Wonder Woman '77 #1 (2015) Review

'77 Heaven

Written by: Marc Andreyko
Art by: Drew Johnson
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: January 7, 2014


I have been anticipating this title ever since it was first announced.  Actually, it goes even further back than that.  You see, Eric and myself have been wanting this book ever since DC released Batman '66.  I know you are probably calling "bullshit", but I swear to you that it's the truth.  Honest Injun.  DC Comics, Marc Andreyko, and Drew Johnson must have entered our brains and stolen all of our hopes and dreams because this first issue is everything we wanted.  Now if only they could make me a donut bacon cheeseburger because that's what I'm dreaming about right now.


The very first thing every reader is going to see is the cover which is awesome.  Nicola Scott and Annette Kwok nail the Wonder Woman vibe with a spot on Lynda Carter representation.  Everything is perfect and that continues inside with Drew Johnson.  The issue starts with a cold opening...or should I say "Cold War" one.  Wonder Woman is being assaulted by the coolest Russian female roller skating villain gang I've ever seen.  Marc Andreyko doesn't name them, but my vote is for the "Iron Maidens".  They are appropriately attacking Wonder Woman with hammers and sickles and we have the start of something special. We find out quickly that the Iron Maidens (I'm going with it) aren't after Wonder Woman at all, but a recently defected Russian scientist.

I'm not sure how many people are familiar with the Wonder Woman '77 show, but I'm afraid that this book is going to get grouped with Batman '66 because of the title.  The original show wasn't as campy or ridiculous as the (also awesome) Batman show and thankfully, it seems that Andreyko was/is a fan.  Don't get me wrong, there is still a ton of fun to be had and Andreyko uses the source material and 70's pop culture in general to great effect.

The next part shows just that.  Wonder Woman, now "disguised" as Agent Prince and Steve Trevor (looking like a better looking Lyle Waggoner) head off to find the only unprotected Russian scientist.  It was a treat to see I.R.A. give the pair the information, but the highlight of the issue are where they are headed and what they wear.

Any comic based in the 70's better have some disco and the two head off to the disco capital...Studio 52 (Nice way to avoid a lawsuit and give a nod to the current DC Universe all rolled up into one).  Diana looks great, but I must admit that Steve Trevor steals the show.  He's hitting the town in all his open shirt, hairy chest, leisure pants glory.  After a crazy look at a "coke head," the pair find their target right as an awesome guest star is introduced.

I am a sucker for the old Wonder Woman show and this issue scratched that itch so well.  I had a smile on my face the whole time mainly from how Andreyko just nailed everything great about the show.  Consider me a fan.

Drew Johnson's art was great as well and I'm sure Lynda Cater is proud.  He captures the essence of the show and makes the 70's look better than I can remember them.  Kudos for getting Wonder Woman's costume just right, but I think my favorite things in the book were the big Studio 52 spread and the wonderful margin backgrounds with the appropriate stars, flags, and spotlights.

Bits and Pieces:

This first issue shows that Marc Andreyko knows his way around Wonder woman '77 and thus I can recommend to any of the shows fans.  Actually, with such a fun story and great art by Drew Johnson, I can't see anyone walking away disappointed. This book is yet another Digital First hit that I'm looking forward to seeing more of as quick as possible. Now if only I could get my donut bacon cheeseburger.

9.5/10