| Title | : | Wonder Woman '77, Vol 1 |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1401263283 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781401263287 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 168 |
| Publication | : | First published June 7, 2016 |
Travel back to the sizzling '70s as the undercover Amazon Princess joins forces with special agent Steve Trevor to defend America against Cold War-era criminals. A search for an escaped Soviet scientist brings Wonder Woman to the hottest disco of the day, Studio 52, where a live stage act might prove more of a threat to Wonder Woman than the Russian Roller Derby girls out to bring the scientist home.
Written by Marc Andreyko (BATWOMAN) and a host of talented illustrators, this graphic novel will delight fans of the series as well as current fans of the Amazonian Princess. Collects WONDER WOMAN '77 SPECIAL #1-2.
Wonder Woman '77, Vol 1 Reviews
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I picked this up awhile ago because I wanted to see how good the old school Wonder Woman would be in the graphic novel. The stories were good. Some of the graphics were really good and some were just okay. Some of them looked just liked Linda Carter and that was awesome!
I will leave you with a few pics in the book!
Fin . . .
MY BLOG:
Melissa Martin's Reading List -
2.5 stars
"I do what I do, not for accolades or fame, but I do it because it is the right thing to do. I hope my actions can inspire other to help make this world a better place." -- Wonder Woman, in the third story
In theory, I suppose this graphic novel should be a sure thing - take the most-recognizable costumed super-heroine from the world of comic books, plus her first true bona fide success outside of that format (the 1976-1979 live-action TV show starring Lynda Carter as the title character, and Lyle Waggoner as Steve Trevor), and then right jump back into the print format - confused yet? - and you have Wonder Woman '77. Unfortunately, the five stories included here, plus the differing styles of illustrations, were a mixed bag - I thought only the initial tale ('Disco Inferno') captured some of the tone of the said series plus its 'wakka-chikka' time period setting with a sure sense of humor, while the rest were sort of forgettable or unexceptional. Also, there were nice moments where the artists perfectly captured the respective likenesses of Carter and Waggoner for Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor, but there were other times where it was a stretch. It may be faint praise, but I enjoyed the offbeat reference to the standalone TV-movie that preceded the series (starring Cathy Lee Crosby who sported a radically altered 'WW' outfit) in one of the plots, as well a single moment that referenced the famous 'super-powered jump' scenes that were ubiquitous in many episodes. -
Following the success of the Jeff Parker-helmed Batman ‘66 comics based on the iconic Adam West TV show, this is the comics version of the 1970s Lynda Carter Wonder Woman series, Wonder Woman ‘77 - though unfortunately it’s nowhere near as good as Batman ‘66.
While the show started in 1975, it began as a 1940s period piece with Wonder Woman fighting Nazis in WW2. 1977 is when the series was updated to a contemporary setting which is where this comic takes its cue. Diana and Steve Trevor are also secret agents or something working at the catchily-named Inter-Agency Defense Command (IADC).
These stories though - yeesh! Wonder Woman fights sirens in a disco (because ‘70s!) and she battles her way through Doctor Psycho’s mental labyrinth. Both stories involve her punching stuff until they’re over - so boring and unimaginative!
Barbara Minerva’s motivations for hating Diana are pitiful too - Wonder Woman gets an exhibit in HER museum, oh the gall! It’s not even played for campy humour, it’s completely straight which makes it even more ridiculous.
The art in each story from a host of artists is actually really great but Marc Andreyko’s scripts are bargain basement-quality: instantly forgettable, unengaging drek through and through. Even many fans of the original show probably won’t get anything out of this wonder-less comic.
Er, Happy 75th Anniversary, Wonder Woman!… -
Bullet Review:
Completely and utterly cheestastic - and I loved the hell out of it. About the only one I didn't care for was the last one where Wonder Woman faces off with a domestic abuser and his victim, which felt hasty and rushed. Otherwise, no, this isn't the most complex, gritty, deep comic, but I laughed and enjoyed myself to bits. -
I bought a Spanish language edition of this graphic novel at the bus station in Mexico City the day I left for Arizona. I used to watch the show way back in the day, so I enjoyed this book a lot. The print was easy to see and the pictures were lovely.
Five stories full of color, action, laughs and danger faced down in classic style by everyone's favorite Amazon!
