Wonder Woman: The Complete History [BARGAIN PRICE] (Paperback)

by Les Daniels (Author) "One of the best known, longest lasting, and most controversial characters in the history of comics, Wonder Woman has always been obliged to play a..." (more)
Key Phrases: magic lasso, super heroes, girl art, Wonder Woman, Sensation Comics, Harry Peter (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
There can't be many people who haven't heard of Wonder Woman, arguably the first female superhero and one of the "big three" (the others being Batman and Superman). She was created by Dr. William Moulton Marston, who also invented the lie detector, as an antidote to masculine comic book adventures, drenched in violent testosterone-fueled imagery and portraying women as helpless weaklings who had to rely on the men to untie them from the train tracks in the nick of time. Wonder Woman was certainly no weakling. Dressed in stars and stripes, armed with bullet-deflecting bracelets and a magical lasso, and flying around in an invisible jet, she had no qualms about saving her boyfriend Steve Trevor from certain doom each issue while dealing a swift blow to the odd Nazi soldier as well. However, most people who aren't die-hard comic fans will have only memories of the camp and kitschy 1970s TV show, starring the leggy and beautiful Lynda Carter (who also contributes the book's foreword). As compelling and faithful as this small-screen adaptation was, there is so much more to the WW mythology than that, as Les Daniels admirably proves in this gorgeous hardback volume. It features lots of covers and extracted scenes from the comic books, from her earliest appearance to her latest 1990s image changes, and plenty of photographs of the plethora of WW merchandise created over the years. And for those of you old enough to remember the TV show, the lyrics of the infamous theme song are also here in all their star-spangled glory. This is a wonderful, nostalgic journey through the life and times of the first lady of superheroes and a real appreciation of WW's staying power and campy cult status. Beautifully packaged, absorbingly written, and wonderfully illustrated, this is a must-have for comic fans. --Jonathan Weir, Amazon.co.uk --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
With a classy and entertaining touch, Daniels delivers the goods on the comic world's most enduring female leadDfrom her unique creator (the unconventional Dr. William Moulton Marston, credited with inventing the lie detector and a champion of women's world dominance) and the early issues' bondage scenes to her resurgence as one of DC's "big guns" in the 1990s and beyond. The author of numerous comics histories, Daniels here covers 50-plus years of history and character evolution with a light, informative tone, respectful of the accomplishment but never blindly adoring. Tracing Wonder Woman's growth affords Daniels an opportunity to comment on comic history and the evolution of women's role in society over the same time period, making for insightful reading. Moreover, this lavishly illustrated work is just plain fun and would make a great addition to any public library's comics, popular art, or popular culture section. Libraries should also consider Daniels's Superman: The Complete History (Chronicle, 1998), Batman: The Complete History (Chroncle, 1999), Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of The World's Greatest Comics (LJ 10/1/91), and DC Comics: Sixty Years of the World's Favorite Comic Book Heroes (LJ 12/95), which together offer readers a fairly rich overview of the comics' history.DChris Ryan, New Milford, NJ
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• ISBN-10: 0811842339
• ASIN: B000C4SIIU
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,934,551 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful collectible for devoted Wonder Woman fans, November 27, 2001

By	J. Collins "Paradise Bar & Grill" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Wonder Woman Masterpiece Edition: The Golden Age of the Amazon Princess - Collector's Edition (Hardcover)

(Please note that this review is for the "Wonder Woman Masterpiece Edition", though my comments may also appear under the Amazon listing for Daniels' "WW Complete History Book". Though the M.E. set and the History book share some content, they are separate items, both available here at Amazon. Sorry about any confusion.)

This collector's set is arguably the nicest product released during Wonder Woman's 60th anniversary, and has been issued in two different editions: the Deluxe edition (the one Amazon offers) and a standard edition. The Deluxe version includes the following: a hardcover book entitled, "Wonder Woman: The Golden Age", a glossy reprint of WW #1 (in it's own slip holder), an 8.5 inch tall WW figure in Golden Age garb, and a folding display case (or binder) with velcro fasteners.

