Wonder Woman '77: Volume 01 (2016)

Wonder Woman '77: Volume 01 (2016)

Author: Marc Andreyko  |  Illustrators: Drew Johnson / Matt Haley / Richard Ortiz / Jason Badower / Cat Staggs  |  Page Count: 168

"Why don't you pick on someone who can fight back?"

I didn't buy any of the Batman '66 collections because I already have more Batman comics on my overstuffed shelves than any sane person should have, but I'm sure glad that it was a success because it likely had a large part to play in the launch of Wonder Woman '77.

Like the Batman title, WW '77 is based on the TV Series of yesteryear and uses the likenesses of its lead actors, in this instance that's Lynda Carter and Lyle Waggoner.

Because the characters had been established decades before, the comic can forego introductions and instead jump feet first into the action. By the third page of the first issue DC's finest lady is throwing villains about, the lasso has come into play, a woman is tied up, and the adoration of Steve Trevor is earned. Yes, the tongue is placed in cheek but it's held there lovingly. And since a comic doesn't have the same limitations that a TV production has that love can reach spectacular levels.

Like the TV series, it's split into self-contained episodes. There are five short tales in all, and while each one has its own resolution some of them also have an open-ended aspect allowing for a potential follow-up adventure. That could mean that we eventually get multi-part stories with more depth, but I sincerely hope it doesn't mean that the current format is abandoned completely in favour of an ongoing one. If that happens it's in danger of becoming just another monthly title in DC's already large superhero roster. The short episodes are part of what makes it interesting and refreshingly different to the norm.

- The coloured box had text, but I removed it because it was spoilery -

Being set in 1977 means it's the Season 2 versions of Diana Prince and Steve Trevor, the ones that work for the IADC (Inter-Agency Defence Command), protecting America from lingering Cold War criminals and the occasional costumed madman or madwoman. It also means that big collars, flares and disco dancing are hip. Author Marc Andreyko even remembers to reference the sexist nature of the era, with some of Steve's 'good-natured' remarks coming across like sitcom-esque quips that serve to demean him more than they do the Amazon Princess.

Artwork is varied. Capturing the radiance of Lynda Carter is no easy task, but mostly it's achieved, so credit to everyone who made the attempt. The highlight for me is the amazingly dynamic cover art by Nicola Scott. If you search you can find it without the text and DC logo.

All in all, it's an excellent first volume and a welcome return to what has become a classic and defining re-interpretation of William Marston's most famous creation.

The book collects together Wonder Woman '77 #1-2. There's a lengthy afterword by Andy Mangels that explores the popularity of the character and her TV appearances.

Individual covers. Click for full size.