Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines

Despite the inclusion of many female creations, comic books and the action adventure pulps that inspired them are mainly a man’s world. However, that’s not to say that there is not an audience that is entertained and inspired by woman heroes. The role of the superherone is firmly established today, but once upon a time that was not the case.

The most popular and successful superheroine has to be Wonder Woman, a creation by William Moulton Marston, also inventor of the lie detector. Marston felt that young men needed a strong female role model to protect them. Princess Diana of Themyscira was created by Queen Hippolyta of the Amazons from the very clay of the island itself. Her desire to have a daughter in a society populated entirely by women was granted by Athena. One of the few characters of her ilk, Wonder Woman was on a mission of peace, yet also a trained warrior princess. Earning her place as an ambassador to the ‘world of men,’ she left Paradise Island for a n unknown world of danger.

Popularized in print, Wonder Woman is one of three superheroes to remain in circulation from her inception (alongside Batman and Superman). She has also been adapted into other mediums. appearing in the Super Friends cartoon series and in the live action Wonder Woman program.

From 1975-1979, Lynda Carter starred as the Amazon Wonder Woman. Rather than simply an exciting TV series full of action and skimpy outfits, Carter injected some positive messages of female empowerment and peace. It was a bold move, and one that the studio was reluctant to pursue (it was dropped later on), but the mere presence of a strong woman who more often than not saved her male companion rather than the other way around made an impact on young viewers.

Strangely, no modern version of Wonder Woman has appeared since her TV program aside from a stellar animated feature and as part of the Justice League animated series. Nevertheless, the superheroine is a vital part of Western popular culture and one that continues to inspire and empower people fro, various backgrounds. A PBS documentary explored the phenomenon to a great degree which I highly recommend.

The full documentary can be ordered here.

Recommended:

Wonder Woman: The Amazon Princess Archives Vol. 1

Wonder Woman: Amazon. Hero. Icon.

Wonder Woman: The Complete Collection

Wonder Woman Vol. 1: Gods and Mortals

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite

I have never let go of my love of toys. I know they are not for everyone, but playing can transport you from adulthood to a world of near-infinite possibilities. I was honestly not that into Legos as a kid, but being a dad I have found myself building rockets, monster trucks and robots out of thin air and imagination. The Lego Batman series is lots of fun and embraces the kind of innocent fun and inventiveness that I see in my son while he concentrates on a building project. The DC Universe is transformed into miniature toy creations where the rules of reality are entirely rewritten.

If you like comic books and still have that playful side, you need to see this.

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite provides the ultimate blend of action and humor guaranteed to entertain fanboys of all ages. The film finds Lex Luthor taking jealousy to new heights when fellow billionaire Bruce Wayne wins the Man of the Year Award. To top Wayne’s accomplishment, Lex begins a campaign for President – and to create the atmosphere for his type of fear-based politics, he recruits the Joker to perfect a Black LEGO Destructor Ray. While wreaking havoc on Gotham, Lex successfully destroys Batman’s technology – forcing the Caped Crusader to reluctantly turn to Superman for help.

The film will be available as a Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and OnDemand starting May 21, 2013. It is now available to own via Digital Download. Initial Blu-ray Combo Pack & DVD release will include an exclusive Lego Clark Kent/Superman figurine on pack while supplies last.

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox details and cover art

Official press release below:
“Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox has all the elements of another great film – dynamic forceful villains, treacherous twists and turns and internal tensions amongst heroes,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Home Video Vice President, Family, Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. “Showcasing a cast that brings together some of today’s popular primetime television actors with many fans’ favorite voices from the original series, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is proud to release this title as the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie.”

