My Collection - Decorations

This great decorative piece from the 70's features jointed arms and legs as well as removable lasso piece. Though I have strong reason to believe that the legs were placed on incorrectly - as I think it would look much nicer if the legs were behind the shorts and the positioning of the feet seem backwards. I am not willing to remove them and re-position them as I don't want to tamper with its original state. Its a fantastic piece that I should really frame. 

My Collection - Retro-Action

As mentioned in one of my previous posts MEGO was one of the biggest names in toys in the 70's and are still loved and sought after today. I see them at toy shows and antique / flea markets all the time and many of them I am simply amazed at how much they are going for. There is just something so appealing about these toys.

So it was no surprise that Mattel attempted to cash in on the love of these toys and created the Retro-Action DC Super Heroes. The goal appeared to be to recreate some of the characters originally released in MEGO's World's Greatest Super Heroes line while also creating new characters.

Wave 1 included Superman, Green Arrow (both released in WGSH), Green Lantern, Sinestro, and Lex Luthor.
Wave 2 included Batman (with removable cowl), Aquaman (released in WGSH), Black Manta, and Two-Face.
Wave 3 included Wonder Woman (released in WGSH), Flash, Captain Cold, and Cheetah.
Wave 4 included Shazam (released in WGSH), Black Adam, Martian Manhunter, Dark Seid
Exclusives: Guy Gardner, Yellow Sinestro

The figures arrived in old school bubble style (piece of cardboard with a plastic "bubble" holding the figure to the card) packaging with no twist ties.

Once again Diana came with rooted hair, but instead of the old style one piece painted outfit she had multiple parts and pieces. Joining Wonder Woman is her arch nemesis, the Cheetah. Dressed as she appeared in the Super Friends TV show - complete with tail.

My Collection - Postage Stamps

A couple of years ago the US Postal Service issued a series of postage stamps based on DC Comics. The series of two stamps include two of Wonder Woman. The first was a close up of Diana from most likely the Bronze Age and the second featured the cover to issue #22 from her relaunch in the early 90's. Also featured were Batman, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Batman, Flash, Plastic Man, Aquaman, Hawkman, Superman and Supergirl.

Thankfully it never happened!!

Back in the 90's Mattel attempted to create an animated Wonder Woman TV show with an accompanying toy line. While normally the idea of an upcoming Wonder Woman show would have been made me extremely excited, however after seeing the ideas (along with actual prototype figures) I could not been more pleased that it did not actually happen. The show was going to be called Wonder Woman and the Star Riders. I am assuming that they were attempting to cash in on the She-Ra craze because the dolls look like the company simply took some left over dolls and converted them to "Wonder Woman". The show never moved past the prototype stage - Thank Goodness!!!!

My Collection - note / post cards

Over the years I've received numerous sets of the these note cards. I used to keep one set in my desk at work and would use them all the time as thank you or pick me up notes. I have two complete sets left and will definitely save one for my collection. There was also a Super Friends set as well - but at the moment I am not sure what happened to that one. Its either packed away with some of my other stuff or its in my desk at work. 

Like the note cards I've received the following postcard box set at least three times. Two of my sets are still shrink wrapped while the third was used like the note cards as thank you / pick me up notes.

My Collection - Stationary

Almost every year for my birthday or Christmas my partner has this uncanny ability to find me some Wonder Woman related item that I had never seen, knew was released, or thought I would ever have. One of those items was this Mix and Match Stationary set. It includes 16 highly detailed sheets, 16 envelopes with matching or complimentary colored envelopes and a sheet of clear / see-through stickers (complete with 2 invisible jet stickers). My favorite image is the third sheet with the close up of Diana's face. I think it is just stunning.

The Odyssey has ended

Issue #614 was released today and it is the final issue of the Odyssey story line and the final issue before DC relaunches Wonder Woman next month with a brand new Issue #1 (along with 51 other titles). As I've said before I have truly enjoyed the story line presented through Odyssey and am sad to see it end. This journey provided us with a Diana that knew of her heritage, but had been raised in seclusion in the world of man. She was naive and brash, but not without determination.

