Wednesday, June 23, 2010

"I Can Read" Books

There is a series of children books that are being released featuring the loved characters of DC Comics. There have been Superman and Batman books that have featured Wonder Woman and other heroes and villains.  In August, they are finally going to be releasing one with just Diana.




Meet Diana, Princess of the Amazons, and discover how she becomes the amazing Wonder Woman!

DC 75th Anniversary

As not many of you know but DC Comics is having its 75th Anniversary this year.  They are going to be releasing a lot of really cool stuff. Wonder Woman is highlighted in many of the items. Though, I wish there was more items just involving the Amazon Princess.

Critically acclaimed pop-up engineer Matthew Reinhart celebrates the history, heroes, and villains of the DC Universe in this ultimate 3-D masterpiece! Bursting with over 25 impressive pop-ups, this deluxe format features a variety of unique novelty elements-including a light-up Bat-Signal, a cosmic Justice League of America battle scene, a twirling Lasso of Truth, and a transparent Invisible Jet!

Starring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and many more favorite DC characters, this momentous pop-up exploration releases just in time for DC Comics' 75th anniversary. With vibrant illustrations, exciting facts, and an eye-catching design, this is an absolute must-have for DC Super Hero fans of all ages! Available  on 10-05-10

Here are 100 of the most important, most incredible, and most bizarre comic-book covers from DC's incredible archives—all perforated and ready to display in your apartment, dorm room, or cubicle. From Action Comics #1 and Batman #1 to lesser-known heroes like Mister District Attorney, this oversized compilation features every major milestone in DC's extraordinary history: Wonder Woman, Swamp Thing, Watchmen, Fables, 100 Bullets, and much more.

On the reverse of each poster are images of related covers and entertaining commentary, often with remarks from the cover artists themselves. Complete with a foreword from longtime DC Comics veteran Paul Levitz, this amazing anthology is a must-have item for any comic-book fan.

 Featuring the Music from DC Comics movies and Animated Movies.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Wonder Woman #43

This is part 2 of 3 of the Wrath of the Silver Serpent. We are just one issue away from issue #600!  More on that later though! (tease, tease). We find ourselves in the past with this issue. We see Hippolyta instructing the Amazons to build the Princess something to wear into mans world.  I can say this about a hundred times but, Nicola Scott was meant to draw Wonder Woman. Every page just blows me away, it fills me with such joy.
Finally we get a explanation of how the iconic, amazing and perfect Wonder Woman outfit came to be. I love that the elements from her birth, heritage and Amazon warrior all played a part in the construction.  I was very happy when the eagle crest returned to the Wonder Woman logo.  It was that way in her past, with the TV show, why not with her future? right?
This scene shows two things. First, Diana is still talking to the woman who just revealed that she is the sister of Diana's mother Hippolyta. Second - Look at how amazing Wonder Woman is drawn!  She is elegant, strong and just drops my jaw. My insides are just warm from this image!
Wonder Woman is a hero that does not take any crap. She knows exactly who she is and what she stands for. She is not going to take this invasion lying down. She is a warrior first and foremost, As a warrior she uses all of weapons and surroundings to get the upper edge.  We all know that she uses her lasso, bracelets, strength, flight and intelligence to win. Not very often we get to see her use her tiara. So when we do, I am giddy like a kid. I think I actually clapped when I saw this.
Wonder Woman is a pure example of love, hope and the constant search for peace. We cant forget that she is also a woman. A person that can be dirty, dark and even dishonest to a point. When she is fighting the snake woman she sees how they fight, takes in the strategy of how they fight. She even start to fight just like them, taking their own weapons and using it against them. Just saying to "Let's go ahead and GET dirty, then."
Strapping a weapon to her wrist and calling out her enemies.
Allies are also a great thing to have when you are a Hero. A man is not an Island right? In this issue we see the white apes. Etta Candy, and even her longtime friend and once love Steve Trevor.  The allies I found the most moving was the entrance of Achilles! The creation of Zeus that was meant to be the replacement of our favorite Amazon is fighting alongside Wonder Woman.  I really was unsure about this character at first. Not really sure as to where Gail Simone was going to take him, but I find his new found humanity very refreshing and hope to see him more in the future of this volume.
Once the giant Silver Serpent is destroyed by Achilles, Wonder Woman then attacks her aunt. During the battle Diana wraps her lasso around Astarte.  Showing that Hippolyta does not even know this sister exists. Wonder Woman wants to free her aunt and stop the invasion. Astarte tells her that there is only one way to make that happen.  In order to free Earth, Diana must fight and Kill the enemy of her aunt. She then leads Wonder Woman onto her ship. Gives her some of their own weapons and places Diana in a fighting arena with the race of her Aunts watching her.  She is told that it is most vicious soldier ever raised, it has every cruel impulse imagined. Her name is Theana. She is their Princess. Their Champion. Astarte's daughter. Cousin to Diana! 
I really love the similar touches of the outfit. From the tiara, bracelets and breast plate. She is truly an equal to Wonder Woman. Next: Cut from a Pound of Flesh!!

