Customer Reviews

Wonder Woman Archives, Vol. 1 (DC Archive Editions)

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This volume covers the early career of Wonder Woman,as chronicled by Dr.William Martson(Charles Moulton,if you will)and Harry G.Peter.This shows Wonder Woman's debut stories in 1941(ten years before the birth of Lynda Carter)and shows how she became the heroine for the female comic-book reader who didn't want to identify with Lois Lane. (Gloria Steinhem was 7 when these stories first came out,and she loved them...not suprisingly, considering her later career.)These stories very subtly show that Moulton believed in female superiority in many cases-and wanted to show that a woman can be as much a hero as any man.

My introduction to Wonder Woman (or I should say, who I "thought" was Wonder Woman) came in the form of the weekly TV show starring Lynda Carter. As a child in the mid 1970s, I was not only bewitched, but suddenly I was hooked on superheroes and don't think I missed a single episode of WW or the many other superheroes who made their prime time debuts in the 1970s and 80s. For this 2nd grader, there was no one who topped the esteem that Wonder Woman held in my favor. But like many things from childhood, Wonder Woman the superhero faded into my conciousness for many a decade...until THIS book!

Presented here are the first Wonder Woman tales and what a treat they are to behold! Not only could Wonder Woman fight the Nazis, stop a blacmarket milk trade, uncover unfair working conditions for shop girls-- she could also kick some serious butt and save her beloved Steve Trevor from all harm(who seemed to ENDLESSLY get himself in to pickles) and by the end of the issue not bat an eyelash! Considering the cultural atmosphere of War-time America, this was quite a feat and what a role model Wonder Woman would served for young children. Yes, Wonder Woman was an early Gloria Steinem with brains, beauty, braun and a kicky pair of boots! Interestingly, the producers of the TV series in the 70s, at least for a little while, remained very faithful to the nature of these first comic books. A smart decision on their part. After reading these marvelous adventures, I decided to check out Wonder Woman of the 21st Century at the local comic shop. I'm sorry wasted my $2. The WW of 2005 is a sorry testament to the original icon presented in the pages of this marvelous CD Archives edition. Gone is a lot of the whinsome yet strong storytelling. Its replaced with a Uber-Wonder Woman whose overly "pumped up" muscles and attitude leave nothing to the imagination and sense of "wonder" the early vision so effortlessly supplied. What we have in the early books is the REAL Wonder Woman...perhaps the one that is best left to the casual reader's memory.

The DC Archive Editions are easily one of the most enjoyable and accessible ways to rediscover the comics (something I hadn't given at thought to since 1983!). Presented in beautiful color, on superior quality papers these volumns are "built to last". They are truly archival in every since of the word. These time capsules will not only become welcome additions to your library, but are destined to become terribly addictive to read. Worth every penny for certain! But first and foremost they serve as a reminder to all grownups of simpler pleasures that could be had for a couple of quarters with some change to spare....once upon a time.

For those who are fans of Golden Age comics, or are just crazy about nostalgia, this book is for you! I've always thought Wonder Woman was a well conceived character and being able to read her first adventures (during the early 1940s) was a real treat. While the art and stories are not as sophisticated as what today's comic book readers are used to, they are still incredibly enjoyable. Wonder Woman's character had almost a sarcastic side to her in these early days. Completely different from the very serious character in current issues. Readers will enjoy watching Wonder Woman toss around America's World War II era Axis enemies as well as cleaning up corruption and injustice on the home front. The Amazon princess is also a great role model for young girls. This archive would make a nice gift for the serious comic book collector in your life.

I always wondered why Wonder Woman made it to the top with Superman and Batman for over 60 years? This collection shows why. Wonder Woman is powerful and fights injustice. The stories are fun. It's hard to put them down. We see Wonder Woman fight Nazis, the Japanese that were allied with the Nazis, and social injustice such as over priced milk. The art is childish but adds a flavor of fun. It is also interesting to see the great changes that Wonder Woman made in a year: her costume, the magic lasso, and even her origin. These are some of the greatest comic stories that I have ever read.

I love this book because it shows a lot of firsts in the life of Princess Diana/Wonder Woman-the first time she sees a man,the first fime she leaves Paradise Island and the debut of her arch-enemy,Cheetah!Beautiful artwork and great writing make this a must for Wonder Woman fans.The colors in these comic stories are bright and vigrant.I've been a Wonder Woman Fanatic for years,but had never seen her beginnings in Sensation Comics.If you love the Amazing Amazonian too,buy this book immediately!

Wonder Woman Archives vol. 1 is the first instalment of a series of hardcover Wonder Woman collections from DC Comics. The Golden Age stories have their ups and downs. Good Points include respect for females, something most comicbooks of the time didn't have, and great artwork, possibly the best Golden Age art I've ever seen. The Bad Points are racism, mainly twoards Germans and Japanese, although the book has it's share of Blackface. Interesting, culturaly signifigant, and at times entertaining, Wonder Woman Archives vol. 1 is a worthy addtion to any Comicbook fan's library.

Get to see the original origin of the Amazon Princess and the contest. Wondy's pal Mala appears as well as the debut of Doctor Poison. These early stories may seem corny, but they are really charming more than anything.

D.C. is doing a great thing releasing their archival editions of their most popular superhero comics. Was very happy to come across these earliest Wonder Woman, and indeed, it was a fun nostalgia trip. My only disappointment was that the stories were even more juvenile than I had expected. Would love to see D.C. skip ahead and do archive editions of the '70s Wonder Woman comics. The art reproduction and recoloring are truly fantastic.

Picked up this one for my 7-year-old daughter. She loves it. The other reviews capture the quality of the product. Unexpected and earnest foreword by Judy Collins.

Just what is says it is - the first couple of years of Wonder Woman comics, in chronological order, beautifully reproduced.