Monday, July 30, 2012

2010 Donna Troy, Wonder Girl art by Ron “Doctor Pretorius” Nelson

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Doctor Pretorius Art

Friday, July 27, 2012

JLA Classified: Cold Steel #2 (2006)



The JLA mechs briefly engaged the Voruk warships in outer space, before flying down to Penumbra, where the Voruk lacked shielding to follow. Only armed scouts could handle the "Infinity Coil," so they were sent in, while Mhak-Lord Gordoruk ordered the creation of "our beloved God-of-Storms."

Aquaman's shields had been damaged, so his ship fell to Penumbra in a heap. Superman struggled to fly "a bloody skyscraper, here." Everyone managed. Maiko deployed from Batman's ship in a probe to repair Aquaman's shielding. Green Lantern discovered his "power ring's gone all funny," not functioning effectively. Flash noticed flying "black snakey things" floating amongst the still world. In space, the Voruk's many warships were sacrificed to create one massive craft, but not without sorrow and salutations.

J'Onn J'Onzz was concerned about the snakes. "I can't touch them telepathically. It's like there's nothing out there." They were "spooked" by fire from the Voruk scouts. Tsaru ordered the Ghoji to fall back, even their outcasts, but Maiko refused. "I won't run away, Tsaru Kar. I am not-- not afraid." She chastised, "Death without Shai-Tar's blessing? You compound your crime!" Superman protected them with his four arms and twin blades. Wonder Woman noted Maiko's bravery. Batman observed, "He's got nothing left to lose." Aquaman's shields and consciousness were brought back online.

Martian Manhunter took a hit, terrifying his young co-pilot, Gaida. Light emanated from her eyes and mouth, until her mind exploded. J'Onn melted into near nothingness before struggling to collect herself. "She went off like a bomb. I've never felt such a powerful mental attack... If I had been slower erecting a defense--" It was Wonder Woman who checked in on J'Onn, and quizzed Tsaru Kar on what had happened. "She was just a child... Her noble heart would not be restrained."



The Ghoji had long tried to telepathically probe Voruk ships, but "protective scarring" had foiled them. Using her magic lasso as a conduit and a psychic pulse from the Martian Manhunter, an "oscillation pattern" was broadcast that saw the Voruk probes rain down limply from the sky. This afforded Wonder Woman time to press the resistant Tsaru about Gaida's death.

The God-of-Storms arrived, providing plentiful distraction. Batman managed to blind it, while Aquaman penetrated the craft. Wonder Woman used her lasso to draw information from the organic behemoth to feed Aquaman. The Sea King exited his mech to swim within. Between the snakes and the behemoth, Batman, Superman and the Flash were wrecked. The Martian Manhunter soon joined Aquaman inside the God-of-Storms, investigating a hunch. "It began to dawn on me, when Gaida died, what the Ghoji's Shai-Tar really was. Not a god, but a psychic weapon. Gaida harnessed the energy of her own body to fuel a violent psychic attack. The ultimate vengeance for a powerless people." Hearing this psychic projection, Wonder Woman realized "Not so powerless, evidently. The Ghoji sacrificed themselves in the thousands, during the invasion. That's what you told us, isn't it Tsaru? And those Voruk who survived infected others of their kind." The Voruk who suffered from Shai-Tar either killed themselves or spread their painful psychic illness to their families, whom they would likely kill to save them from the agony.

Tsaru argued that the Voruk were slavers guilty of every crime she had attributed to them, and deserving of their endless torment. Aquaman and Martian Manhunter began healing the race, which Tsaru saw as unchaining a beast from the glorious bounds of her goddess. "One more mention of Shai-Tar, or the barbarism of the outsiders, and I swear to you, Tsaru-Kar-- I'll wind you in Hestia's cord, and show you what you really are. It wouldn't match the agony you inflict on your victims, but I warrant it would be enough to drive you mad... Trust me. Not one more word."