Batman - Brave and the Bold #16

I was very excited to see Wonder Woman was going to be in this issue. Batman - Brave and the Bold comic is based on the actual TV series on the same name. It is currently on television and in many articles they have stated that they do not have the rights to have Wonder Woman be on the show. So I hope that this issue helps push for your princess to make a show apperance.
This series is part of the DCKids line. I love that there is a medium to help start young kids on the path of comic collecting and reading.
It starts with a SOS from Paradise Island, home of the Amazons and Wonder Woman, where we find our WW standing in front of a portal through time. Batman and WW go through the portal to come across NINJAS on the other side.
The great part of this series is the Vintage looks all the heroes get. They take Wonder Woman's costume back to its roots. With the long skirt, the thinner tiara and the noticeable eagle crested top. Even her hair style is very much original Wonder Woman.
Batman and Wonder Woman find an egg and start to analyze it. Bruce finds out that they are not symbols but coordinates to a location. The need all the eggs to get to where Egg Head is hiding. The duo proceed to ignite the eggs and go to the mysterious world of the egg villain.

Not only did Bruce and Diana fall into a trap, they also delivered the eggs to  Egg Head. He takes all the eggs and places them into the giant "Universal Egg" giving it life!
Batman uses his sonic amplifier and breaks himself and Wonder Woman out. What do our heroes do with their new found freedom?  Kick some Egg Ass of course!  The universal egg needs more power, but Egg Head must save his creation so he fights off Wonder Woman and Batman head toward the large Egg.  The Egg shuts the door behind Batman leaving Wonder Woman and Egg Head to battle it out.

Egg Head uses bullets to try and stop Diana. I have two words for Egg Head. 1 - Amazon, 2- Bracelets. Enough said!
Bruce is fighting off the Universal Egg when Diana defeats Egg Head and then starts to spin really fast, making it so that she starts to drill into the floor and we see her disappear. (COOL).
She then erupts from the floor under the giant Egg and punches him out!  OF course Wonder Woman saves the day! Right?
I loved this issue a lot. It was fun,classic and just adorable! I hope to see many more team ups with the Amazon and the Dark Knight.  I leave this post with one quote, said by the Batman himself.
"Having the word "Wonder" in your name might seem egotistical to some. Having watched Wonder Woman in action.. I'd call it modesty"  I could not agree more Bruce!

