Justice #8 (December, 2006)

Wonder Woman attended a meeting where Batman laid out all the information collected about the Legion of Doom's plot. Afterword, Captain Marvel gave Wonder Woman a hug, and asked what had happened to her. "We are both beings of magic, Bill. That is also where we are most vulnerable. And I've been cursed. I'm going to die from the same poison that killed Hercules."

"The centaur's blood?"

"But where Hercules' death returned him to the glory which was his by right of birth... I am returning to my origins. These scars are baking me from within. I was clay once, formed by my mother's hands. The goddess made me real in answer to my mother's prayer. I am becoming unreal again. I don't have much time left."

Batman was finally freed of the mind-controlling worms, and returned the Lasso of Truth with a thank you. "Of course, Bruce. I'm glad you're back."

Soon after, the League learned their supporting casts, including Steve Trevor, had been kidnapped. Further, they were held captive my mind-controlled teen heroes, including Wonder Girl Donna Troy...

Continue the story through these character-specific posts:

• The Flash, Green Lantern & more at DC Bloodlines
• The Motor City League, Plastic Man & Superman at Justice League Detroit
• The Atom, Red Tornado, Hawkman & Hawkgirl at Power of the Atom

"Chapter Eight" was plotted and painted by Alex Ross. The script was provided by Jim Krueger, and the penciled layouts by Doug Braithwaite.

2010 "DCUniverse Vol.7: The Injustice Gang" The Cheetah by alexmax

Click To Enlarge


Deviant Artist alexmax has done a series of themed DC Universe group shots that I quite like, and even created an all-encompassing wallpaper that pays homage to the underrated Marvel Universe Series III card set. Of "DCUniverse Vol.7: The Injustice Gang" he said:

More Villains. This time, it's the Injustice Gang. I wanted to make a lineup with, what I feel are, the most iconic arch-enemies for each of these guys. Inspired in large part by what Grant Morrison did during the Rock of Ages storyline...

Cheetah: Just added a jungle-bikini to the modern Cheetah. Looks more feral than in a track suit.

Not feeling the bikini, which sexualizes the character through the assumption she has visible naughty bits to cover. Also, it steps on the toes of the entire "jungle girl" genre, which even Giganta could lay some claim to. Otherwise, solid work!

For more spotlights from this mural, see the following:

• Black Manta at Justice League Detroit
• Doctor Light at Power of the Atom
• Scorch at The Idol-Head of Diabolu

Justice #7 (October, 2006)

While flying a lassoed but mentally liberated Batman to the outskirts of the Fortress of Solitude in her invisible jet, Wonder Woman received late word from Doc Magnus and the rebuilt Red Tornado about the Caped Crusader's mischief while mind-controlled.

While the pair waited for Superman's arrival to unlock the door, other heroes began to gather outside. The Flash asked Wonder Woman about the damage dealt to her face. "Cheetah's scars are nothing, Barry. Somehow our enemies discovered who we are..." This led the Flash to be concerned about the welfare of his wife, but the arriving Captain Marvel and Superman warned that mental domination awaited the Scarlet Speedster if he struck out on his own. Instead, the world's greatest heroes stepped into Superman's parlor to plan their response as a team...

Continue the story through these character-specific posts:

• The Motor City League & Doom Patrol at Justice League Detroit
• Martian Manhunter & Zatanna at The Idol-Head of Diabolu
• Red Tornado, Hawkman & Hawkgirl at Power of the Atom
• Captain Marvel, Superman, the Flash & Green Lantern at DC Bloodlines

"Chapter Seven" was plotted and painted by Alex Ross. The script was provided by Jim Krueger, and the penciled layouts by Doug Braithwaite.

The Top 5 Silver Swan Covers

Introduced in the early '80s during Roy Thomas & Gene Colan's run on the latest "new" Wonder Woman, Helen Alexandros was an ugly duckling with divinity in her heritage that was granted powers by Ares to wage war on the Amazing Amazon. After a couple of early success, Silver Swan was defeated by Princess Diana, and her granted powers withdrawn.

George Pérez revived the character Post-Crisis as Valerie Beaudry, a deformed girl turned beautiful and deadly powerful by Henry Cobb Armbruster's industrial resources. Beaudry was eventually convinced by Wonder Woman and friends that Armbruster was using her for his own twisted ends, and retired her super-villainous identity.

Vanessa Kapatelis was one of a long list of Wonder Woman supporting characters tossed aside to make room for an incoming creative team's soon to be similarly forgotten replacement cast. She was brought back as the most current Silver Swan through a group effort of WW foes, and she has the greatest emotional impact of all the Swans due to her prior relationship with Diana.