The Infinity Coil collapsed, and all hell broke loose. It was revealed that it had been a gate, but instead of connecting two points in space, it looped one back on itself, causing a compression in time. Too long destabilized, it was now rending reality. The snakes were shadow anomalies, and the best hope was to redirect the gate. It would require "a stardrive of massive proportions," and Aquaman pointed out, "We're swimming in it." The God-of-Storms had existed in some form for nearly nine hundred years, so Tsaru Kar had to telepathically convince it to sacrifice itself, against Wonder Woman's protestations. "Shai-Tar is the only way. The Ghoji god and the Voruk god. Together they will cast down the shadows." Mhak-Lord Gordoruk refused to abandon ship, and would pilot the God-of-Storms to its death alongside Tsaru Kar.

The mechs still standing looked on as the deaths of gods ended the threat of annihilation. Wonder Woman ripped open her hatch. Martian Manhunter passed through his. Heroes and survivors looked out at the new dawn, while a bird sang.

"Chapter Two: The Sleeping World" was by writer/painter Chris Moeller

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

2011 Marvel Two-in-One: The Lost Issues: The Thing and The Super Friends



A few months back, we buzzed by Ross' Marvel Two-In-One: The Lost Issues, and I figured it might be nice to round up a few more of his fan fiction cover mock-ups for the Thing and Amazonian heroines...

...More Lost Team-Up Issues...

Saturday, July 21, 2012

2012 “My Superhero Ice Pop - Wonder Woman” art by Vincent “Chungkong” Vermeij

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"Think this is funny. Two of my favorite things: Superheroes (ain’t we all) en ice pops. So check out: My SUPERHERO ICE POPS UNIVERSE... And one inspirational thought: We could be Heroes…. Just for one day! (David Bowie)"
Fine art print on natural white, matte, ultra smooth, 100% cotton rag, acid and lignin free archival paper using an advanced digital dry ink method to ensure vibrant image quality. Custom trimmed with 1" border for framing.
  • MINI (8" x 10") $18.00 
  • SMALL (13" x 18") $24.00 
  • MEDIUM (Gallery) (17" x 22") $30.00 
  • LARGE (Gallery) (21" x 28") $37.00 
  • X-LARGE (Gallery) (28" x 38") $55.00

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

JLA Classified: Cold Steel #1 (2005)



One alien spaceship was pursued by another on the surface of Earth's moon. Genshi Mian, a white-skinned alien in armor, figured he and his partner were doomed. Tsaru Kar, the pilot, wished he would "Show some dignity." They were pursued by the Voruk, amphibians who resembled various terrestrial sea life like manta rays and large piranha. "Go on, you mud-sucking minnow. Twist all you want..." Laser fire clipped the JLA Watchtower, as Superman and the Martian Manhunter worked outside. Short work was made of the aggressors' bio-engineered craft, so they retreated. The two pale aliens were brought into the Watchtower to assess for harm. Both breathed in the same environment as humans, but their slender bodies had to remain in armor to tolerate even the moon's gravity.

The Martian Manhunter detected telepathy at play, as the aliens scanned the heroes' minds to learn their language. Tsaru fretted for her companion, but upon learning that he was alright, introduced herself. "My companion and I represent the Ghoji-in-exile." Tsaru did not believe in asking for help, but Councilman Genshi Mian had insisted, initially hoping to contact the defunct Green Lantern Corps. Instead, they explained how their peaceful but resolute Ghoji had refused to be enslaved by the Voruk, "the water-breathing filth that wrecked my cruiser." The Ghoji saw themselves as a peaceful, civilized people who neither made war nor were willing to submit to oppression. Despite torture and widespread destruction, "the Voruk got no labor out of us." After three years, the Voruk gave up, and instead deployed an "Infinity Coil" that basically put everyone to sleep for the last twenty years.

The Justice League debated whether they should get involved, and there were some questions about the aliens' veracity. The Martian Manhunter offered, "If you doubt my ability to detect deception in her, there's always Wonder Woman."