Brave and the Bold #33


I was really excited to get this issue. Not only because it is the rare times that this series features my favorite hero but it is my first taste of J. Michael Stracynski. (he is taking over the writing of Wonder Woman starting on #601).  This issue also features artist Cliff Chang.  As you can see it has Zatanna, Wonder Woman and Batgirl - Barbara Gordon. 
I loved the art for this issue. It was feminine, bright and inked very well. It is a short , sweet tale of Zatanna has a dream in the first panel. She feels compelled to contact WW and describes that they have to take Batgirl out for a night on the town.
I love how Cliff has Diana taller then the other girls (as it should be, she is a Amazon!) and that he gives her dress a Greek feel by using the drape across her bodice. 
The girls are at a night club where the dance, drink and be merry. It is not very often we get to see a dancing, humorous side of our favorite princess. In my favorite panel, she is dancing with a guy that think he recognizes her. When Diana asks him if he thinks she is Wonder Woman he replies "She's way too lame. You'd never find some corny, old-school ditz like HER in a cool place like--" Diana then reaches into his pocket and crushes his phone and continues to dance away from him, CLASSIC!
Zatanna is looking for Barbara and finds her sitting in the corner of the club. Zatanna then makes it her point, using some magic, to create the scene for Barbara. She gets all the girls dancing, singing, forgetting about crime fighting, forgetting about the troubles of the world. All they care about is the music and each other. After a very long night they find the evening closing at a diner. All the girls kiss each other good night and Diana and Barbara leave. The last panel finds Zatanna crying. 
The next pages shows that Zatanna had a dream, which we learned in the first of the comic, and shows a scene at the club we did not see the night before. Zatanna and Diana are in the ladies room. It is set up that the dream has been revealed. Diana tells Zatanna that they need to make this night special for Barbara, that the events from the dream could happen tonight, tomorrow even next year. They hug and cry and leave the room to see  a happy Barbara. 
Next scene is Barbara and her father Commissioner Gordon are having coffee. The doorbell rings and Barbara goes to answer it. When the door opens it reveals the Joker standing there and he fires off his gun.  In Batman history the Joker decides to cripple Batman by taking out the people that Bruce loves. He beats and kills Robin - Jason Todd and shoots to kill Batgirl - Barbara Gordon. Though Barbara does not die, she does become paralyzed from the waist down. This disability help pave the way for Barbara to become Oracle, the eyes, ears and the cybernetic information of the DC Universe.

I actually got a little teary eyed when I read this. What a very sweet, alternate view of something so tragic. I really enjoyed it.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Wonder Woman : Amazon - Hero - Icon


This book was written by Bob Greenberger with a forward by Wonder Woman alumni George Perez. This book is described as : Wonder Woman is a comprehensive look at the first and most important female super hero of DC Comics, from the Golden Age to the present day. Wonder Woman is the most popular female super hero of all time and a cultural icon. During her existence, she has served in the army, renounced her powers at the height of the feminist movement, and helped launch Gloria Steinem’s Ms. magazine. She has been—and continues to be—a trailblazing role model to girls and women and an integral part of the cultural zeitgeist. Loosely chronological, Wonder Woman explores idiosyncratic creator William Moulton Marston’s interest in ideas of a "new woman" for the twentieth century; costume and character story changes over the decades; the influence on all other female comic book characters since her inception; and how Wonder Woman is still powerful and relevant in today’s comic book renaissance.

The book contains more than 250 Wonder Woman illustrations, including covers, interior comic art, and sketch treatments, beginning with her inception in the early 1940s to present-day treatments of the character. Celebrated artists include Alex Ross, Jim Lee, George Perez, and Brian Bolland, to name only a few. The book will also feature rare covers and pin-up posters created for past special-edition comic books. Wonder Woman is certain to appeal to fanboys and fangirls, collectors, and newcomers to the comic book genre alike.
 I loved this book so much, not only because it was Wonder Woman but it has alot of info and some great art. Here is some of the examples:

Art is order : Terry Dodson, Jim Lee and Greg Horn.  It is a must for any fan and I have read it at least 12 times already. Nerd much!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Don Kramer talkes drawing Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman gets a new creative team beginning in July, along with a new direction for the series that promise to "smash" expectations – as well as Paradise Island.

