.
And the art is absolutely gorgeous. Over the past decade, Sharpe’s artwork has been on a whole different level. He has always been good, but now he has transcended. Wonder Woman. green lantern. Starhenge. Batman: Reptilian. Conan’s Savage Sword. It’s just an incredible job. The detail, character design, page design and layout, pacing, and overall storytelling are amazing. Here you’ll find pure beauty on the page worthy of a magical, mythical world.
Here it is combined with Romulo Fajardo Jr.’s sublime color work. And some unique serif fonts by Troy Peteri give important clues about the nature of one of the characters. I feel that the latter part makes this mystery all the more compelling. The story leaves clues throughout as to what’s really going on, and you never feel cheated by the reveal. And I encourage you to read it again in your newfound context.
“…What other fate could there be for us? Gradually declining towards complete oblivion, lost in the quagmire of formed grandeur, clinging to forgotten conquests and tired dreams of former glory? Freedom, perhaps? Or one last great battle?”
Sharp, Fajardo, and Petteri’s The Brave and The Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman is rich in storytelling and myth-making. It blends old and new in an inventive, beautiful, and unforgettable way that pays rich homage to folklore and keeps you immersed while reading. Perfect for curling up next to the fireplace to read on a cold winter’s night.
It’s a good idea to have some iron nearby in case something happens.
Classic Comics Compendium: The Brave and the Bold – Batman and Wonder Woman
Brave and Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman
Writer & Artist: Liam Sharp
Colorist: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Author: Troy Petteri of ALW
Publisher: DC Comics
Release date: February 21, 2018 to July 18, 2018 (original issue)
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