A growing warrior is trying to acclimate to the changes in her body. Finally 16-years-old, Diana, Princess of Themyscira would love nothing more than to be free of “The Changeling” title she’s acquired over the last few years. No one knows how to explain and with her body growing and her moods changing as quickly as the weather, the young princess wants to take the day to celebrate without her bodily changes being at the forefront. 

There are traditions, including training with Antiope, that Diana would like to participate in. However, she needs the permission of the healers in order to participate. At the moment, the changes in Diana’s body make her weak in comparison to the other Amazons – even picking up a sword can be a struggle. Feeling worthless and unlike herself, Diana still has a birthday to celebrate. But unbeknownst to her, it will be different than any previous birthday. 

During the celebrations, a man washes up on Themysciran shores and while her fellow Amazons are none too pleased with a stranger amongst them, Diana disobeys her mother’s orders to go to rescue the boat and the passengers who’ve fallen overboard in the disastrous storm. However, Diana loses sight of Themyscira and has no other choice but to join the people she just rescued on the boat. When the boat and the passengers finally make landfall, Diana and the others are met with aggression and sent directly to a refugee camp. Diana does her best to help those in the camp, although she herself doesn’t exactly know what the best way to help is. However, as her first view into the human world, it paints a deeply affecting picture that stays with her even when she is taken from the camp – only to be met with another of the world’s most heinous crimes: human trafficking.

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed is a timely take on Diana’s origin story. While it is not the original story that fans know, it does put a new perspective on Diana’s life and just how she becomes Wonder Woman. Still a teenager, it is clear to see that Diana is frustrated with the changes she is experiencing on Themyscira. However, it is clear that this did not deter her from saving lives. Early on in the story, we see her stepping into her heroism. As someone who is a beacon of justice, it was great to see Diana fighting for those who were helpless, despite the orders of her fellow Amazons. While this was the same moment that she is separated from her family, it is also the beginning of her journey as a hero.

In this timely tale, we see Diana go through life in a refugee camp before she is rescued by Steve and Trevor, and brought to New York City. While it isn’t her home, it is somewhere safer for her to be. However, her first thought is how she cannot leave the other people in the camp behind – another nod to her character. She has a plethora of questions about what will happen to them and how she can help and protect them when she will be thousands of miles away. This shows Diana’s true heart. As always, she is kind and compassionate. But navigating the streets of New York City is very different from her time spent in Themyscira and of course, at the refugee camp. Now, Diana needs to learn to adapt quite quickly. While Henke welcomes Diana into her home, she has a hard time interacting with Henke’s granddaughter, Raissa.

Still learning, Diana doesn’t know how to interact with some of the girls her age, and while it’s not intentional, it is a point of contention between herself and Raissa. The addition of many of the things that we’ve all experienced as teenagers was also great. At some point in time, we’ve all had trouble fitting in or making new friends. All of these moments challenge Diana in ways she didn’t expect, and also put her on a path to cracking down on a human trafficking ring with Raissa’s help. It is dangerous, but Diana knows in her heart that she must do what is right.

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed expertly explores these triggering themes in a way that is both informative and also stays true to Wonder Woman lore, while still providing a new spin on everything. When Diana sees the disparity between rich and poor, seeing things like homelessness upon her arrival in the United States of America, darkness roils within her. While she at first doesn’t understand the disparity, she makes it her mission to work in ways to change it. Tirelessly finding ways to assist. In addition, the graphic novel speaks to relevant issues like the refugee crisis that is happening all over the world and the harsh realities of it and human trafficking. The book truly hones in on Diana’s compassion for others and that was truly the book’s brightest quality.

Beautifully written by Laurie Halse Anderson with amazing artwork by Leila Del Duca, Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed is another great addition to the DC Ink lineup of YA graphic novels.

Watch the trailer for Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed below:

You can purchase Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo and your local independent bookstores now.