That said I feel the last issue was a little bit of a let down. I mean yeah, I knew that Diana was going to beat her enemy and that her history would be restored and I am sad that its ending, two distinct things made it feel off for me. First, there are three pages of interactions with Diana and Hippolyta where the art work seemed to be done by a completely different person than the rest of the book - it felt like an addition (or a replacement) to the completed story. It was during these pages that the second thing I didn't care for emerged: Diana mentions that she "knows" something else is on the horizon and that things are going to change. We already know that because of DC's Flashpoint that histories are changing and that with the relaunch in September numerous things have been altered in the DC Universe. I felt this line didn't need to be there.

Overall, its been an amazing journey.

My Collection - Barbie

It was perhaps inevitable that DC's most recognizable and famous heroines would somehow be portrayed be one of the biggest names in toys today - the one and only Barbie.

Released in 1999 as part of the Barbie Loves Pop Culture line, Wonder Woman Barbie was one of the most visually stunning and beautiful dolls to represent the Amazon Princess. From the moment I knew she was being released I was relentless in my pursuit of owning her. At the time, the Warner Bros. Stores were still in existence and it was announced that they were receiving them first before being released to the other stores. Weekly I was calling and asking if they were in yet. Yes, I was that determined!! What surprised me most was that once they did come in was that the store actually held one for me (before I called) because I had called so often. (Side note: I miss the Warner Bros. Store - it was awesome!)

Completely capturing the modern era costume with its double WW emblem, metal tiara, bracelets, magic lasso, star shaped earrings, and cape copied from the comics. The only complaint I have about this representation is the boots - they are completely made of fabric (more like socks).

Four years later (2004) Mattel released a second version of Wonder Woman and this time she was meant for more than just display (both in price and design). Diana's outfit was simplified and came on a new flexible body (arms and legs are extremely bendable). She was also released with two of her fellow DC heroes - Batgirl and Supergirl. 

Numerous changes took place between the promo shots and the actual doll. The promo shot shows streaks of blue in the hair (very comic book) and a extremely glittery WW and belt designs. The actual doll does not have the blue streaks and the glitter designs were simplified. The shorts are also shown in the standard bathing suit design. However, the actual doll has longer bike short style. Non-fabric boots accompanied this version - however they have long slits going up the back (presumably to assist in the ease of removing them??). Also this version came with red base complete with logo. The first version only came with a clear base (not the one she is photographed with).

A second (or updated??) version of this one was released with some minor changes made. The face was more rounded, the top was a given a more defined shape, and the odd slit up the back of the boots was removed. However both came packaged with a small lunch box style key chain.

Barbie's third version of Wonder Woman came another four years later (2008). To date it is my absolute favorite. Again, Diana was joined some of her fellow female DC characters of Batgirl, Supergirl, but this time a four was added - Black Canary. 

Unlike the previous version's release, the attention to detail is outstanding. I especially like the molded "metal" WW across the breast-line and that the belt is also molded "metal" provide a more armored look to her suit.  And of course her arms and hands allow her to do the hands on hip pose that is so Lynda Carter. I also like the change in capes from the solid blue to RW&B.

One can only hope that another fantastic version will be coming out soon. I'd love to see them do a Golden Age version or even an Odyssey style version. If not another version of Diana, why not Hippolyta or Donna? Fingers crossed.

Fun Video - The Wonder Girls

While doing a search on Youtube for Wonder Girl I discovered this video from a Korean group called the Wonder Girls. The song is titled "Tell Me" and it is a cute K-Pop song but I was even more surprised to discovered that they totally pay homage to Wonder Woman. The video contains several snippets of situations where a hero is needed and without a second glance one of the characters does the spin and arrives on the scene as Wonder Woman. They even use some of the star theme backgrounds so familiar with the Lynda Carter TV show. 

During one of the scenes they are totally mixing Wonder Woman with the 60's Batman TV show. :-)

My Collection - Bumper stickers

When I first moved to Ohio we had this awesome store on campus called Big Fun. It was filled to the brim with lots of cool toys / favors / stickers / mugs - you name it. Sadly it closed its doors here in Columbus but there is still one in Cleveland so one weekend - oh about a year or so ago - we took a trip to visit. I picked up numerous things while we were there. Two of the items were these bumper stickers.

