Trial of the Amazons

The title of this is, perhaps, a little misleading. The story does concern the three tribes of Amazons (the two we already knew about and the newly discovered Esquicidas) meeting on Themiscyra to take part in a trial to see which is worthy of a high honour - but the contest itself takes up just one issue of the seven that comprise the collection. So, if you're here only for that... not so much.

Instead, we get a story about the tribes coming together, and how the contest creates strife among them. There's also a murder mystery, although, again, the fallout of the death is more the focus than the whodunnit element. Taken this way, as a character piece that happens to have some action and combat in it, it's quite effective, although some might find the opening segments slow going, given how long it takes to get to the eponymous contest (which is then over rather quickly). Yara Flor perhaps comes out of it the best, the fact that she can now be contrasted directly with the other Amazons allowing more emphasis on her unique character traits.

As “events” go, it's not going to be one of the most memorable, but it does move the plot forward for all of the series that make it up, and it's fun to read, with some good artwork. But you have to be okay with a lot of talk and posturing and a long wait for the main action.

3.5 stars