Review by Ian Keogh

Many are the wonders of Themyscira, hidden island home of the Amazons, but perhaps the most surprising inspiration of the original creators in the 1940s was the Amazons heading to battle riding kangaroos, although here they’re called kangas. Tests and Tournaments is aimed at younger readers as Sholly Fisch outlines the training and qualifications that have to be undertaken before a kanga is paired with an Amazon warrior.

Fisch and artist Yancey Labat show a bunch of kangas watching the young Amazons train, and identifying Princess Diana as the star turn, Jumpa dreams of being her partner. Labat ensures the plot charms from the start by drawing charming, friendly kangas, the type any child reading would want for a pal, giving them individual costumes and personalities, and ensuring Themyscira is a land of wonder.

As the young kangas bond with each other and the audience, impending trouble is introduced via Ares picking the upcoming tournament as the perfect time to take revenge on the Amazons. Fisch is an old hand at generating thrills in comics aimed at young readers, largely through never talking down to them and having faith they’ll figure things out when encountering new characters and situations, although an information dump manifests near the start. A further problem concerns the kangas having to prove themselves outstanding in the forthcoming tournament. Jumpa thinks their group will look their best if prioritising teamwork, but others want to shine individually.

While Diana charms in a couple of pivotal scenes, claiming this to be a Wonder Woman graphic novel on the cover is a big stretch. The focus is squarely on the kangas, but Fisch and Labat make young readers care about their hopes and challenges, especially when their big day arrives. A follow up is planned for 2026 as the kangas are Lost in a Labyrinth.