DC announced last week that the artist depicting all the destruction will be Don Kramer, working with writer J. Michael Straczynski to launch their new direction for the character with a reportedly explosive story within the oversized Wonder Woman #600 in June. (The issue also includes stories by Gail Simone and Geoff Johns, with art by George Perez, Phil Jimenez and Joe Madureira.)
 
Wonder Woman, which had been renumbered since it underwent a relaunch in 2006 by Allan Heinberg and Terry Dodson, returns to its new numbering for its new direction as Straczynski and Kramer take over as the regular creative team on Wonder Woman #601 in July.

The DC exclusive artist most recently worked on JSA vs. Kobra, and won critical praise for his pencils on the stand-alone Blackest Night story Power of Shazam #48. Kramer began his career at Marvel in 2003 after getting noticed at a convention by John Cassaday, and the artist soon began defining his style at DC during runs on JSA with Geoff Johns, Batman with James Robinson, and Detective Comics with Paul Dini.
Newsarama talked to the artist to find out more about his take on the character and what we can expect from Kramer's collaboration with JMS on Wonder Woman.
 
Newsarama: Don, how did you hear you got the Wonder Woman gig, and what was your response to the news you'd be working with JMS?

Don Kramer: He was always high on my list of writers I wanted to work with. At the time I found out, I was just starting an issue of War of the Supermen for editor Matt Idelson, that Sterling Gates and James Robinson were writing. I was literally getting ready to work on that when I got a call from Brian Cunningham, who's the editor on this book, and he told me he was getting ready to put together this run on Wonder Woman with Straczynski, and that Straczynski wanted me on the book.
I was thrilled, obviously. And surprised. And I gave them an immediate yes, because I'm a big fan of Straczynski's work, and any opportunity I'm given to work with him, I'm going to be all over it.
And with Wonder Woman, I really wanted to get another crack at drawing her. I honestly had never thought of myself as a Wonder Woman artist, but I think I can do a good job with her, and I wanted the chance to draw something with her in it.
 
Nrama: When was the last time you drew Wonder Woman?
 
Kramer: It was really early in my JSA run with Geoff Johns. It was a "JLA/JSA" story. It was very early in my career, and I was still a little rough as an artist. It was just a couple panels, but I was working with Keith Champagne as an inker and we were still feeling each other out. I think I did a decent job, but it's not the type of job I can do now. Artistically, I feel I've gotten much better. I think I'm a lot more refined. And I have an art team around me that I'm very comfortable with. We work really well together.
 
Nrama: You're working with Mike Babinski on inks now?
 
Kramer: Yeah, I've been working with Mike on JSA vs. Kobra, and a couple of issues of Outsiders and the Power of Shazam issue. And we work right next to each other in the same studio. It's been really nice to be able to see what he's doing, and I get to have a little more control over the finished art, in a way I've always wanted to see it. But yeah, artistically, I feel like I've gotten a lot better, and with him now, it just adds to the mix.
 
Nrama: Are you getting to redesign some things for Wonder Woman? Or coming up with some new designs? Because I know you got to do a lot of that with the Batman universe, establishing the new Ventriloquist and the new Riddler. Are you getting to do any of that with Wonder Woman's world?
 
Kramer: Not a lot. At least not yet. There are a few things that I'm getting to play around with. There are some new characters that I'm getting to establish their look. No other redesigns that I can officially say anything about.
 
Nrama: Can you say anything about the story you're drawing? We were told her world gets turned upside down and Paradise Island gets destroyed.
 
Kramer: That's true. I can confirm that. I've talked to Straczynski about what we're doing, but I haven't actually started drawing an issue yet. I've seen one script, but it's just a little 10-page script that I think is going to be in Issue #600 of Wonder Woman.
In those 10 pages, there is... well, I'll just have to let people see it. I don't really think I can talk about it right now. I'll have to leave it at that. The only thing I've drawn so far is the one teaser panel of Wonder Woman standing within the destruction of Paradise Island.
I guess I could say that JMS is definitely going to shake things up. And that's not just metaphorical. Obviously, things get shaken up on Paradise Island, but there are some really big things happening right away. That's about all I can add right now.
 