Primetime television stars Justin Chambers (Grey’s Anatomy) and Kevin McKidd (Grey’s Anatomy), the voices of Barry Allen/Flash and Thomas Wayne/Batman, respectively, unite with numerous greats of television and film to fashion the famed animated roles. Adding to the celebrity-laden voice cast and providing thrilling additions to the Justice League series are Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale, Friday Night Lights, Chronicle) as Cyborg, C. Thomas Howell (Southland, The Outsiders) as Thawne/Professor Zoom, Nathan Fillion (Castle) as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern, Ron Perlman (Hellboy) as Slade and Deathstroke, Dana Delany (Body of Proof) as Lois Lane, Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride) as Aquaman, Danny Huston (Magic City) as General Lane, Sam Daly (The Office, The Daly Show) as Superman, and Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series) as Batman.

Screenwriter Jim Krieg delivers an action-packed vision of the legendary comic book miniseries FLASHPOINT, by Geoff Johns & Andy Kubert, adding to the over 13 million DC Universe video units produced to date. Jay Oliva (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) is director and James Tucker (Superman: Unbound) is producer.

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox Blu-ray™ has over three hours of exciting extra content, including:

• A Flash in Time: Are there other dimensions? Can time travel get us there? And if The Flash existed, could he really travel through time? Interviews with experts in mythology, theoretical physics and top DC writers will examine the science and legacy of the storytelling behind the fiction.

• My Favorite Villians! The Flash Bad Guys: Acclaimed DC Comics writer Geoff Johns and others share their favorite Flash villains in this short film that gives viewers a glimpse into the Flash’s world through the eyes of some of the nefarious characters he has encountered over the past 70 years!

• A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe animated movie:. An in-depth look into the next DC Animated feature film, spotlighting the cast and crew.

• From the DC Comics Vault: Bonus cartoon episodes

• The Flashpoint Paradox Audio Commentary

The Flashpoint Paradox will be out this summer, on July 30th

Superman battles Brianiac in this new Superman Unbound clip

Official press release and clip below:

Click to pre-order

Based on the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank 2008 release “Superman: Brainiac,” SUPERMAN: UNBOUND finds the horrific force responsible for the destruction of Krypton – Brainiac – descending upon Earth. Brainiac has crossed the universe, collecting cities from interesting planets – Kandor, included – and now the all-knowing, ever-evolving android has his sights fixed on Metropolis. Superman must summon all of his physical and intellectual resources to protect his city, the love of his life, and his newly-arrived cousin, Supergirl.

The film’s stellar voicecast is led by Matt Bomer (White Collar) as Superman, John Noble (Fringe, The Lord of the Rings films) as Brainiac, Stana Katic (Castle) as Lois Lane and Molly Quinn (Castle) as Supergirl.

Supervising Producer James Tucker (Justice League, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) also directs the film from a script by Bob Goodman (Warehouse 13, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns).

SUPERMAN: UNBOUND is coming to Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand and For Download via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on May 7, 2013.

Superman: Man of Steel – new trailer

Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel has, to date, been marketed as a moving drama showing an angst-ridden and tortured hero in a world where he is a complete foreigner. Finally a trailer has arrived that pits the hero against some tangible threat. General Zod hovers over the planet with a vast army demanding the return of their lost citizen, Kal-El. In the throes of an identity crisis, young Clark Kent pleads with his father to ‘just be his son,’ and his dad embraces him. Forever the outsider, Superman rises to the challenge of an entire invasion force, knowing full well that he will never truly belong among his own people or his adopted family. It’s a superb decision to blend drama and action with marvelous results.

Plus…

Superman has something to do!
No real estate scam!
No deadbeat dad!
All new!

Man of Steel has a June 14, 2013 release date.

Black Mask has put the hit on the caped crusader in Batman: Arkham Origins

It’s interesting to see news on the upcoming Batman video game and the name dropping of the all-but-forgotten Robin, Stephanie Brown.

Stephanie Brown cosplay by Aigue-Marine

Via Newsarama:

Game Informer’s month of Batman: Akrham Origins coverage, looking in-depth at the just-announced prequel to the popular Arkham games, continues, now revealing Batman’s new top foe. While The Joker ruled in Arkham Asylum and returned for a major arc in Arkham City, in Origins we’re seeing a much deeper underworld. The man hiring the assassins to come kill this new hero Batman has been revealed as Black Mask.

