Wonder Woman '77 #4 Review

Written by: Marc Andreyko
Art by: Jason Badower
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: April 2, 2015

That's Incredible!

I can't say enough about what Marc Andreyko has done with Wonder Woman '77.  He obviously loves the source material and writes it like the original show writers did...with respect.  Sure, there is a bit of campy fun, but it is never over the top like some other digital comic based on a show with a number after it.  The first arc was a fun and action packed story that anyone could jump into and enjoy.  However, if you were a fan of the show and/or had the luck (or maybe not) of growing up in the 70's, it was pure bliss.  Then it just disappeared.  I hate to editorialize in a review, but what is DC's game plan?  The Digital First line seems to be engaged in one big game of hide and seek.  I am a fan that happens to review the books and I never have any idea when they are coming out. It's so frustrating. So, it was with pleasure and exasperated joy when this issue hit my download queue.  Was it worth the mysterious wait?  Hell yea!  Let me tell you why...

One of the joys of Wonder Woman '77 is seeing the original shows characters portrayed on the page. To that end, this issue is an outstanding and triumphant success.  Jason Badower may have drawn the best rendition of Lynda Carter I've ever seen.  It is that good.  If you don't believe me, look below.

Am I right, or am I right?  It's a great way to start the issue and sets up the gist of the story...Is Diana Prince Wonder Woman?  Is she even Diana Prince?  It seems that she passed out and can't remember much at all...she has to ask an old lady what day it is and the lady (in true 70's spirit, I might add) thinks she partied too much the night before.  Oh, the ills of disco dancing.  One thing she does know, things are a little off.  However, she doesn't have time to get her bearings because a bank robbery is in progress.  Time for Wonder Woman.

Cue the awesome theme music (Wonder Woman!), start spinning and...nothing.  Then Wonder Woman shows up. What the hell do I mean, "Wonder Woman shows up"?!?  Well, it's the Cathy Lee Crosby '74 Wonder Woman.  That's Incredible!

Let's hope Joe Theismann doesn't show up

I cannot tell you how much I loved this twist.  It's also probably going to be the downfall of the issue for some.  How many people know who Cathy Lee Crosby is (no, this isn't Kathy Lee Gifford) , let alone that she was in a failed Wonder Woman pilot?  Oh well, I don't care because I am an old fart who loves such things.  My joy continued as Cathy Lee takes care of the villains and Diana finds out she's not in Kansas anymore.

When she tries to call Steve Trevor, she doesn't recognize his voice and the reader sees that he is also the '74 Steve Trevor.  Awesome!  Then, just as I was trying to figure things out, Diana heads back to her apartment and finds Carolyn Jones and Debra Winger...I mean  Hippolyta and Drusilla.  I wish I could show you the huge smile on my face.

kind of like this

I can't say enough about this issue.  Sure, we don't know what's going on just yet, but that's part of the greatness.  I can't wait to find out and if Ricardo Montalban shows up, my head might explode.  Make it happen, Marc.  I just hope there are enough people out there to appreciate this issue.

I've already shown you how good Jason Badower's art is, but I'll say it again...it's awesome.  In fact, I have to give kudos to the whole team of Badower, Romulo Fajardo Jr. (colors) and Wes Abbot (letters).  Great job, guys.

Bits and Pieces:

This entire series has been a love letter to Wonder Woman fans and this one steps it up a notch.  If you are a fan of the 70's television Wonder Woman (and I mean the whole 70's), this issue was made for you.  The art and story are superb and may only hit with a small target audience, but I don't care because I'm in it!  Pick this up and read it right now.

9.8/10