Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77 (2017)

Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77 (2017)

Authors: Marc Andreyko / Jeff Parker | Illustrators: David Hahn / Karl Kesel / Bill Williams | Page Count: 144

"In the brightest flash of light my young eyes had ever seen...Wonder Woman appeared!"

Holy logical team-ups! Gotham's Caped Crusader pairs with Themyscira's most famous daughter in a heavenly crossover that's even better than I hoped it would be.

The two distinct eras aren't ignored or glossed over; they're an essential part of the structure. If you're familiar with each hero's respective TV show, you'll know that Season 01 of Wonder Woman is set in 1940s America, making it not inconceivable that Diana Prince could've visited Bruce Wayne's home town before her return to Paradise Island and her Season 02 adventures.

Being in Wo Wo Season 01 era means there's Nazis to deal with; they're hunting for two rare books that are more important than even their rich owner knows.

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.

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.