• 5) Wonder Woman #42 (May, 1990)
• 4) Wonder Woman #290 (April, 1982)
• 3) Wonder Woman #16 (May, 1988)
• 2) Wonder Woman #201 (April, 2004)
• 1)Wonder Woman #15 (April, 1988)

More of Today's Cover Countdowns!

• The Top 10 Amazo Covers
• The Top 5 Major Force Covers
• The Top 17 Lobo Covers

Sensational Comics for January, 2011

Wonder Woman

WONDER WOMAN #607
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art and cover by DON KRAMER & JAY LEISTEN
1:10 Variant cover by ALEX GARNER
The controversial, epic story crafted by J. Michael Straczynski marches on! Diana continues to search for those that have sent hunters to butcher her fellow Amazons. Who is responsible? As Diana nears the truth, her foes only get more impossible to defeat!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale JANUARY 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

I think DC's January covers are a great concept, but even if we weren't looking at white trash Wondy, Kramer's art is meh, and that eagle logo leaves a lot to be desired. Fail begets fail begets failure.

JLA/THE 99 #4
Written by STUART MOORE & FABIAN NICIEZA
Art by TOM DERENICK & DREW GERACI
Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA
The monumental meeting between DC Comics’ JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA and Teshkeel Comics’ the 99 continues…
The alien invasion is putting a strain on the efforts made by the JLA and the 99! Firestorm has to contend with three startling additions to his matrix, while Hawkman disagrees with the 99’s approach to stopping the Noor Stone’s latest candidate. Rughal’s nefarious team-up with the space-born villain has successfully put the JLA and the 99 at odds unless Batman can find the one item that will end this assault on the two venerable super hero teams – and the Earth itself!
On sale JANUARY 26 • 4 of 6 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

Note the mid-mini-series price change.

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #52
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM • Art and cover by JERRY BINGHAM
In “Super-Powers” part 3 of 5, Batman faces the Justice League for the first time! The landmark meeting triggers a memory back to the time he met his first super-powered team – The Zhuguan! Take a trip down memory lane to a time when a young Bruce Wayne traveled the world to find the methods he’d need to embrace his fate as The Dark Knight!
On sale JANUARY 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

I assume Diana will appear, yet I don't care.

SUPER FRIENDS: MYSTERY IN SPACE TP
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art by DARIO BRIZUELA, STEWART MCKENNY, DAN DAVIS and J. BONE
Cover by J. BONE
Get ready for seven new SUPER FRIENDS tales from issues #22-28! The heroes race against Despero, Mongul and Queen Bee for magical artifacts, stop a plot against them hatched by the mad scientists of Oolong Island, take part in the Space Olympics, and much more!
On sale FEBRUARY 2 • 144 pg, FC, $12.99 US

I read a couple of these. They're cute, but not much Wonder Woman.

Artemis

YOUNG JUSTICE #0
Written by GREG WEISMAN and KEVIN HOPPS
Cover and art by MIKE NORTON
Based on the upcoming hit animated show from Warner Bros. debuting on Cartoon Network! Robin, Superboy, Kid Flash and Aqualad star in this explosive issue kickstarting an all-new ongoing series! They’re four young superheroes learning how to be a team…and maybe doing a bit of growing up along the way – but only just a little bit!
Animation writers Greg Wiesman (The Batman, Gargoyles) and Kevin Hopps (Spectacular Spider-Man, Smurfs) join fan-favorite artist Mike Norton (BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM) for this exciting new, all-ages title!
On sale JANUARY 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

I caught the first few minutes of this cartoon the other day, and it looked quite good. Much more Justice League than Teen Titans. Great design work, too

Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark)

WONDER GIRL #1

Written by JT KRUL
Art by ADRIANA MELO & MARIAH BENES

Cover by NICOLA SCOTT & DOUG HAZLEWOOD
Spinning out of the pages of TEEN TITANS comes this spotlight on Cassie Sandsmark, the wonderful Wonder Girl! Even though not every moment of Wonder Girl’s life is spent being a Titan, strange adventures still follow her everywhere. In this issue, she’ll cross paths with the odd new hero known as Solstice!
ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

I should have held off on my greatest Cassie covers list, it seems.

