For a long, long time it seemed that the entire Diana (Rigg) Prince era would remain a running joke amongst fanboys. I've owned a handful of these issues over the years, and always found them entertaining but never really appreciated what Denny O'Neil and Mike Sekowsky were trying to achieve with the character until I read the stories back to back to back. There are so many elements at play here, that it's hard not to think that the creators were just using the series as their personal laboratory. The thing is, most of their experiments work. From O'Neil insertion of pulpish elements, including a detective with a dead partner named Archie Miles (!) to Sekowsky taking advantage of his experience in romance comics during a fashion montage, they really played to their strengths. A lot of DC book had a different feel during these years, but this one certainly takes the cake. It's a fun romp, and Ching makes for a suitable partner, helping Diana see the world through a mortal's eyes. The locale changes keep things interesting as we travel to the Alps and London. We also see a wide variety of action ranging from back alley fights to a war of the Gods. Somehow, it all works and I think that much of it has to do with Sekowsky's masterful storytelling. I only wish there was an introduction explaining the impetus and reaction to the big change. Trade Mark: A-Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Trade Marks: Diana Prince - Wonder Woman Vol. 1
For a long, long time it seemed that the entire Diana (Rigg) Prince era would remain a running joke amongst fanboys. I've owned a handful of these issues over the years, and always found them entertaining but never really appreciated what Denny O'Neil and Mike Sekowsky were trying to achieve with the character until I read the stories back to back to back. There are so many elements at play here, that it's hard not to think that the creators were just using the series as their personal laboratory. The thing is, most of their experiments work. From O'Neil insertion of pulpish elements, including a detective with a dead partner named Archie Miles (!) to Sekowsky taking advantage of his experience in romance comics during a fashion montage, they really played to their strengths. A lot of DC book had a different feel during these years, but this one certainly takes the cake. It's a fun romp, and Ching makes for a suitable partner, helping Diana see the world through a mortal's eyes. The locale changes keep things interesting as we travel to the Alps and London. We also see a wide variety of action ranging from back alley fights to a war of the Gods. Somehow, it all works and I think that much of it has to do with Sekowsky's masterful storytelling. I only wish there was an introduction explaining the impetus and reaction to the big change. Trade Mark: A-
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6 comments:
With any other character, I think the changes would be hailed as a good thing. The whole "iconic" element of Wonder Woman is what killed it.
This is one of the few times where I disagree with you. I thought this was awful from start to finish. It read to me like a blatant attempt to turn Wonder Woman into The Avengers TV show, complete with a man with a bowler hat. But hey, that's what makes comics so great--there's something out there for everyone!
I can totally understand how this era can be polarizing. I've quite enjoyed it thus far. Sure, they were rehashing a bunch of 60s tropes, but I think it is fairly well executed and Sekowsky just works for me on every level. I'll report back after the future TPBs as I may grow wear by then.
I would like to read these stories at some point. It sounds like an interesting if inherently doomed experiment.
The detective with a dead partner sounds suspiciously like the 1960s' TV show, "Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)," made, like, "The Avengers," for Britain's ITV. I wonder if that's coincidence?
I absolutely adore this era of Wonder Woman. It made Wonder Woman exciting, vital and fun-- something the character had not been for quite some time. (I mean look at the stories immediately preceding it and ask yourself how well the bland and incoherent adventures Wonder Woman was having was working for her.) It gave Diana actual characterization which was novel. And as a fan of the Avengers, there really isn't a lot of it there beyond the surface of Diana's outfits. I don't think Wonder Woman was frankly better for a long time.
The dead partner, named "Archie Miles" is a tip of the hat to Sam Spade's dead partner in Maltese Falcon, Miles Archer. That Brit TV show sounds quite cool, though.
Rob - I can totally understand how this era can be polarizing. It just works for me.
Graeme - I couldn't agree more.
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