The hardcover book (by Les Daniels) is an abbreviated version of "WW: The Complete History"; it excludes approx 100 pages of illustrations and reprinted story panels. "Golden Age" includes the basic text from Daniel's earlier book but features a different dustjacket WW reprint image, and a different Alex Ross illustration on the back of the hardcover. The WW #1 reprint is on heavy, glossy paper stock, and includes all the original content from issue one. The WW figure included is a plastic (upper body) and rubber (lower body) composite, and includes a cloth skirt (not removeable) and golden lasso made from stretchy material. (Note that the doll in Amazon's illustration is missing the skirt, which was either cut off or left off in pre-sales production.) The figure has limited articulation: the arms rotate at the shoulders, the legs can be moved (impeded by a plastic "bustle" that fluffs up the skirt) and the knees can be bent (at preset intervals) to help stand the doll. The head can be moved slightly from side to side. It all comes in a handsome blue "binder" that can be stored on a (deep) bookshelf or left open for display.

Though this is an excellent package well-worth the money, fans may opt for the less expensive "standard" edition which omits the WW #1 reprint and binder/display case. Both sets include the "Golden Age" hardcover and 8.5" poseable figure. Highly recommended to WW memorabilia collectors.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Les Daniels is no fan of Wonder Woman, November 21, 2005

By	lukistar - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wonder Woman: The Complete History (Hardcover)

I have always enjoyed Les Daniels and his carefully researched books of comics history, but everyone has a blind spot. Wonder Woman is obviously his. This book, beautifully designed as it is, fails to capture what has made Wonder Woman such an enduring character and icon. It's clear on almost every page, Daniels is unimpressed by her. It's fine if he doesn't like her -- no one character can be everyone's favorite -- but it does make for a frustrating read at times when one wishes to celebrate Wonder Woman's unique place in comics history. His fascination with her creator is evident to the point that it seems clear Daniels would much rather write about Marston than Diana. His heavy emphasis on the bondage subtext of the Golden Age incarnation undercuts the more postive surface elements of those stories. Indeed, he sneers at Gloria Steinem's endorsement of those early years, casting great disbelief that there could be anything of substance taken from them.

Also, as another reviewer points out, Daniels gives short shrift to George Perez's post-Crisis revamp. Widely acknowledged by fans as the high point of her modern career, it's strange to see Daniels blandly note the support Perez got from female collegues in overhauling Wonder Woman's character and deride it by calling the later issues akin to ADVENTURES OF MENOPAUSAL MOM (I'm paraphrasing but only slightly). Daniels here suffers from the same fanboy syndrome that infuses the industry these days -- the idea that if HE doesn't appreciate it, it must be terrible. Meanwhile, Mike Deodato's art is viewed favorably, despite that being universely considered a lower point in the post-Crisis stories.

At the end of the book, it really seems as if Daniels only reluctantly churned it out because of a contractual obligation. His Superman and Batman books are excellent and filled with total respect for the characters and their appeal. If only he could've retained enough objectivity for the Wonder Woman assignment. Despite it all, it is a beautiful book and the history is thorough and still fascinating if somewhat subjective. Good for historical nuts, not so good for WW fans.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! What a wonderful book!, October 2, 2000

By	jimwin11 (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wonder Woman: The Complete History (Hardcover)

I loved the two previous "Complete History" books byLes Daniels on Superman and Batman, but his book on Wonder Woman iseven more amazing. Maybe it's because she isn't as over-exposed asthose other two superheroes, but there are surprises galore in thishandsome book. The still-gorgeous Lynda Carter contributes a lovelyintroduction, and just wait until you read the story of WilliamMarston, Wonder Woman's unconventional creator. And the stunningdesign by Chip Kidd showcases totally awesome toys, original art andeven photos from a 1960s TV show pilot I didn't know existed. And weeven get to see the legendary never-seen "Star Riders"toys. Well, I could just go on and on. This is my favorite book ofthe year, and any fan of Wonder Woman (or Lynda Carter) will just haveto have it!