There are two characters who have been known as Black Mask in the world of DC Comics. The first, Roman Sidonis, is the one appearing in the game. As Sidonis, he could have run in the same social circles as Bruce Wayne, but as he transformed himself to Black Mask in the literal blood of his parents, he became the underworld leader who would, at one point, unite Gotham’s gangs and even kill a Robin (Stephanie Brown).

“We realize that Black Mask is not necessarily as prominent in people’s minds as some other classic Batman villains, so we realize we also need to do work to explain why he’s really cool and make him felt in the game,” creative director Eric Holmes told GI. “It’s not something people bring a lot of baggage to when you see the Black Mask, so we have to do the work to make him scary.”

As the head of Janus Cosmetics and the new Mob leader, Black Mask’s “brutal and sadistic” nature from the comics will translate over to the game, promises Warner Montreal.

“His thing is torture. That is what gets his rocks off,” Holmes said. “And he’s really good at it.”

The setting of a full Gotham City was also expounded upon. The game is set in midwinter of “Year 2″ of the Batman’s crime-fighting career, with the Christmastime setting giving them “a beautiful thing in an ugly place,” says Holmes. Gotham will be a much larger world than the previous games, and will also represent a world lost to time, much like Batman: The Animated Series. The locations fans remember in Arkham City will still be there – but as normal locations in the more than twice-as-large city. To navigate the three-tiered city, a fast travel by way of the Bat-plane will be offered for the first time, as well.

Quick review: Action Comics #19

‘Hybrid part one’
By Andy Diggle and Tony Daniel

Superman is yet another DC Comics property who is in perpetual flux. Action Comics was a major hit with the New 52 relaunch and the star power that Grant Morrison brought, but the concurrent Superman series has floundered in its attempts to follow wherever the Hell Morrison was going in his run. With the departure of Morrison, a bright future of possibility loomed for DC Editorial. The creative team of Andy Diggle (Daredevil, Green Arrow) and Tony S. Daniel (Batman) raised interest almost across the board and the marketing of the next run as drastically different was pushed in the back of every DC comic book. Almost as soon as the ink dried on the preview images, Diggle was off the book. A few days later, Daniel confirmed that he would be finishing up the three-part run using Diggle’s breakdowns.

So… we are back where we started with an uncertain future for the man of steel (though a Scott Lobdell filler arch has been announced). This strikes as decidedly bizarre since a major motion picture is due out this summer and the 75th anniversary of Superman is almost upon us (April 18th, mark your calendars). Why can’t DC editorial make this character the top seller he should be? I have no idea, but in the meantime, let’s take a look at Action Comics #19 and why it is the best thing to happen to Superman in years.

The story is set a year ago (no idea why) in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Qurac where Lois Lane is overcoming a total media blackout with her usual sassiness and know how… and a smart phone. It’s a very quick moment but one that got recognized by the fan community online almost immediately. The character of Lois Lane has been all but forgotten in recent years and the newspaper reporter angle of the Superman comic has gotten lost in favor of hypertectual storytelling by Morrison. But it’s back and in full force. Kent departs to deal with some reported arms smuggling.

The ‘illegal arms’ are mecha warsuits that Superman attempts to take down gently, but in the end his hand is forced into action. The battle is costly and reveals that one of the mech pilots is none other than Jimmy Olsen (as shown on the WTF cover), but it’s not Jimmy at all and the robot simulacrum explodes. This has to be the lamest moment in the book and could be a sign of why Diggle left. The Jimmy Olsen bot was obviously forced upon him by Editorial and feels very weird.

Superman is left with what appears to be a mystery and the scene shifts to Lex Luthor being psychoanalyzed. It seems that Lex is is imprisoned, but we soon see that he has actually trapped the psyhoanalyst (who hasn’t had this fantasy) and is holding her captive until she presents him with a statement on his character that he is happy with. Given that she diagnoses him as a brilliant yet twisted sociopath, things are not looking good for her. Along with the depiction of Lois, this is the strongest version of Luthor I have seen since the John Byrne days.