Nrama: Most people are familiar with your work on Detective Comics and JSA, but you're not particularly known as someone who specifically draws gorgeous women, like one would think about being a Wonder Woman artist. Did JMS tell you anything about why he chose you? I think DC released a quote where he mentioned your ability to convey emotions.
 
Kramer: When we talked, he did confirm he wanted me for the book, but I didn't ask him why. [laughs] I assume he saw my work and liked what he saw. I'd like to think it's my storytelling abilities, because I am very dedicated to the script and the story. I don't like to go off on tangents or focus on big, splashy images like some other artists do. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's just not the way I approach the work.
As for drawing emotions really well, maybe that had something to do with it, if that's what he said. We never really discussed why he asked for me. But I'm thankful that he did. I feel honored to be part of this, and I'm honored to be chosen to work with a great writer like Straczynski.
 
Nrama: How would you describe your Wonder Woman? Any influences?
 
Kramer: I really like what the Dodsons have done, what Adam Hughes has done, and I you can pretty much name all the recent artists on Wonder Woman, and I think they've done a great job on her.
But I tend to lean toward a more athletic looking Wonder Woman. She's someone who should look like she can take care of herself, although she's still very beautiful. I'm not modeling her on a certain actress, but I think Wonder Woman has a pretty distinct look of her own.
I only got the job about two weeks ago, so I may develop more of a look for her by the time we get going. We're still getting things ready for this run and waiting for approvals and different things so I can get started on the book.
 
Nrama: Then just to finish, Don, is there anything you want to tell your fans about your upcoming work on Wonder Woman?
 
Kramer: Just that I'm really looking forward to getting to draw her. I apologize that I have to keep somewhat mum about what I know about the story. But I am truly honored to be part of the team on this comic, and to be the next artist to get to draw this great character. I consider her one of DC's most important and iconic characters, and I think I can do a really great job with her. I'm certainly working with a great writer. So I'm really looking forward to it.

Wonder Woman #42


 This is the first issue in a three issue arc. This also is the last story that is going to be written by Gail Simone. Gail has been the main writer on Wonder Woman for about two years now.  Though there is many fans who did not like her take on our favorite Amazon,  I myself have enjoyed the direction that Gail has taken Diana.

Gail has used her opportunity and has made Wonder Woman very approachable and strong. Though she might not have done what she promised, this promise was to make Wonder Woman the strongest warrior in the DC Universe, her take has been fun and has further progressed Diana as the strongest heroine in comic history. 

The Green Lantern Corps make a cameo in this issue.  It actually starts out with them on a alien planet. This planet suffered a storm that covered the entire planet. The rain itself infected the creatures of this planet and causing snaked to grow out of the people of the planet.  They put out a distress call to help save them from the growing threat. They enter a cave that is hissing, and they are attacked by the snakes. 


 The next scene takes place after the last issue, Wonder Woman is cleaning up the city after he attack with Power Girl and the five Children.  Diana is using the opportunity to reflect that every day is a chance to better yourself, to renew your will to do good and to make a difference.
I really am torn about the artist on this issue, at times I this his Wonder Woman is gorgeous and at other times her body is almost to masculine for me. 

Here she is having a conversation with Steve Trevor.  I myself am a fan of Tom Tressor being the love interest to Diana. Many people are in favor of Steve Trevor due to their history,  He was the love interest in the second volume of her comic as well as the 1970's TV show. In this current line of Wonder Woman , Steve is married to Etta Candy. 

Earth is then attacked by a storm, the same storm that hit the alien planet in the beginning of this issue. Diana pushes Steve away and protects him from the storm. Diana then takes off in flight and says "I Will not allow and INVASION". That made me very happy, the fact that she is so strong and determined to fight and protect her Earth.


