Wonder Woman: The Twelve Labors by Len Wein

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The idea for the Twelve on its face seems a bit offensive on its face. Why would Wonder Woman have to prove herself to get back into the Justice League? She was an original member and one of D.C.'s oldest superheroes.

However, when you read the book, you find the Justice League had much the same reaction. The Twelve Labors were Wonder Woman's idea. At the start of the Bronze age, she was stripped of her powers for several years and lived another life. The Amazons returned and restored her powers and stripped her of the knowledge of who she was which left her filled with doubt. She has to prove to herself that she's fit to get back into the Justice League and using members of the Justice League to judge that fitness.

Once you get past the apparent problem with the premise, this is actually a really good book. The "twelve labors" idea demands big stories, big challenges, and Wonder Woman comes through time and again. These are really fun 1970s stories that showcase Wonder Woman's strength as a heroine. It's a really delightful read.



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