Pricess Diana approached Genshi Mian, and asked after his well being. "How do I feel? I found you, Wonder Woman, when I had all but given up hope. You will help us, won't you? You must!"
"Tsaru spoke eloquently on your behalf."
"I must trust to Shai-Tar. She cannot have guided us here to no purpose."

Wonder Woman wondered how the Ghoji could survive on a world whose gravitational field supported oceans, and Tsaru Kar explained that they were not native to Penumbra. "We were starfarers. Refugees. Over countless generations of wandering, we adapted to our weightless environment. Penumbra, hidden deep inside a nebula, was to have been our sanctuary. Our 'Paradise Island.'"

Tsaru Kar hoped she hadn't offended Wonder Woman by reading her mind again, but she was intrigued by her inherent contradictions. "Human, yet not human. A warrior who hates warfare. Your companions are beneath consideration. Simple, brawling savages. But I must say I find you... interesting. Almost like one of my own people."

"You underestimate my friends, Tsaru." Kar agreed that this was perhaps so, and to allow the Lasso of Truth to be used on her. "Without the ability to weave minds, I expect you must be cautious."



The JLA decided to make the trip by "gating" via a wormhole-type time/space structure. Above Penumbra, they saw a world trapped in stillness by the Infinity Coil. Aboard a Voruk craft, scientists warned Mhak-Lord Gordoruk that the coil was threatening a dimensional implosion, with no means of containing a collapse of reality if it device continued operation. Mhak-Lord Gordoruk literally bit the scientist's head off, demanding a fix. He had also continued patrols around Penumbra, and the JLA were soon under attack by a gunship. Wrapped in the emerald energy of Green Lantern, Wonder Woman flew through space to fend off lasers, until the ship could be routed.

The group arrived at a hidden refuge, where they were greeted by the sight of torture survivors who had been dropped into water to have their lower extremities gnawed off by the Voruk. Tsaru Kar insisted "Most victims died instantly, as was proper. These cowards chose to live with their injuries." Batman was silently revolted, as he watched the survivors walk on their hands with braces over their arms and chests.

Superman and Martian Manhunter discussed the effect of the Infinity Coil and how to deal with it. Aquaman confided his distrust of Tsaru Kar to Wonder Woman. "It's nothing I can put my finger on, Diana. Tsaru's attitude, maybe. Praising death as glorious-- then sneering at survivors as if they were morally defective. There's something sick about that." Diana had noted Batman's reaction, while the Dark Knight had snuck off to visit their topic of discussion: First the amputee Maiko, then Tsaru, who had followed him to the camp.

Councilman Genshi Mian mentioned the shield technology that protected their haven from the Infinity Coil, which allowed the JLA to develop a means of using same to permanently address the problem. Giant mostly humanoid mechanized vehicles were outfitted with shield protection, and each was customized to reflect the strengths of their individual JLA pilots. "The wire guidance system in Wonder Woman's missile launcher doubles as a delivery system for her magical lasso. Since Voruk vehicles are bioengineered, a direct hit should allow her access to the target's memory matrix. Each of us will be accompanied by a Ghoji technician, to provide information and damage control support."

Tsaru Kar objected. "My people are philosophers... artists... not axe-wielding savages!" Still, "I'll go with Wonder Woman, if she's willing. I'll show... how an honorable Ghoji conducts herself."

Counsellor Tarngiri had tried to warn Mhak-Lord Gordoruk that the Ghoji might have hired mercenaries, but he couldn't believe the "skinnies" would fight back or mingle with other species. Tarngiri had a number of issues with his people's leadership, and as they prepared to descend on Penumbra en masse, he wondered if this was his last chance to extend reason...

"Chapter One: The Hidden World" was by writer/painter Chris Moeller

Sunday, July 15, 2012

2005 DC Direct Wonder Woman Mini Statue

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WONDER WOMAN MINI STATUE
Designed by Brian Bolland
Sculpted by Tim Bruckner

A classic pose for a classic heroine! In this beautiful mini statue based on the sculpture by Tim Bruckner (BATMAN: HUSH ACTION FIGURES) and on the designs of acclaimed artist Brian Bolland (BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE), Wonder Woman, the Amazon Warrior, stands triumphant over a battlefield as she looks beyond the horizon. This hand-painted cold-cast porcelain mini-statue measures approximately 6" tall x 5.05" wide x 4.25" deep and is packaged in a 4-color box.