I especially enjoyed "Quien Es Wonder Woman" and "La Felina Esta De Regreso", the second and third stories in the book.
I'm glad I noticed it while I was roaming around the bus station; the trip down memory lane was fun! -
Excellent job recreating the feel of one of my favorite shows as a kid. Very well done. Recommended
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Stories set in the world of the 70's Wonder Woman show. The art is great but the stories are written earnestly and straight forwardly. They just come out flat and boring. Andreyko does at least bring in villains from the comics so Wonder Woman isn't fighting a bunch of generic villains like she did in the show.
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67th book read in 2016.
Number 6 out of 561 on my all time book list.
Review Pending: -
Back in the 1970s, live-action television series with a woman in the lead were rare creatures indeed, and one of the best was Wonder Woman, starring Lynda Carter. It migrated from ABC (where it was set during World War Two) to CBS in 1977, and it is this “modern day” series that this comic book series is based on.
In this version, Wonder Woman works for the Inter-Agency Defense Command in her secret identity of Diana Prince, along Steve Trevor, Jr. Steve may or may not know that Diana is also Wonder Woman, but at least in these issues, he doesn’t officially know or make a fuss about it. They have access to the latest 1970s technology, including the advanced computer IRA, but Wonder Woman’s powers and compassion are usually the main key to victory.
Where this comic book series varies from the TV version is that the live-action version used none of WW’s comic book supervillains, so versions of these compatible with the show’s look and feel are inserted.
The first story takes place mostly at a disco, where a Soviet defector scientist must be protected from mind-controlling songstress Silver Swan. Diana’s outfit for this is based on the “white pantsuit” look she had during a brief period where the comics depowered her (to make her more “relevant.”)
The second story opens with Diana waking up in a world where she is not Wonder Woman or Diana Prince, but a mentally ill woman named Donna Troy. There are some nifty references to the Cathy Lee Crosby TV movie, and the post-Crisis WW continuity. Diana must figure out what’s going on and fight her way back to the reality she knows.
Next, there is a story that uses the Barbara Minerva version of long-time supervillain the Cheetah. It brings in elements of the Priscilla Rich version of the character as well–Dr. Minerva is driven by jealousy when the museum she works for dismantles her prize exhibit involving years of scholarship and hard digging for a Wonder Woman-centric publicity grabber. This allows the Cheetah spirit to take over her body so that Barbara can try to get her revenge. The climax is a showcase for Diana’s gentle spirit being able to overcome Cheetah’s command of great cats.
Original (so far as I know) villain Celsia takes center stage next. Due to a nuclear power plant accident that killed her home town, Celsia can project both heat and cold. She is determined to punish the men who placed profit over life and safety. We also get a version of the Atomic Knights, including a not-named Gardner Grayle.
And finally Diana has an encounter with the swamp monster Solomon Grundy on Halloween. Grundy may not be the real monster here… (Warning: domestic abuse.)
The issue is filled out with an essay by Andy Mangels about the television show, plus a gallery of covers and concept art.
One of the things I really like about this series is Wonder Woman’s dedication to non-lethal force, something that has largely been lost in recent years. Yes, punching bad guys is an important part of her problem-solving style, but whenever possible, she uses truth and compassion to bring about resolutions. This Wonder Woman smiles a lot, and inspires others to be better people.
Some of the 1970s elements do come across a bit cheesy, but this is not entirely a bad thing, as they fit with the feel of the show. On the other hand, the very episodic stories mean that there’s no character growth or deeper characterization–what you see is all you are going to get.
The art is okay, with Diana and Steve being on model most of the time.
Recommended to fans of the TV show, Wonder Woman fans who prefer a lighter style and younger readers. (It should be okay for tweens with a little parental guidance.) -
Everything that was fun and great in the original television series is brought back in this collection of short stories. It's a must read for fans of both Wonder Woman and the television show.
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My love for Wonder Woman began as a child of four, in 1975. I couldn’t technically read comic books yet, but I could watch TV. In 1975, TV introduced me to a super heroine that—-even at such a tender and innocent age—-made parts of my body that I didn’t even have names for do strange and interesting things.
I was far too young to understand the biochemical processes of my body, but I knew that I was watching something extraordinary. I am, of course, talking about Lynda Carter and her wonderful boobs. She was my first introduction to Wonder Woman, and I have loved her ever since, in every iteration.