My Collection - Greeting Cards - Take 2

This one is an actual Hallmark card and feature's Lynda Carter's image and voice as Wonder Woman. 

Inside message reads: You are a Wonder Woman. The vocal message states: "Seems to me you could put your powers to use somehow".

My Collection - Greeting Cards

During one of our first trips to California we visited a comic book store in Huntington Beach. They had a good selection of merchandise but I was surprised to see a series of greeting cards featuring Wonder Woman and many of the other JLA members (of course the name of the line on the back is Superman and Friends - irk). I had never seen them before and they were at a really good price (I think they were less than $3 - each). I of course had to purchase a couple; I choose the two that I thought looked the nicest.

I think it is even more hilarious that these cards which obviously have an appeal to kids have a risque feeling messages in them. Oh those hilarious 70's.

The inside reads: How about inviting me over, and then turn off the lights!

The inside reads:  . . . Would you hold it against me?

DC Comic's Relaunch Trailer

Wonder Woman Odyssey - Images

As DC's relaunch is quickly approaching, I've taken the time to re-read through Diana's most recent "Odyssey" story line and am anxiously awaiting the final issue of this fantastic series. The journey this story has taken has been one that I've enjoyed very much. I hope that this venture will not be completely forgotten. In fact, I almost wish it could continue in some type of way as a parallel story or something. True, I don't know how the new #1's story line will be or if the events from Odyssey will be reference or not but I think it would be interesting to see how this Diana would move forward. We'll just have to wait and see.

In the mean time, I thought I would share some of my favorite images of the line so far.

This is one of my absolutely favorites and it appears very early in the story. I know that some people didn't care for the design of the tiara, but I actually liked it and thought it fit the look. I wish the jacket had stayed around longer, but eventually grew to not mind the look of the top without the jacket.

