Saturday, February 26, 2011

DC Comics Wonder Woman Mouse Pad 12078MP



Manufacturer: Ata Boy
UPC: 008215120742
MSRP: $9.95

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

JLA #90 (January, 2004)



The Steel Fang and his gang were getting up to extra heavy duty hijinks in Gotham City, so Batman called Wonder Woman for help. Diana figured it was at least partial as excuse for the pair to talk about their developing feelings toward one another. After all, they'd shared a strangely passionate kiss "before dying" not so long ago. When a goon called out for them to "get a room already," Diana asked Batman to be "gentle" as he tormented the mouthy dude into silence.

Back at the JLA Watchtower on the moon, Diana and Faith discussed the kind of love Dawn had for Manitou Raven to rebuild their live 3,000 years in their future. Faith turned out to be a romantic, but wasn't very good at love. Diana confessed "I've met Aphrodite. It sort of tarnished the romantic ideal." Faith thought Diana might have had a thing with Superman, which made Diana laugh. "HA! Oh, I'm sorry... Heh... I'm sorry faith. No... Superman and I are very very good friends, and that's all." Wonder Woman had just heard that line so many times before, and Faith agreed that it was best not to "dip your pen in the company ink. Nothing but trouble."

While dismantling a giant training robot with an ax, Diana considered Batman's good and bad qualities. Finally, she decided it was time for an answer, and asked the Martian Manhunter if she could use his Transconsciousness Articulator to work through the possibilities in a sort of virtual reality.

An eternal young Diana spent her final days with her husband; the aged, crippled, ever sarcastic Bruce Wayne; on Paradise Island before he died.

A ridiculous, fetishistic Batwoman severed a wife-beater's arm with her lasso while on patrol with a relatively nonchalant Batman.

The Joker had just about murdered Batman, who pleaded with Wonder Woman not to let it push her over the line. Diana rushed the Clown Prince, and took a faceful of squirting flower acid. Then she grabbed the Joker by the face and dragged his head across a wall. "My love is dead. And now, so am I."

Despite petitioning her gods and literally going through Hell, Diana was not allowed to bear Bruce Wayne's children. Still, she had saved his soul from darkness and made him a more optimistic (a fruitier looking) hero. They had a life together, and had elevated Gotham City to a clean, ornate metropolis rivaling Superman's town.

Diana came out of the Transconsciousness Articulator with a smile on her face and Batman hovering over her. He had considered undergoing the same treatment, but "I don't really want to see what's lurking around in my brain." Simultaneously, they agreed not to progress to a romantic relationship. "Bruce. It's possible... It's more than just possible that we could be wonderful together. There's equal potential for utter disaster. I love you... as a lifelong friend, a confidant, and ally, but I'm not willing to risk that to see if there's more. Are you?"

They hugged, and joked about how terrible things must have turned out in Diana's mind...

"Perchance..." was by Joe Kelly, Chriscross & Tom Nguyen.

I tend to hate stories where Wonder Woman hooks up with either of the World's Finest. I feel the relationship overshadows her, inflates the guys, and makes her seem like that chick in a group of male friends that ends up getting passed around. On the other hand, I vastly prefer the less common WW-Batman match to the incestuously boring and obvious Superman coupling. If Diana just wanted a nice guy with super powers to settle down with, she wouldn't have to wait around for Lois Lane to die. Diana spent all those years with Steve Trevor because he worked that balance between relatively capable arrogant dick and vulnerable himbo in need of loving guidance and salvation. There's some parallels to Batman, but it occurs to me that Dick "Nightwing" Grayson is way more of a Steve. Thoughts?

Also, while she's sometimes pushes the boundaries of sexed-up thickness, I rather like Chriscross's take on Wonder Woman. She was about a full head taller than faith, and ripped as heck, but still undeniably feminine. That is damned tough to pull off, and there are definitely panels here where I get more of a Big Barda vibe, but it's still good looking stuff.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

2009 White Lantern Donna Troy design by Joe Prado

Click To Enlarge


After three variations of Zombie Wondy, it is such a relief to play out this thread with the positive, life-affirming Donna Troy. Wait-- how did that happen? Donna Troy is the Jean Grey of the DC Universe. Dead sleazy furry ex-husband, dead future super-tyrant zombie baby, dead parents/foster parents/celestial benefactors, depowered more times than a rechargeable battery, and probably the most bungled origins in comic book history (even over Hawkman!!!) I guess Donna is blessed with the miserable continuity equivalent of serenity of the deep.