Diana begins to wonder why she is they only one who here to fight, there should be Flashes and Green Lanterns here to fight, she accepts that she is alone and flies into the alien ship hanging above the Earth. Before she reaches the ship, she is struck by a green laser. She thinks it is the same green materiel from OA. (Not sure of the connection, I tried to research and came up with nothing).
They fire at her again, and she blocks the rays with her bracelets,  I myself just love when she uses  her bracelts, crossed them over her chest. It is classic Wonder Woman and it makes me giddy with pleasure. 


It then has Diana taken aim and destroying the laser gun. As she should do!  Then they fire another shot at Diana and she is then trown to the ground inside a giant crater. A voice then tells Diana that she needs to stay down. The leader then shows itself. The woman claims to be Diana' s Aunt, the sister of Hippolyta!

I am very curious to see where this ends up. In Wonder Woman history , Hippolyta's sister is dead. I guess that is no longer true!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

New Writer for Wonder Woman


 J.Michael Straczynski is going to be writing Wonder Woman starting on #601. Here is what he has to say about this exciting new assignment:

As Superman has been for me, so Wonder Woman has been for a lot of women readers, so the chance to dive into that character is something I’m eagerly anticipating. This is a strong, mythic, powerful character who for some time now has been kind of drowning under the weight of her own mythos, so I’m looking forward to paring away some of the layers of debris and undergrowth that have piled up around her in order to get to the core of the character. Coming from the world of TV and film, the first rule you learn is to service the main character more than anything else, so I’ll be writing with an eye firmly fixed on that rule.
As part of that process, we’re going to be looking more closely at how Wonder Woman appears, and functions, and her role in the DCU…and what we have planned will, we hope, come across as dynamic and powerful as she deserves to be.

I have great hopes for this. He did some great stuff with Thor at Marvel Comics.  Cant wait till July! 

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Wonder Woman #41

Wonder Woman #41 came out almost two weeks ago and I am finally posting about it. I am sorry for that. I will admit, it's been on my mind, but I have been watching as much Doctor Who as I can and that means sometimes putting Diana on the back burner.  This will not happen again! (But it might... We're still have 3 seasons of the Dr. to go!)  Another reason for the delay, this issue was really not a favorite of mine. 
 When we left Diana she was fighting Power Girl.  Wonder Woman was "peeved" as you may recall.  This issue starts out with Achilles leaving his island of crystal and changing his clothes to enter a mansion that Diana found for him. Yeah? Diana found for him? I cant even mention anything more about that since even the comic does not give you more about it, but I had to mention it mainly based on how strange it was.

The splash pageshows the THROW-DOWN that was promised at the end of #40.  Power Girl makes way more punches at our Amazon that I would like to see.  Karen actually draws blood from Diana.  There have been many topics in forums wondering if Diana is as strong as a Kryptonian.  Sure, they have the power of the sun and skin that is like steel, but Diana has the power of the Gods!   Of course she is just as strong as they are, but writers tend to be afraid to state it.  I am not sure why... Even in this issue, Power Girl punches Wonder Woman to Canada.  All the way to freaking Canada?!?  (shaking my head in shame)

Our Amazon flys right back and gives Power Girl a well deserved punch to the gut. More punches, buses get involved, buildings break, windows shatter and still Power Girl has the upper hand.  Mainly because the five children of Ares have Karen thinking that Diana is not Diana.  They have tricked her into thinking she is some dragon wearing demon. (I know)  Power Girl then feels like she has to defend the five children from this demon, and starts to again wipe the streets with Diana.
Karen may have super strength and speed, but that is all that Karen can rely on. More than half way through the book, Diana reminds herself, and us, that she has one advantage over Power Girl.  Diana is an AMAZON.  Karen has not spent every day of her life learning the sculpture of War. Finally she realizes this? After getting her arse kicked all over the city, Diana finally realzes that she has the upper hand? (I know!)