TEEN TITANS #91
Written by J.T. KRUL
Art and cover by NICOLA SCOTT & DOUG HAZLEWOOD
1:10 Variant cover by IVAN REIS & OCLAIR ALBERT
Robin and Ravager stand alone against the Feral Boys as Raven makes one last, desperate attempt to reach Headcase. Where are the rest of the Titans – and who is the mysterious figure calling to them for help? Pay close attention as a lost Titan reaches out!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale JANUARY 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TEEN TITANS: HUNT FOR RAVEN TP
Written by FELICIA D. HENDERSON
Art and cover by JOE BENNETT and JACK JADSON
The Teen Titans are reunited with Static in these tales from TEEN TITANS #79-87, but can they survive the power of Holocaust? And will Static stay with the Titans if he survives? Then, the team finds itself divided as it goes on the hunt for their missing teammate, Raven! One side is stranded on a dead planet, the other thousands of leagues below the sea – and both are in serious danger as they head closer to a trap set by the dangerous Wyld!
On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 208 pg, FC, $17.99 US

TINY TITANS #36
Written by ART BALTAZAR & FRANCO
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR
Titans to the center of the Earth! Terra uses her powers to take the “hot” Titans on the journey of a lifetime. And if Terra is involved, you know Beast Boy isn’t far behind! Don’t forget the sunscreen and the bottled water, and watch out for the Sea Trap of Doom!
On sale JANUARY 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Wonder Girl (Donna Troy)

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #53
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY, ROB HUNTER & NORM RAPMUND
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER
1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK
The final chapter of “JLA Omega” arrives as the World’s Greatest Heroes and the Crime Syndicate struggle for survival. But the Syndicate’s betrayal of their own pact results in a final, savage confrontation – and Ultraman does some betraying of his own! Can the JLA defeat Omega Man, the harbinger of death? Can they save the Crime Syndicate’s world and the Tangent Universe? And in the midst of this war between good and evil, which side will Dark Supergirl choose?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale JANUARY 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Well, the book certainly has girl power.

STARMAN /CONGORILLA #1

Written by JAMES ROBINSON

Art by BRETT BOOTH

Cover by GENE HA
In this tie-in to the “JLA Omega” storyline, the new blue and gold team of Congorilla and Mikaal Tomas work to unlock the secrets behind the toxic Omega Man’s dark energy, which encases Washington D.C. To do this they must embark on a quest to find the Fountain of Youth, encountering diverse heroes from the DCU along the way including Animal Man, Sirocco and a certain wonder dog named Rex. And all the while, Mikaal and Congorilla must outrun and outwit a cadre of terrorist assassins from Gorilla City. This is a breakneck chase through the DCU, but with a serious end-goal – saving the lives of their fellow members of the JLA!
ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Expect a meaningless cameo.

Justice #6 (August, 2006)

Giganta was responsible for two attempts on the Atom's life, before receiving a small comeuppance. The Mighty Mite then contacted Wonder Woman in her invisible jet, who explained the situation and asked that he join her at a secret League meeting place. Diana then landed in a jungle, and used her Lasso of Truth to guide her through an illusory stone wall into a cave. As it turned out, this was the Batcave, now infested by jungle vines and other greenery. The Amazing Amazon found the Dark Knight bound to a tree, and learned this was Poison Ivy's doing.

Attacked by a giant Venus flytrap and thorn-firing roses, Wonder Woman commented, "How much like men with guns you are, Poison Ivy," to no small offense. Creepers crawling on Diana, the villainess warned, "You snap one of those vines, and I'll snap your neck. By the way, I like the new look." The Amazon Princess tore herself loose, and freed her ally besides. Batman unexpectedly began electrocuting Diana with special gauntlets, her fresh facial wounds from the Cheetah glowing orange against the blue arc. The Amazon looped her lasso around the Caped Crusader's neck. Ivy cracked, "Is it too much to hope that you'll kill each other?" It was, as a spiritually freed Batman cold-cocked her. Wonder Woman survived the attack, and everyone was loaded onto the invisible jet.

Continue the story through these character-specific posts:

• Batman & more at Justice League Detroit
• Martian Manhunter at The Idol-Head of Diabolu
• The Atom, Hawks and Red Tornado at Power of the Atom
• Captain Marvel, Superman & Green Lantern at DC Bloodlines

"Chapter Six" was plotted and painted by Alex Ross. The script was provided by Jim Krueger, and the penciled layouts by Doug Braithwaite.

1991-92 Impel DC Cosmic Cards #22- Golden Age Cheetah

Question: Was Priscilla Rich the first regularly appearing sympathetic compulsive villain? I wonder how many people realize the Green Goblin was a Cheetah rip-off?

Another cool often overlooked thing about Wonder Woman is that she has a history of successfully rehabilitating her villains. Rich was nuts, and caused trouble as the Cheetah for years, until the Amazons finally managed to resolve her personality disorder... which stuck. Transformation Island: 1, Arkham Asylum: -871,744.