Troy's dreary normal basic black costume is improved upon here, with a shimmering white and a lantern motif that offers her first illustrated purpose for existing since her Darkstar days. Wonder Woman fights for truth and justice, Artemis follows the hunt, Cassie is the girl power legacy and Donna... goes to Monica Lewinsky's dry cleaner? This is better. Did Donna actually wear this in a comic, because she really needs to, stat. Something as simple as a code name would also be a break in the existential ennui.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Sensational Comics for May, 2011



Sensational Links:

Wonder Woman
FLASHPOINT #1
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by ANDY KUBERT
1:25 Variant cover A by ANDY KUBERT
Variant cover B by IVAN REIS and GEORGE PÉREZ
Not a dream, not an imaginary story, not an elseworld. This is Flash Fact: When Barry Allen wakes at his desk, he discovers the world has changed. Family is alive, loved ones are strangers, and close friends are different, gone or worse. It’s a world on the brink of a cataclysmic war – but where are Earth’s Greatest Heroes to stop it? It’s a place where America’s last hope is Cyborg, who hopes to gather the forces of The Outsider, The Secret 7, S!H!A!Z!A!M!, Citizen Cold and other new and familiar-yet-altered faces! It’s a world that could be running out of time, if The Flash can’t find the villain who altered the time line!
Welcome to FLASHPOINT!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale MAY 11 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Amazon Warrior Princess Diana again? Sigh. Do not want, but at least the thought of a marriage to Aquaman doesn't make me puke in my mouth like one with Superman or Batman.

BOOSTER GOLD #44
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by DAN JURGENS and NORM RAPMUND
Dan Jurgens returns to BOOSTER GOLD just in time for this FLASHPOINT prelude. Booster Gold returns to Rip Hunter’s lab after the events of TIME MASTERS and finds that this world isn’t the same one he left behind.
On sale MAY 18 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US • RATED T
When Wonder Woman is meant to be identified only by armor and a sword, it makes me warm up to Biker Slur Wondy as a less tasteless alternative

WONDER WOMAN #611
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI and PHIL HESTER
Art and cover by DON KRAMER and JAY LEISTEN
1:10 Variant cover by ALEX GARNER
The penultimate chapter of “Odyssey”! Who is behind Diana’s altered reality? Who made the world forget that she is Wonder Woman? Who wants the Amazons dead? And, most importantly, why? The answers start to come right here!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale MAY 25 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Awesome! Phil Hester can finally get all of the credit for doing all of the work with #613! I'll try to blame Red Wolf-Cheetah on JMS...
DC UNIVERSE ONLINE LEGENDS #7-8
Written by MARV WOLFMAN and TONY BEDARD
Art by MIKE S. MILLER, HOWARD PORTER and LIVESAY
Covers by ED BENES
Inspired by the best-selling SOE game, the epic series continues as we see the last stand of the future JLA in issue #7! Batman’s survived horrific injuries and outlived all his allies to try to implement a final, desperate gambit...but is Luthor trustworthy?
And in issue #8, after an epic disaster is inflicted on Metropolis, Superman works to pick up the pieces – literally. But can he overcome his concern over Lois’s disappearance? And as Brainiac and Luthor regroup, their plans start to coalesce in a surprising direction as the war for the future begins!
Issue #7 on sale MAY 4
Issue #8 on sale MAY 18
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
DC COMICS PRESENTS: SON OF SUPERMAN #1
Written by HOWARD CHAYKIN and DAVID TISCHMAN
Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III and MICK GRAY
Reprinting a classic Superman tale featuring the art of J.H. Williams III!
Fifteen years after the disappearance of Superman, a teenage Jon Kent awakens one day to learn that not only is he the son of the Man of Steel, but he has suddenly inherited his powers. Looking to follow in his father’s footsteps, Jon joins a rebel organization that fights against the now completely corrupt U.S. government and their plan for total economic segregation. But by becoming an enemy of the state, the son of Superman instantly becomes a target of the government-run Justice League. Now in order to live up to the legacy of his father, Jon must defeat corrupted and deviant versions of Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and The Flash.
On sale MAY 4 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US
This was done back when JHW3 was stuck in the purgatory of Elseworlds one-shots, and it is an especially mean-spirited one, but pretty to look at.
BRIAN BOLLAND COVER TO COVER HC
Written by BRIAN BOLLAND
Art and cover by BRIAN BOLLAND
Artist Brian Bolland, best known for his work as illustrator of the best-selling title BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, is the subject of this new hardcover collecting his covers for DC Comics. Featuring highly detailed and meticulous craftsmanship combined with dramatic takes on the world’s best-known Super Heroes, Bolland’s work has been featured on GREEN LANTERN, BATMAN, WONDER WOMAN, THE FLASH, ZATANNA and the Vertigo series THE INVISIBLES and ANIMAL MAN. This spectacular collection includes rarely seen and never-before-published art, along with commentary from Bolland.
On sale AUGUST 31 • 208 pg, FC, 8.625” x 11.625”, $39.99 US
I shouldn't have to "sell" a Bolland collection here. Three years worth of Wonder Woman covers and occasional interior art should have done that job years ago.
JUSTICE HC
Written by JIM KRUEGER and ALEX ROSS
Art by ALEX ROSS and DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover by ALEX ROSS
The best-selling 12-issue series illustrated by Alex Ross is now available as a single volume hardcover at DC’s standard trim size.
The villains of the Legion of Doom — led by Lex Luthor and Brainiac — band together to save the world after a shared dream that seems to be a vision of the Earth’s demise. They are confronted by the Justice League of America, who doubt their motives—and as their true plans unfold the two teams do battle.
On sale JULY 27 • 384 pg, FC, $39.99 US
I promise to finish my synopsizes of this, just as soon as I can be bothered to finish reading the damned dumb thing.

Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark)
TEEN TITANS #95
Written by J.T. KRUL
Art and cover by NICOLA SCOTT and DOUG HAZLEWOOD
Trapped in a dangerous world of monsters from Hindu lore, The Teen Titans are being hunted down. Will Superboy be the next to fall? And for what dark purpose does the Demon King Rankor need our heroes? Don’t miss the next chapter of Solstice’s first adventure with the team!
On sale MAY 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
TINY TITANS #40
Written by ART BALTAZAR & FRANCO
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR
Because you demanded it, the wait is finally over – it’s the all-Kroc issue! Ever wonder if you’re doing things the right way or the wrong way? How about the Kroc way? This issue is filled with household, how-to, and cooking tips – the Kroc way! Don’t worry, the Tiny Titans will be there, too!
On sale MAY 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E

Wonder Girl (Donna Troy)
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #57
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:10 Variant cover by ED BENES
Eclipso’s master plan is revealed at last! But how can even he achieve such an outrageous goal? And how does it hinge on his control of the moon and the Emerald City of the Starheart? The JLA must fight Eclipso’s ever-growing Shadow Army while looking for answers in a race against time to prevent The End of Days while he targets the next pawn in his plan of ultimate control: The Spectre. Plus, Obsidian is back...but whose side is he on?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale MAY 18 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US • RATED T

I-Ching
BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER and KYLE HIGGINS
Art and Cover by TREVOR MCCARTHY
1:25 Variant cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
When a mystery as old as Gotham City itself surfaces, Batman assembles a team of his greatest detectives – including Red Robin, Owlman, I-Ching and others – to investigate this startling new enigma. As clues are discovered and the mystery deepens, Batman’s team soon finds itself on a journey that explores different eras in Gotham’s history and touches upon notable Gotham families including the Waynes, Kanes, and Elliotts.
This miniseries spins out of recent events in the Batman titles and sets the stage for several exciting storylines in 2011. Additionally, this limited series touches upon mysterious story elements introduced in Grant Morrison’s RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE. Featuring many exciting Batman Family guest stars!
On sale MAY 18 • 1 of 6, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Sunday, February 13, 2011

2011 M·A·C WONDER WOMAN Animated Commercial



Utilizing the promotional art of Michael Allred, M·A·C Cosmetics created a sort of motion comic to advertise their new Wonder Woman line. A bit too much motion for my aging eyes in fact, so I wish they'd used voice actors instead of making me try to read restless and swiftly exiting captions and dialogue balloons. The story is no more involved than a 1970s Hostess ad though, so it's not like you have to actually follow the narrative intently. Medusa is ugly, so she wants all the women of the world to be her plain looking slaves. Wonder Woman shields her beautiful self against petrifying fug of lore, and insures the female population will continue to paint their faces like clowns in a desperate bid for acceptance in Man's World. Throw in a burka, and it's Sarah Palin's platform for 2012.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

2010 Super Powers Wonder Woman LithoPrint



$19.95 on eBay.