My collection - Books

A list of my Wonder Woman books

1. Superman vs. Wonder Woman by Garcia Lopez and Dan Adkins 
2. Wonder Woman Spirit of Truth by Alex Ross and Paul Dini
3. How to Draw Wonder Woman by John Delaney and Ron Boyd
4. The DC Vault by Martin Pasko
5. Wonder Woman The Ultimate Guide to The Amazon Princess by Scotty Beatty
6. Wonder Woman The Ultimate Sticker Book by Alastair Dougall
7. Wonder Woman Amazonia by Messner-Loebs, Winslade, and Mulvihill
8. Wonder Woman a Ms. Book by Phyllis Chester
9. The Super Dictionary 
10. The Essential Wonder Woman Encyclopedia by Jimenez and Wells
11. Wonder Woman Giant Coloring Book and Activity Book 
12. Wonder Woman The Complete History by Les Daniels
13. Super Friends Graphic Novel by Bridwell and Toth
14. Super Friends Truth Justice and Peace! by E Nelson Bridwell
15. Wonder Woman The Blue Amazon by Lofficier, Lofficier, Mckeever, and Chuckry
16. Wonder Woman The Contest by Messner-Loebs and Deodato
17. Wonder Woman The Challenge of Artemis by Messner-Loebs and Deodato
18. Wonder Woman The Once and Future Story by Robbins, Doran, and Guice
19. Superman Distant Fires by Chaykin, Kane, Nowlan, and Hollingsworth
20. Justice Riders by Dixon, Williams, and Gray
21. Wonder Woman Second Genesis by John Byrne
22. Wonder Woman I Am Wonder Woman by Nina Jaffe
23. Wonder Woman The Contest by Nina Jaffe
24. Wonder Woman The Arrival by Nina Jaffe
25. Wonder Woman The Rain Forest by Nina Jaffe
26. The True Story of Wonder Woman A Golden Super Shape Book by Louise Simonson
27. Super Kids and the Singing Dog by Cindy West
28. Wonder Woman A Pop-Up Book by Andru and Giordano
29. Justice League The Lunar Invaders by Marv Wolfman
30. Wonder Woman Cheetah on the Prowl by Andrew Helfer
31. Diana Prince Wonder Woman volumes 1-4 by O'Neil, Sekowsky, and Giordano
32. Wonder Woman The Golden Age by Les Daniels
33. Wonder Woman The Hiketeia by Rucka, Jones, vonGrawbadger, and Stewart
34. JLA A League of One by Christopher Moeller
35. Wonder Woman The Greatest Stories Ever Told
36. Wonder Woman Mission's End by Greg Rucka
37. Wonder Woman Love and Murder by Picoult, Dodson, Johnson, and Diaz
38. Wonder Woman The Circle by Simone, Dodson, and Chang
39. Wonder Woman Who is Wonder Woman by Heinberg, Dodson, and Dodson
40. Wonder Woman Rise of The Olympian by Simone, Lopresti, and Chang
41. The Wonder Woman Chronicles Volume 1
42. What Would Wonder Woman Do? An Amazon's Guide to the Working World by Colon and Traig
43. The Original Encyclopedia of Comic Book Heroes Volume 2 Wonder Woman
44. Showcase Presents Wonder Woman volumes 1 - 3
45. Wonder Woman Gods and Goddesses by John Byrne
46. Wonder Woman Three sound book by Eric Fein
47. The Q Guide to Wonder Woman by Mike Pingel
48. DC Super Heroes Super Healthy Cookbook by Saltzman, Garlan, and Grodner
49. Wonder Woman Attack of the Cheetah by Mason and Schoening
50. Wonder Woman Creature of Chaos by Stephens and Schoening
51. Wonder Woman Monster Magic by Simonson and Schonening
52. Wonder Woman Trial of the Amazons by Dahl and Schoening
53. The Further Adventures of Wonder Woman by Martin H Greenberg
54. Justice League of America Wonder Woman Mythos by Carol Lay
55. Wonder Woman by Tempo Books
56. Wonder Woman The Story of the Amazon Princess by Ralph Cosentino
57. Wonder Woman I am Wonder Woman an I Can Read by Erin Stein
58. My First Wonder Woman Book (a touch and feel) by Downtown Books
59. DC Superheroes The Ultimate Pop-Up Book by Matthew Reinhart
60. Realworlds: Wonder Woman by Hanson and Neuwirth
61. JLA Witchblade by Rajarillo and Walden
62. JLA Act of God books 1 -3 by Moench, Ross, Freeman, and DiMagmaliw
63. Just Imagine Stan Lee's Wonder Woman by Stan Lee and Jim Lee
64. JLA Created Equal books 1 & 2 by Nicieza, Maguire, Rbinstein, and Vasquez
65. JLA Earth 2 by Morrison and Quitely
66. Wonder Woman Featuring Five Decades of Great Covers
67. JLA The Ultimate Guide To the Justice League of America by Scott Beatty

My Collection - MEGO - part two

After the great success of MEGO's World Greatest Superhero line they began branching out into the 12 inch field. DCs big three - Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman all received this treatment. Batman was based more on the comics while Superman was supposed to be based on the movies. Wonder Woman was based on Lynda Carter's TV show. The line included four dolls - Wonder Woman, Steve Trevor, Queen Hippolyta, and Nubia (a character from the comics that never appeared on the show). When it was first launched Wonder Woman came with a Navy Diana Prince outfit and the bodice of the WW costume painted on to the doll however the star spangled shorts were fabric. Later releases included a one piece cloth custom (complete with straps). Unlike the 8 inch version the 12 inch included a removable tiara, bracelets, lasso, and red boots. The Diana Prince outfit included glasses, jacket, dress, and black shoes. The intention was to release an entire line of "Wonder" fashions for Diana, however they appear to have only been briefly released in Canada. There were also plans for a "Wonder" playset, but it never materialized.

Later releases of Wonder Woman came with a more tanned version than the first versions. Prototype photos also included a hat for the Diana Prince outfit but it was never released. The body used for Wonder Woman was also used for Cher, Farrah Fawcet, and other Mego 12 dolls.

* author's note: Wonder Woman is sporting a reproduction tiara.