Luthor reveals that the mech suit attack was orchestrated by him to infiltrate Superman’s genetic sequence and rewrite it, crafting a monstrosity. It’s a thrilling plot that leaves the readers with just a glimpse of Superman mid-transformation into some kind of horrific creature.

Let me be clear in saying that I appreciate the Morrison run on Action Comics and now that it is complete, can appreciate what it was accomplishing, a kind of modern silver age fantasy. Even so, it read poorly in monthly installments and alienated anyone who lacked the fortitude to re-read every issue and look deeply into the meaning (ignoring the filler issues and artist swaps). What Diggle and Daniel have accomplished in just one issue is stunning and uses the supporting cast to great aplomb. It also presents a modern dramatic action story without sacrificing the iconic nature of the series or enforcing any new creative direction on those concepts. It’s simply a great ripping Superman comic.

I am just sad to know that it will be over in just two issues and as far as I can tell, it is thanks to the inability of DC Editorial to work with Diggle. Sad, really. But enjoy this ride while you can.

Black and white images from Tony Daniel’s art page

Justice League of America (or how to make the JLA edgy)

JLA by David Finch

Written by Geoff Johns and drawn by David Finch
“This is a very different kind of team book,” says Geoff Johns. “On first glance, people might think the heroes of the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA stand in the shadows of Superman, Wonder Woman and the rest of the JUSTICE LEAGUE, but Green Arrow, Katana, Martian Manhunter, the new Green Lantern, Stargirl, Vibe, Hawkman and Catwoman thrive in the shadows. They’re underdogs who have everything to prove and something to lose. They’re a team of unlikely heroes who will help one another discover they’re as A-List as anybody — yes, even Vibe. Though getting there won’t be easy. Why they’re formed, why each member joins, what they’re after and who the society of villains is they’re trying to take apart will all be clear in the first issue when it hits early 2013. David and I are really focused on delving deep into what it’s like to not be a member of the big seven and why, sometimes, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” (via DC Comics)

Despite outward appearances, Justice League of America has (in my opinion) been in a kind of soul searching for decades. Be it the fantastical reach of the Grant Morrison run or the bizarre comedic Giffen/DeMatteis series the comic has run the gamut in approaches and even lineup including the traditional to more unknown superheroes. The latest iteration is a reboot, (simply) Justice League from the ground up, starting with the superheroes of the DCU fighting each other and threats from beyond. Sure, it’s a much simpler and glamorous version of the comic book where almost every member of the team is a jerk, but it has been the most successful version of the book in a very long time.

So whenever a comic book is this much of a hit we get a spin off, hence: Justice League of America (yes, this is possibly the tenth spin off of Justice League, joining Justice League International, Justice League Strike Force and many more).

The Justice League of the New 52 Universe are unknown quantities who answer to no one and hold vast powers far in advance of any individual government. Steve Trevor was intended to be a liaison to the League, but that fell apart quickly when his relationship with Wonder Woman similarly dissolved. With Trevor in disgrace and the Justice League running with no one to stop them, another team is quickly assembled, answerable to US government official Amanda Waller (looking about a tenth of her regular size).

There has been a general ‘us vs. them’ theme running through a few DC monthly books including Batwoman who works for the DEO in secret. However, this is a strong response to the superhuman threat that takes into consideration not just what power players are available but also if they can be controlled. Hawkman is presented as a brilliant tactician, but a brutish thug compared to Batman. Green Lantern is on the run and therefore easily reigned in by the US. Stargirl, Vibe and Katana are all newbies with little to no knowledge of how their world functions. Catwoman has dubious morals, but also the most straight forward motivation. Martian Manhunter is a major win for Waller as he is their most powerful member and is completely avoided by the other League.

I do like the unusual team dynamic and how some characters are incredibly naive and others seasoned veterans, yet all of them are unused to working with others. It promises a lot of potential for some interesting stories and the uses the relative obscurity of many heroes to its advantage. This is a book where Hawkman and Green Arrow are the most recognizable heroes, and both are second or third tier characters, depending on your point of view.