Diana convinces Karen that she is not a demon and that she has been tricked by the five children, and they decide to go after them.  During the fight, these kids have gone to the hospital and have convinced Etta Candy and Steve Trevor that Steve must shoot Etta in the head to save the burning town.  (Again, I know)
Karen then leaves to help the other people that have been tricked by the children while Diana takes the kids head on.  Now comes the part in the book where it almost saves itself! Wonder Woman knows about the mind control that the children can create, and in order to make sure she sees the truth, Diana wraps her lasso around her body.
She takes on four of the five kids and dishes out a punishment they will remember! I of course have no clue what that is, because the book neither tells you or shows you.  I hope that we get to find out what happens, but seeing as how Gail Simone is leaving this book, I think not.  Etta and Steve are saved by one of the giant apes that serve Diana, Karen convinces everyone that love is the answer, and Power Girl and Wonder Woman share a bonding moment in the clouds.
Like I mentioned, this issue was not one of my favorites.  The art, though not bad, was definitely not up to par with how it usually is with Aaron Lopresti at the helm. His Diana is strong and beautiful. The last half of the book, the artist draws her so manly.  I like my Wonder Woman to have the upper hand, to be the strongest in a fight and show that she is the warrior in DCU.  I just hope that this next arc will be as spectacular as is being promised. After this issue, I need it.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Gail Simone is leaving "Wonder Woman"

The headline’s true. After a lengthy and impressive run on WONDER WOMAN, writer Gail Simone is moving on to other projects.
Gail’s work on WONDER WOMAN has become a staple of the DC Universe, and her take on Princess Diana has resonated with readers from the get-go, and will continue to connect with newer fans as they discover her work. But let’s not get overly maudlin here, gang. Gail’s not disappearing. Quite the opposite. Her work on SECRET SIX, which has garnered stellar reviews, will continue and it’s hard not to get excited about her upcoming BIRDS OF PREY relaunch. We even managed to wrangle a new piece of BIRDS art from artist Ed Benes to serve as a gentle reminder that big things are indeed on the horizon:

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We’ll have lots more news and info on Gail’s upcoming work, but let’s take a moment to give her a well-deserved round of applause and hear her thoughts on an epic run on WONDER WOMAN. Take it away, Gail:
“Working on Wonder Woman has been one of the most thrilling things in my career. There aren’t many jobs in comics as cool as writing dialogue for Hippolyta as she’s riding a flying horse and stabbing giant sea monsters. I had a blast and as always when I leave a book, I’m going to miss the cast terribly.
When you write this book, you meet these remarkable, amazing Wonder Woman fans and it’s quite unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, just this wave of love and kindness.  Diana means something to these people in a way that few other superhero characters really ever seem to do, and I can’t thank the readers enough for their undying affection for the character. I’ve met people whose stories about what
Wonder Woman meant to them are going to stay with me forever. It’s a pretty rare gift.
I have to also thank, once again, the writers and creators who came before me on the book. I’ve said it many times, but the club of Wonder Woman writers seems to be a group of people bonded forever. Whenever I needed help or advice or answers, they were always, always there.  The endless support and generosity of these people is astounding and I am grateful forever to Phil, Greg (both of whom were endlessly patient and helpful as I asked a thousand questions about their runs), Trina, Kurt, Dan Mishkin, Allan, Jodi, J. Torres, Bill Messner-Loebs, Mindy Newell, and of course, the great George Perez. When you have those people in your corner, you feel like you can do anything.
And above all I want to thank some of the most amazing artists in the business, people who somehow managed not to kill me when I would write panel descriptions like, “Then a thousand warriors attack…”  These people were supremely dedicated and professional and any applause you might have for the book should be squarely aimed at them.  Thank you so much, Chris Batista, Nicola Scott, Matt Ryan, Brad Anderson, Fernando Dagnino, Terry and Rachel Dodson, and above all, the amazing Bernard Chang and Aaron Lopresti. They did Diana proud and I also appreciate them not killing me for asking for pages and pages of Themysciran architecture.
I’m sad to leave but very, very proud of the work we did together and delighted to have been a small part of Diana’s ongoing epic saga.  It’s really been a joy.  And I have to say in complete honestly, I am genuinely thrilled by who is taking over the book.  It’s someone who is going to rock this book like there’s no tomorrow, and I could not be happier with this choice. They got this one 100% right. I think it’s going to be a new era of greatness for our princess.  People are going to freak and that makes me smile a lot.
My schedule is packed full, as well…and I’m doing books that make me happy every day, like the incredibly fun and horrid SECRET SIX, which has some really shocking surprises coming, and then of course  a book very dear to my heart, the return of BIRDS OF PREY in May, with artist Ed Benes doing the finest work of his career.  And I can announce for the first time officially, a really exciting WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY mini-series starts in July!  Add to that a little treat that is a life-long dream of mine coming true in WONDER WOMAN #600 and it’s turning out to be a great, great year.  Aside all that, a huge surprise with one of my all-time favorite artists is coming, but we can’t even hint at that now, so pretend you didn’t read that last bit.
Thank you again, everyone. Be sure to check out Birds of Prey number one…it is CRAZY fun. You can’t see it, but I’m giving the Amazon salute. Thanks, everyone!”

