Wonder Woman: The Complete History

This book is stunning; there?s no other word for it. The art design is by Chip Kidd, who also designed the gorgeous Batman: Animated hardcover. Beautifully reproduced pages from her early stories interspersed with photos of antique Wonder Woman toys, dolls, and DC promotional items complete the experience. The fact that it is so much fun to leaf through and enjoy Kidd?s layout is probably why these books (Kidd designed all three Complete Histories, as well) earned the unfair ?coffee table? label. Fans of the television show will be happy to know that there are plenty of photos from the series included as well as an introduction by Lynda Carter, which is a nice nod to the permanent association many of us have between the actress and the character. (...)

This highly pictorial history (or should I say "herstory") of Wonder Woman has just about everything in it that you could want. Beginning with Wonder Woman's origination in the mind of Harvard-trained psychologist Dr. William Moulton Marston, continuing through to her rebirth as the new Wonder Woman in 1968, through Gloria Steinem's work to bring her back, through the television show, through today. Along the way there are many reproductions of comic book covers and comics, pictures of paraphernalia (e.g. toys, cards, macaroni, etc.), and sidebars discussing such things as lie detectors, other comic book heroines, and such.This is a great book that taught me many things that I did not know, about her origins, who she was written for and why. I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in Wonder Woman or in comic books in general.

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!