My Collection - MEGO

In the 70's one of the biggest names in toys was MEGO (Me-go) and one of their greatest lines was the World's Greatest Super Heroes; 8 inches tall with articulated bodies and cloth costumes. What made it so fantastic was that this one line included both DC and Marvel characters. It started with the basic four heroes of Batman, Robin, Superman, and Aquaman. The second series added Marvel's Spiderman, Captain American, and Tarzan. What made it even more exciting was that by 1974 they added The World's Greatest Super-Gals which included Supergirl, Batgirl, Catwoman (not sure when Catwoman became a hero), and of course - Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman lasted for a couple of years until they introduced their 12 inch Wonder Woman line; inspired by Lynda Carter's TV series. Wonder Woman was replaced in the WGSH line by Isis in the US but remained in the line in other countries.

Wonder Woman's costume is a complete one piece outfit. She sometimes came with plastic red boots, but not always. She didn't come with any accessories - no lasso of truth or bracelets (except those painted onto the suit).

She is extremely simple, but still quite cute.

Wonder Woman's Appearance on Batman Brave and the Bold

This is a fantastic clip of Diana's first appearance on Brave and the Bold and I think what makes it so good is the campy use of the theme song from the Lynda Carter TV series. I generally prefer Diana's tiara not to be seen on the outside of her hair, however I think it works quite well here as the art has an almost 40's era style to it. Also using Paula von Gunther as the villain only adds to that feeling. Thankfully this isn't Diana's only appearance on this show, she appears a few episodes later (and is it in for the entire episode) in which she, Batman and Superman end up fighting each other's nemesis - Superman vs Cheetah, Batman vs Luther, and Wonder Woman vs Joker - and Paradise Island even makes an appearance.

I work with the greatest people

Check out the awesome item a coworker left for me to discover on my desk this morning. Wonder Woman ribbon!! I've never see this before. How awesome is that.

Now all I need is some wrapping paper!

My Collection - Newest editions

Over the years, Wonder Woman has been neglected by most toy makers when it comes to creating "boys" toys. Sure, she was included in the Justice League Line, but I am sure if we counted the number of Batman and Superman variants there are to Diana, the number would be extremely small. Then there is the most recent Super Friends line which is for the younger kids. It has yet to included her and most of the books fail to even put her picture on the cover, yet there she is inside. So imagine my surprise when I discovered that Fisher Price was adding Wonder Woman and Batgirl to their Little People line. Aside from the little figures there is also a little Wonder Woman driving a little blue car. They are absolutely adorable and of course I have already purchased them. I haven't gotten photos of all of them yet, but here at least is a photo of Diana driving.

More photos coming soon . . .

Great Site - DC Women Kicking Ass

This site has quickly become one of my absolute favorites and I find myself checking it multiple times a day to see what has been added. (There is a link on the right hand side). It does a great job of sharing not just news but also photos, art, and some good discussions as well. I especially like how it focuses on the female characters who sometimes tend to get the shaft on other sites. Lots of Wonder Woman and Batgirl (in all her incarnations) to be seen and enjoyed. Check it out - you won't be disappointed.

My Collection

One of the things I am planning on doing on this blog will be to highlight pieces from my extension Wonder Woman collection. Here is a little sneak peak of just some of the items I'll be focusing on.

I truly could fill a whole fourth unit with some of the glasses, mugs, and other odds and ends I've collected over the years.

Wonder Woman Odyssey

When issue 600 was released there was a huge uproar over Diana's new costume. I admit that at first I was even a little nervous because it was a drastic change from the star spangled attire that is so closely associated with Wonder Woman; but at the same I vowed to keep an open mind and give it a chance. Now as the end of Odyssey is approaching, I find myself sad that it is coming to an end. I have truly enjoyed this story arc. It didn't matter that she wasn't wearing the old costume - it was something different and I liked that.

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Wonder Woman #1 when DC relaunches their entire universe this September but again am a little miffed that they have once again redid her outfit. All preliminary images had her in pants and - I liked it. Now they are back to being starred shorts but in black. Is this an attempt to appease the masses who complained before and after issue 600 premiered (or even the masses that went absolutely bonkers when the David Kelly pilot posted images of Wonder Woman in pants)? I don't know, but again I will keep an open mind and will continue to follow Diana's adventures no matter what she is wearing.