You are bidding on a 2010 SUPER POWERS - WONDER WOMAN LithoPrint. The print celebrates DC's 75th Anniversary and used the vintage Super Powers artwork, printed on a very heavy, quality paper. Absolutely fantastic lithoprint, measures 14" x 20" - Near Mint condition.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

2009 Black Lantern Wonder Woman version 3 design by Joe Prado

Click To Enlarge


Finally down to the last of the three version of Zombie Princess Diana, and it's not like I had tons to say about this whole premise to begin with. Instead, what I'd like to say is that Maxwell Lord is not a Wonder Woman villain. At length.

Lord started out as the million dollar manipulator who engineered the formation of Justice League International while himself under the influence of an evil computer. Although sometimes shady and a bit too convenient a device to keep the JLI story engine purring, Max redeemed himself and became a fan favorite supporting character. Lord went through the '90s like the rest of us, and after a stint as a villainous cyborg-a-ma-bob, it was decided to make Max Lord retroactively bad to the bone. Lord even killed Blue Beetle, which was like cutting out the heart of his hundred of devoted fans. Not a typo.

The final straw was when Max Lord took over Superman's brain and made the Man of Steel run around punching people for three or so issues of his book. That led to an issue of Wonder Woman where the writer pretended that the only way to stop Superman's rampage was to twist Maxwell Lord's face around to his butthole. Wonder Woman was a member of Justice League Europe under Max Lord for literally a handful of panels of a couple of issues, so she had no preexisting relationship or animosity, and she easily killed Lord the very first time they were at odds with one another. This establishes that Lord meant nothing to Wonder Woman, especially as a threat.

For like a year's worth of Wonder Woman comics and a bunch of guest appearances, Wonder Woman struggled with the repercussions of killing Lord, with governments, fellow heroes, and the law in general turning on her. Lord left behind a sentient spy satellite with hundreds of OMACs at its disposal to trouble Diana and the amazons, but not really all that much, and they were all kind of invented by Batman besides. If you must, say that Batman's runaway robot was an enemy of Wonder Woman.

Eventually Max Lord came back as a zombie and led forces against Wonder Woman for the length of one more comic. Shortly thereafter, Lord enjoyed a more healthy form of resurrection, and went back to being a pest for a bunch of old JLI members. Lord also wants to kill Wonder Woman, but only as a b-or-even-c-plot in a quasi-JLI mini-series. Once again, this is an artificial feud with no emotional weight or commercial pull. It just does not matter to most anyone. When I do post about zombie Max Lord, and I will, I'll be too busy with legitimate Wonder Woman business to bother with him here. Anyone going to miss him? I have my doubts...

Monday, February 7, 2011

2006 JBQ and friends commission by Kevin Nowlan

Click To Enlarge


"The commissioner asked for this unusual group of characters and I enjoy drawing all of them so who am I to argue?"

Featuring Jack B. Quick, Clea, Dalgoda and Wonder Woman

Friday, February 4, 2011

2009 Black Lantern Wonder Woman version 2 design by Joe Prado

Click To Expand


Here is an alternate design by Joe Prado of Wonder Woman as she might have appeared in Blackest Night. This is a far more simple and traditional take, largely swapping out colors and incorporating the Black Hand symbol into her tiara and breastplate. Wonder Woman doesn't exactly thrive on simplicity though, so it just looks like a chick in a dark bathing suit with odd accessories.

Man, that whole event was a non-starter for the Amazing Amazon, huh? Who but the devoted even remembered her brief death-by-Neron that turned her into a Goddess of Truth during John Byrne's painful run? What did she contribute to the story? She fought zombies and Maxwell Lord in the first part of her tacked-on side mini-series, then Mera in a second issue so horrible I couldn't continue to the end. I still can't figure out what I found more distasteful: Diana's apparent murdering of Donna and Cassie, her being saved by Batman's love power to become a Pink Power Ranger Star Sapphire, or the fact that the whole damned thing was just a dream. Blech!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

2009 Black Lantern Wonder Woman design by Joe Prado

Click To Expand


Not much for this design. The usual sword and Greco-Roman affectations, but I like how the Black Hands were incorporated. The Blackest Night Wonder Woman mini-series was pretty terrible, so I consider the uninspired togs fair warning.