Writer Marc Andreyko and the team of brilliant artists for the graphic novel series Wonder Woman ‘77 can probably relate.
This comic book series is totally groovy. Each issue actually feels like an episode of the classic late-70s TV show, only better. (Because—-let’s be honest—-the writing on the show wasn’t that great, which is perhaps why it never got nominated for an Emmy and only lasted 3 seasons.)
In these colorful pages, Wonder Woman battles supervillains Silver Swan, Dr. Psycho, the Cheetah, Celsia, and Solomon Grundy. She also manages to get in some disco-dancing time with her man, Steve Trevor. I really hope that a second volume of this series is in the works. -
A collection of self-contained Wonder Woman tales set in 1977 in the continuity of the TV show with the main characters depicted as Lynda Carter and Lyle Waggoner. Why not? It's silly fun; I'm sure William Moulton Marston would've enjoyed tuning in.
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Definitely NOT the target audience for this one, but I enjoyed it for what it was meant to be -- pure campy, nostalgic fun. It does leave me wondering why the Wonder Woman tv show isn't getting an animated film version as Batman's tv show recently did (sequel coming soon actually), with as much original cast as they can muster. I guess DC us too sexist to consider it (or too dumb). Too bad, they'd make a mint.
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Over the past few years, I've had a blast watching the first two seasons of the old-school Wonder Woman television show featuring Lynda Carter as the title superheroine. I also really enjoyed the Batman '66 throwback comics; I devoured the entire series in a few days. So, you'd probably expect this to be right up my alley.
Well, it was...to a degree. The artwork and storylines did a great job of taking me back to the time when the original series was made. However, the sultriness was over the top, and there was some profanity thrown into the mix, something I don't recall being part of the '70's serial.
So, this was quite the mixed bag. -
If you love Batman '66, then this is the series for you! A loving homage to the campy '70's TV Wonder Woman, just in time for her new movie. I really like Wonder Woman as a character, and this version of her is great - idealistic, innocent yet savvy, fun, strong and gorgeous. Check it out!
Similar titles:
Batman '66 -
This was made with everything that's good in life. Loved it
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Awesome. That about sums it up.
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AMAZING comic to read, just to chill and have fun!
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I entered into this with great reluctance. I haven't always been too seriously interested in 70's pop culture and I wasn't too terribly keen on the Lynda Carter Wonder Woman TV program when it was on syndicated television when I was young. However, there is so much heart in both the writing and the artwork that I couldn't help but fall in love with this series. Each self-contained story is about 20 pages and feels like a television episode. I enjoyed the interpretations the comic had with Wonder Woman's classic villains when seen through this view. I'll stick around with this series as long as the writing stays up.
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As someone who has never seen Lynda Carter’s television rendition of Wonder Woman, I was interested to see how this would compare to a regular WW series. It was exactly what I expected! Light, simple, and EXTRA cheesy! With each story playing out like a television show from the 70s, this book kept me entertained with the silly disco villains, vintage clothing and corny one-liners. Many different artists do work in this volume, so art quality hovers around good to amazing. None of these stories are complex or will blow your socks off, but if you are looking for an easy, fun, carefree read then this may be right for you!
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This truly was Wonderful ! ❤️
I'm a huge fan of Wonder Woman , especially the original tv show . Everything was on point , Steve and Diana are true to the tv show in both the artists renderings and the dialogue . It saddens me that there are only two volumes in this series .
I definitely recommend this to anyone who's a fan of the OG .
My only complaints were that the villians were somewhat lackluster . Secondly that they ignored the first couple of seasons , set during WWll , which in my opinion were the best . -
Después de leerlo definitivamente siento la necesidad de ver la serie. Muestra a una Wonder Woman y a una Diana Prince muy únicas y autenticas. Distintas a los cómics clásicos y a los New 52. Logra transmitir la esencia de la serie y el carisma de Lynda Carter.
Los dibujos son excelentes, los personajes son carismáticos y poder ver esos giros de Diana para transformarse en Wonder Woman es algo muy lindo, así como verla usar su tiara como defensa. -
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. They captured all the best of the series and the art was actually very good. Too good when I was forced to picture Lyle Waggoner's hairy chest peeking out of a silk shirt and leisure suit.