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Justice League : Crisis on Two Earths DVD


Justice League : Crisis on Two Earths was released on 2-23-2010.  I of course am thankful that my lovely JD purchased this for me the day it came out. Also that he was nice enough to watch it with me that very evening.  I really liked this movie. I liked that all the main DC heroes was featured in it very well.  Most people are not really aware with the alternate universe of the Crime Syndicate that is also featured on the cover of this release.  This movie tells the tale of an alternate, evil league founded on a parallel earth known as the Crime Syndicate.  They control their earth by using their powers for money, fame and dominance.  They will even kill to maintain their leadership.
That is of course one of the main difference from their league to our own.  I feel, not because I am biased, that Wonder Woman really was the strongest character in this movie. She was voiced by the lovely, but unknown Vanessa Marshall.  She was drawn very well, her height, face, costume was just done perfectly.

The alternate earths Lex Luthor comes to our earth to have our league help save his world from the Syndicate. Of course our heroes do right in the end. I will not tell you how, because I want you all to see this movie and support DC animation and our favorite Amazon.  The only real problem was that Diana has a good, but short fight scene with her alternate known as Olympia. Most people will think that Super Woman is the evil counterpart to Wonder Woman, but actually she is more in link with Mary Marvel. I wanted Olympia to be more prevalent in the story as to not allow this confusion.

I think that DC is just doing it right when it comes to the animated take on Wonder Woman.  They are keeping her faithful to what we have grown to love and expect from her. I cannot wait to see what they do with her next.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Upcoming Wonder Woman Products

Toy Fair 2010 took place this weekend from Feb 14-17th.  A lot of DC Direct news came out of the fair. A hand full of them were Wonder Woman. Lucky for me!  I thought that I would highlight them!
DC is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year and to celebrate they are releasing busts that show the Trinity as they were in live action.  Christopher Reeve as Superman, Michael Keaton as Batman, and the lovely, amazing Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman.  I will be getting this piece in fall 2010.
In September they are going to be releasing this amazing set. It is meant to represent the past and current look of Wonder Woman. I love how they look together, and how shiny they will be.
Actual pictures of the Blackest Night Wonder Woman figures that I will be getting in April and in the Fall of this year. I love, love these two pieces. I love how she looks, both pretty faces, her body is placed strong yet graceful. I am excited to add all of them to my growing collection. You can never have enough Wonder Woman stuff! NEVER!!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all the Wonder fans out there! Give a big kiss to the one you love!