Speaking of Batman, his franchise was under license at another trading card company, which freed up room for three Cheetah cards! Sure, they were part of a triptych series that looked at multi-generational characters, and Cheetah was Wonder Woman's token offering, but that's still pretty sweet service.

More Impel DC Cosmic Cards

• Bronze Tiger at DC Bloodlines
• Darkseid at The Idol-Head of Diabolu
• Elongated Man at Justice League Detroit
• Peacemaker at Power of the Atom

2004 Wonder Girl Donna Troy Convention Sketch by Dale Eaglesham

Click To Enlarge

1991-92 Impel DC Cosmic Cards #126- Ares

Paris Cullins had a brief run on Wonder Woman around this time, and after a couple of years of Jill Thompson's spindly Amazon, it was nice to see our heroine looking heroic again. Cullins was trying to adapt his style the the '90s, and the results were not attractive enough for most, but I liked how tough he made Wonder Woman (in a storyline that required just that.) I'm glad he didn't have to handle Ares though, because this? Not so much.

More Impel DC Cosmic Cards Posted Today

• Amazo at Justice League Detroit
• Chronos at Power of the Atom
• Eclipso at DC Bloodlines
• Vandal Savage at The Idol-Head of Diabolu

Comic Alliance's The 5 Best Modes of Transportation in Comics

3. Wonder Woman's Invisible Jet

Sometimes an otherwise ordinary thing just needs one tweak before it becomes great. With peanut butter it was chocolate. With sneakers it was little flip-out Rollerblades. With jets, it's invisibility. More specifically, it's the fact that every part of the jet is invisible, while the person flying the jet is completely visible at all times.

Add to that the idea that this invisible jet is given to a character who already flies and can be carried around because it scrunches up into a magical ball that she can carry in her purse, and it adds up to a method of getting around that is just too cheerfully ridiculous to be left off this list. Plus, if the invisible jet is truly standard in all ways, it has to come with some invisible snacks and sodas.

Esther Inglis-Arkell offered up the above very Post-Crisis analysis of the Invisible Plane, and her #1 spot is amazingly also Wonder Woman related (and of recent vintage.) Wonder Woman's ability to fly was always stupidly derivative, especially when you've got a distinctive vehicle that all the normal people in the world recognize you for. Comic geeks want Wonder Woman to be Superman-woman #5, and civilians worry how Aquaman is going to make it to Super Friends meetings without getting an invisible lift. One of these two groups is way more right than the other, so choose your side carefully. Also, read the rest of the article here

Justice #5 (June, 2006)

"The first name I ever knew was 'daughter.' I remember my mother holding me in the dawn. I remember the sea. And I remember her telling me that I was a gift. And that I was beautiful." Hippolyta never wanted Diana to compete in the contest to become Wonder Woman-- Amazonian ambassador and champion for the world. Against the queen's wishes, her princess donned a mask and won the contest, but also broke her mother's heart with the deceit and the dangers ahead. "I swore I'd never wear a mask again."

In battle with the Cheetah, Wonder Woman's face had been slashed open in three places by claws dipped in the centaur's poison called "Heracles' Lament." Cheetah had exchanged some of her own blood for it from the goddess of the underworld Persephone. Princess Diana struggled against claws and fangs at her backside, until she reached her Lasso of Truth and ensnared her foe. A tear fell from Priscilla Rich's eye as her humanity was briefly restored, but the cat soon loosed itself from the leash. Wonder Woman had repeatedly reached out to Priscilla, trying to help, but failing that, she kicked the kitty across the alley. The Cheetah fled, but Diana could already feel an unmaking sickness within herself.

I liked that bit about the mask, even if Wonder Woman's lack of one is one of the least necessary rationales to consider. Ross' plotting is often burdened by heavy doomsday vibes, but that melodrama suits the Amazing Amazon a lot better than most.

Continue the story through these character-specific posts:

• Elongated Man & Aquaman at Justice League Detroit
• Martian Manhunter at The Idol-Head of Diabolu
• Ray Palmer with Carter & Shiera Hall at Power of the Atom
• Wonder Woman versus the Cheetah at Diana Prince
• Captain Marvel, Superman, Green Lantern, Black Canary & Green Arrow at DC Bloodlines

"Chapter Five" was plotted and painted by Alex Ross. The script was provided by Jim Krueger, and the penciled layouts by Doug Braithwaite.

2009 "Wonder Woman vs Ares" art by Dave Wachter

From his blog, DaveDrawsComics. Click to enlarge.

See also:
2010 Wonder Woman Head Sketch
2009 Circe Sketch Card
Gorgeous Ladies of Comics
Seinfeld SuperHeroes: Elaine Benes as Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman Day auction piece