Wonder Woman '77: Volume 02 (2017)

Wonder Woman '77: Volume 02 (2017)

Authors: Amy Chu / Trina Robbins / Amanda Deibert / Ruth Fletcher Gage / Christos Gage / Marc Andreyko  |  Illustrators: Richard Ortiz / Christian Duce / Dario Brizuela / Andres Ponce / Cat Staggs / Staz Johnson / Wayne Faucher / Tom Derenick / Tess Fowler  |  Page Count: 160

"Release Agent Trevor and I'm all yours."

Before we even open the book the cover works its magic. I know that we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, that's not what I'm doing - I'm judging the cover by itself. It shows Wonder Woman in a running pose, but because it's Wo Wo '77 it's a safe bet that it's a slow-mo running pose! Yes, even the cover is respectful to the essence that is '77. Even before reaching page one I'm smiling.

Once inside things are just as good, kicking off with a puntastic title for the first story. Steve Trevor has man-flu, so it's up to Diana and her spangly alter ego to save the day, which is what she'd be doing anyhow, even if Steve was able to man-up and do something useful.

I loved how the little things weren't neglected, some being as entertaining as the more pressing concerns.

There's a couple of returning villains from Volume 01 (2016), but also plenty of new threats for the costumed lady to vanquish, some that are down to earth and some that are more fantastical in nature. All of which means there's ample opportunity for the cool items to come into play: the invisible jet, the bulletproof gauntlets, the tiara, etc. (Sadly, there's no skateboarding action, folks.)

Perhaps best of all is the increased number of costume changes compared to Volume 01, especially when initiated with a flourish as Diana spins. It's slightly odd that her famous swimming costume is more concealing than her regular attire, but I do love that '70s chic.

The first two-thirds of the book are the best. The remaining third isn't terrible, but it's definitely weaker by comparison, at least in some respects, but unevenness is to be expected when there's many authors working on a single title. It hasn't diminished my anticipation of Volume 03, if there ever is one. At time of writing, it seems like the series might have halted or been cancelled.

The book collects together Wonder Woman '77 #3-4.

Individual covers. Click for full size.