Not only did they heart of the TV series, but then they fit in comic villains and even gave us a glimpse of TV's other Wonder Woman. -
This was a decent set of Wonder Woman tales, but I don't think it really captured the tone or feel of the original show. Bonus points for working in the Cathy Lee Crosby pilot though.
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Some classic Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor shenanigans!
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I love that there is a graphic series based on the TV show from my childhood. I kept showing my husband panels and shouting, "Look! It's Lynda Carter! Squee!"
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I vaguely remember the original series from repeats in the early 90’s. And I do remember loving what I saw.
This collection of comics captures the tone and mood of that series and tell a few stories that could have come from the show. And it does a pretty good job, while tackling a few issues that are still relevant today. The art work is pretty good - Wonder Woman looks like Lynda Carter and the action is clean and fluid. My only complaint is the first story has a lot of ‘sexy’ panels. There’s even one character that I’m certain could not possibly stand like the way portrayed, in order to show bum and boobs. But it gets much better after that tale.
Each story is different, dealing with Wonder Woman’s comic villains. Some are given a solid reason for their actions, and some are given a redemption of sorts. One thing to really take away from this collection is the overall hopeful tone. Things will be made right, people will get help and Diana always looks glamorous. Each story also finishes with a smile, just like the show according to the article at the back. And I liked it a lot.
I’ll keep my eye out for more.
Read if you are a fan of the original series, Wonder Woman fan, or just wanting a feel good read. -
I love Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman. It's part of my childhood. I remember watching it with my parents, along with gems like the Mission Impossible TV series and A-Team. It brings me back to a happier and simpler time (wow, cliche much?)
That's what I felt about this comic. It was a simpler more straightforward Wonder Woman and, because of that, more enjoyable than some of the more complicated you-need-to-know-a-ridiculous-amount-of-back-story arcs you see today. -
A fun collection! The individual stories felt like mini-episodes.
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Wonder Woman '77 pays loving tribute to the live-action show from the 1970s. Astute readers will note that the TV series version of Wonder Woman starring Lynda Carter starred off in 1976 on ABC and was a live-action TV-movie featuring Cathy Lee Crosby in the title role in 1974. But after season one, ABC was ready to cancel the show- not because it wasn't a hit but because it's World War II setting just wasn't cost effective.
The same thing happened to the 1966 Batman series when it was cancelled in 1968. But unlike that series, the Wonder Woman series was saved from cancellation limbo by CBS. As a result, the show was bumped to the modern day of 1977, and Wonder Woman/ Diana Prince was set as a member of a CIA-type agency called the Inter-Agency Defense Command (IADC).
Instead of battling Nazis, Wonder Woman and her partner Steve Trevor Jr, played by the suave Lyle Waggoner (the actor had played his father Trevor Sr. in the show's first season), the pair fought mad scientists, burglars, and the occasional extraterrestrial.
Volume one of these series reprints the first two specials published by DC Comics in 2014 and 2015. I'd had been wanting to buy these books first hand but I wasn't willing to spend $8 an issue for them either. But it has my favorite year on the cover and I kept this on radar and wish list until I could get it for a good deal. Recently, one of my favorite comic book shops was having a going out of business sale and I was able to snag this book up for pennies on the dollar.
So how was this volume? Was it worth the wait? And does it capture the spirit of the TV or fall flat?
It was very much worth the wait. There's a Volume 2 out and I hope to one day get my hands on it one day. I thought the artwork was outstanding; not only capturing the likenesses of star Carter and Waggoner but it's fill with great cameos of celebs who might have starred on the show during it's heyday.
Wonder Woman is captured as a symbol of hope and freedom for not only the US but the world here. There's an added element of Diana being a feminist icon which wasn't so much a theme on the show, but over the past 40 years, Wonder Woman has definitely morphed into such.
One thing different from the series and these specials are the use of Wonder Woman's Rogue's Gallery. If I'm not mistaken, none of them appeared on the show, except maybe Giganta. Here, characters such as Cheetah, Solomon Grundy, and Doctor Psycho factor into some very entertaining adventures. Plus some of the villains that only grace the live-action series such as the evil Skrill make appearances. And there's some great surprises that make this a read full of cheesy 70s fun! And oh, the memories of watching Wonder Woman reruns as a kid...
Plus, don't miss Andy Mangels' essay on the historical impact of the 70s series and a awesome gallery of sketches and unused work.