Advance-solicited; on sale October 26 o Mini Statue o $39.99 US
I used to own the full size version of this, and had it in a translucent case for show in my shop for some time. Like a fool, I decided to sell it when I closed the shop. It was beautiful, but it sure took up a lot of space.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

2011 Ame-Comi Heroine Series: Wonder Woman V.3 PVC Figure

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DESIGNED BY JIM FLETCHER • SCULPTED BY JONATHAN MATTHEWS
Bullets and bracelets!
This armored Wonder Woman, from a future vision in the Ame-Comi mythos, puts up her dukes, fending off foes with her unbreakable wristbands!
Packaged in a 4-color window box with J-hook, this non-articulated PVC statue stands approximately 9” high and includes a display base.
On sale August 24, 2011 * Statue * $70 US

Or as I like to call her, "Rule 63 Captain America Parody Porn."

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Sensational Comics for October, 2012


Wonder Woman
WONDER WOMAN #13
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Art by TONY AKINS and DAN GREEN
Cover by CLIFF CHIANG
1:25 B&W Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG
On sale OCTOBER 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• A terrible betrayal forces Wonder Woman to make a deal with the gods who want her dead!

• Ares, god of war, takes a sudden interest in the Amazing Amazon!

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
Guest-starring Zombie Jesus?

BATWOMAN #13
Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN
Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
1:25 B&W Variant cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
On sale OCTOBER 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• Batwoman and Wonder Woman team up!

• Batwoman and Wonder Woman team up! (We’re so excited we had to say it twice!)

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
This would be kind of weird pre-Nu, but JHW3 and New 52 Diana seem lateral

JUSTICE LEAGUE #13
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by TONY S. DANIEL and RICHARD FRIEND
Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
1:100 B&W Variant cover by CAMERON STEWART
On sale OCTOBER 17 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• GEOFF JOHNS is joined by TONY DANIEL for a two-part chapter in the Justice League saga marching toward TRINITY WAR.

• JUSTICE LEAGUE #12 will have the world debating its shocking conclusion – and where it will lead from here!

• The League takes on a villain destined to be one of the greatest threats to the DC Universe in the year ahead – the mysterious Cheetah! But who is she? What is her connection to Wonder Woman? And how will this fundamentally change the relationships within the team?

• Plus: The next chapter of the SHAZAM! backup epic by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank! This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers.
It's become increasingly clear to me that Azzarello has one extended story to tell with the Greek myths that involves Princess Diana, while Geoff Johns is the guy writing the actual Wonder Woman comics. As with Steve Trevor and Etta Candy, New 52 Cheetah debuts in the JLA book, which looks to be rebuilding her rep considerably.

TEAM 7 #1
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN
Art by JESUS MERINO
Cover by DOUG MAHNKE
1:25 Variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
On sale OCTOBER 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Learn how the secret wars of the New 52 were fought by TEAM 7!

• Early adventures of Deathstroke, Black Canary, Grifter, Amanda Waller, Steve Trevor and others!

• This issue: Battlefield Gamorra!
Man, I hate the Wall looking like a pole.
AME-COMI GIRLS #1: FEATURING WONDER WOMAN
Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by AMANDA CONNER, TONY AKINS and WALDEN WONG
Cover by AMANDA CONNER
1:25 Variant cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
On sale OCTOBER 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• The first time in print for this digital-first series!

• First of new series inspired by the popular figures from DC Collectibles!

• Wonder Woman must stop an attack on Themyscira!