Green Arrow is eager to prove himself as a viable hero to the league, which places him as the ideal person to infiltrate the Secret Society, a newly formed group of super villains. The series so far is spinning wheels, showing the formation of the team and unraveling the threat of the Secret Society in painfully slow steps. That’s not to say that I dislike it, it oozes in character and action, but that said… there’s not a lot happening so far.

Justice League of America started with an unusual multiple variant cover explosion spotlighting every state flag of the US and has been selling like hotcakes. The art by David Finch, most well known from Moon Knight and Batman: The Dark Knight, is a major pull for the comic as is the looming possibility of what could happen next. It’s not so much what is happening in this comic that attracts me, but what could happen next.

The relationship between Steve Trevor and Amanda Waller is on a knife edge (does this guy get along with anyone?) and Oliver Queen is the most interesting character to date as Green Arrow (it is wise for DC to ride his current popularity thanks to the WB TV series) and I am interested in seeing where that all goes. Two issues in and the team has still not faced a single threat and all of the action is in flashback.

So if you are a fan of superhero books and have a lot of patience, check this one out.

Earth 2 gets a new Batman this May!

James Robinson’s Earth 2 series has been gaining support in its short run to date. Set on an alternate Earth where Darkseid’s army waged a devastating war that robbed the planet of its Trinity of heroes (Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman), the monthly book has depicted a gradual unveiling of new takes on classic heroes and villains such as the Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, the Atom and this week, Doctor Fate.

This May, a new caped crusader will enter the fray as Earth 2 finds itself home to a new Batman.

(preview art below)

Via Comics-x-aminer

A new age of “Wonders” is dawning.

This May, EARTH 2 ANNUAL #1 will fly into stores. Written by James Robinson and illustrated by Yildiray Cinar, CAFU, and Julius Gopez, EARTH 2 ANNUAL #1 features a stunning cover by Andy Kubert, and introduces the new Batman of Earth 2!

Today, THE SOURCE is excited to give you a first look at this new Batman. In the gallery above, take a sneak peak at the interior art for EARTH 2 ANNUAL #1, featuring the new Caped Crusader leaping into action and continuing the fight against crime. But who could be under the mask? And how will the “Wonders” react to a new Batman? Place your bets in the comments section below!

New creative team for Action Comics is a blast from the past!

Once more, Superman heads in a bold new direction

The recent announcement of the new creative team on Action Comics following Grant Morrison and Rags Morales as being Andy Diggle and Tony S. Daniel was met with well worthy excitement. That excitement quickly turned  to confusion when Diggle dropped the book and while Daniel will be staying on for a few issues, DC has been reticent to announce exactly who the new creative team will be… until now.

An early sketch of one of many fractal Supermen

The first version of Superman will return along with many others

In a surprise move, John Byrne will be returning to the Man of Steel with issue 23. The new direction will tie directly into the New Gods story line in Wonder Woman and into the forthcoming Multiversity event directed by Grant Morrison. This is a massive shock to many and what’s even more surprising is that it has been in the works for some time.

Superman will kill Wonder Woman in an upcoming issue

Following a Wonder Woman crossover ‘The Rise and Fall of New Geneseis,’ (co-written and drawn by Jerry Ordway who will be taking over from Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang) the time line will be fractured. The resulting series will see the Man of Steel travelling through various iterations of his fictional life, touching upon some plot points that are familiar to readers as well as brand new twists on old ideas.

Darkseid stands triumphant over the Gods of New Genesis

The time line will be broken, resulting in an array of what Byrne is calling ‘fractal Supermen’ who all embody different takes on the character as he heads toward a new era of greatness. Aloong the way, a New 52 version of the Doom Patrol will be introduced along with a few other surprises.

All of this will culminate in a big reveal this summer when DC will unveil its new Man of Steel series to tie into the motion picture directed by Zack Snyder.

More as it comes… and April Fools.