Hands down, this graphic novel answers the following question: Who wold win in a knock-down drag-out fight between the Amazonian Princess and the Dark Knight. Kicking Batman’s butt never looked so good. (nudge-nudge, wink-wink) The can of whup-ass is merely icing on the cake. What makes "The Hiketeia" truly delectable, is Mr. Rucka’s tight writing paired with Mr. J. G. Jones’s equally tight layouts and illustration.
I find it intriguing that minor Greek goddesses, Erinyes (the Furies), walk around barefoot, but need nice warm winter coats to portect them from the cold streets of New York. And as wonderful and as sad this story is, the plot creates a new way to look at the concept of protecting those who can’t protect themselves from harm. As I understand it, it is our duty as human beings to fight oppression in all its forms, and stand for justice— both the foundation for freedom. How far would you go to protect someone who couldn’t protect themselves from harm?
As I study this story more carefully, maybe wearing the winter coats is more about ritual than warmth? Plus I noticed that the Erinyes knew the girl’s name without being told; which could mean on of two things:
- As goddesses, the Erinyes automatically knew Danielle Wellys’s name -or-
- The Erinyes put Danielle up to using the Hiketeia with Wonder Woman.
I also wonder if the Erinyes were surprised by Wonder Woman’s actions and attitude towards Danielle? I feel they relish the idea of tearing and eating of Diana’s skin, or they relish the irony of Wonder Woman defending a criminal against a man who has sworn, on the alter of death, vengence against those who commit crimes. Or maybe the Erinyes laugh because Wonder Woman knows she is duty bound to protect a criminal even if it damages her reputation as a superhero, and ambassador?
52 Books 2008
Added picture of and link to graphic novel.