• Features the spectacular artwork of AMANDA CONNER (BEFORE WATCHMEN: SILK SPECTRE)!
DC COMICS — THE NEW 52 ZERO OMNIBUS HC
Written by VARIOUS
Art by VARIOUS
Cover by JOE PRADO and IVAN REIS
On sale DECEMBER 12 • 1,328 pg, FC, $150.00 US

• In September, DC Entertainment reveals the origins, secrets and shocking fates of top Super Heroes in 56 special #0 issues starring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern and more!

• Now, these issues are collected in a massive hardcover just in time for the holiday season, with stories written and illustrated by top talent including Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Jim Lee, Brian Azzarello, Scott Snyder and many more!
JLA: EARTH II TP NEW PRINTING
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by FRANK QUITELY
On sale NOVEMBER 7 • 96 pg, FC, $14.99 US

• The powerful original graphic novel from the ALL-STAR SUPERMAN team of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely is back in print!

• Ultraman, Owlman, Power Ring, and Johnny Quick rule their world without opposition. But their world is about to be threatened by the arrival of Superman, Batman and the Justice League!

• Realities clash in this mind-bending epic!
JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE OMNIBUS HC
Written by STAN LEE and MICHAEL USLAN
Art by JIM LEE, CHRIS BACHALO, DARWYN COOKE, DAVE GIBBONS, JOSE LUIS GARCIALOPEZ, GARY FRANK, KANO, JERRY ORDWAY, JOE KUBERT, JOHN BUSCEMA, KYLE BAKER, MICHAEL WM. KALUTA, JOHN BYRNE, TERRY AUSTIN, JOHN SEVERIN, STUART IMMONEN, KEVIN MAGUIRE, SERGIO ARAGONES, SCOTT McDANIEL, WALTER SIMONSON, DAN JURGENS, RICHARD CORBEN and others
Cover by ADAM HUGHES
On sale DECEMBER 5 • 672 pg, FC, $75.00 US

• The entire JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE event from 2001 is collected in hardcover for the first time!

• Don’t miss Stan “The Man” Lee’s startlingly different visions of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, The Sandman, the Justice League of America and more, in collaboration with cowriter Michael Uslan and dozens of top comics artists!
I think I maybe have a vague recollection of possibly reading the Wonder Woman special perhaps. I did like the Jim Lee design better than the "Odyssey" one, by the way.

THE WONDER WOMAN CHRONICLES VOL. 3 TP
Written by WILLIAM MOULTON MARSTON
Art by HARRY G. PETER and FRANK GODWIN
Cover by H.G. PETER
On sale NOVEMBER 28 • 168 pg, FC, $14.99 US

• Collects WONDER WOMAN #4-5 and stories from SENSATION COMICS #15-18 and COMIC CAVALCADE #2!

• In these 1940s adventures collected in chronological order, Wonder Woman battles German spies, the mysterious Mole Men and Dr. Psycho!



Wonder Girl
TEEN TITANS #13
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by ALE GARZA
Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale OCTOBER 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Wonder Girl must battle her former lover for possession of her stolen armor!

• Is something wicked coming for Tim Drake?


Donna Troy
THE NEW TEEN TITANS: GAMES TP
Written by MARV WOLFMAN and GEORGE PEREZ
Art by GEORGE PEREZ, MIKE PERKINS and AL VEY
Cover by GEORGE PEREZ
On sale NOVEMBER 14 • 144 pg, 8.125” x 10.812”, FC, $16.99 US

• At last, the original graphic novel over 20 years in the making from THE NEW TEEN TITANS team of Marv Wolfman and George Perez is available in trade paperback!

• In this epic story, a mysterious villain plays a deadly game with New York City as the gameboard – and the Teen Titans as the pieces!

Friday, July 6, 2012

2012 “JLA Jan. - Wonder Woman - 212” art by Robert Q. Atkins

Click To Enlarge


JLA Jan

Sunday, July 1, 2012

1996 Wonder Woman Gallery art by Jim Balent



Nice Harryhausen riff here. Not as sure about the butt biting and inflatable anatomy, though. I take back any criticisms though, because at least in a pin-up full of swords, the Amazing Amazon is appropriately busting skulls barehanded.