If Wonder Woman did not exist, surely she would have to be created, right? As comic book historian Tim Hanley makes clear in his new book, “Wonder Woman Unbound,” there never was just one Wonder Woman and, lucky for us, she has emerged as the symbol we are all familiar with. But just how familiar? Yeah, what is Wonder Woman all about? That my friend is worthy of a book and here is that book.
Filed under Book Reviews, Books, Comics, pop culture, Wonder Woman
Art by Cheyenne Randall
Have you ever noticed how clean-cut our superheroes are? Do any of them have even one tat? Maybe Tony Stark.
Thanks to artist Cheyenne Randall, we can now see Wondy with tats. View more of this amazing work here.
Filed under Comics, Tattoos, Wonder Woman
After a much needed winter holiday break, Comics Grinder is back. Did you miss me? Oh, of course you did, and that’s understandable. As the main force behind CG, I need to take pauses. It’s all about intelligent pacing. We do have guest columnists from time to time. We may even find more regular contributors this year. As for now, “we” at Comics Grinder do the best we can.
As we roll into the new year, expect more reviews, interviews, original art, various features, and thoughts on 2014. If you ask me, the most buzzworthy thing coming out of superhero comics is going to be Grant Morrison’s Wonder Woman graphic novel. Of course, there’s Morrison’s “Multiversity” due out this year too, but the Wondy book will be easy for the media to hook into and it well deserves all the attention it will get.
In “Wonder Woman: The Trial of Diana Prince,” Grant Morrison has Diana attempting to run away with her man, Steve Trevor, only to have to face trial for her wicked crime by her peers back on Paradise Island, or Themyscira, for you comics geeks. This is a story that will pit mother against daughter and probably leave Steve Trevor wishing he’d never indulged in a lasso fetish.
Looking over notable moments in 2013, I found this: Grant Morrison provides a brilliant post-San Diego Comic-Con interview for USA Today and talks all about the new Wondy book, and much more, here.
Filed under Comics, Comics News, DC Comics, Grant Morrison, Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman art by Mike Allred
According to Hero Complex, a new Wonder Woman television series remains on track at CW. But could it possibly be as cool as this Wonder Woman art by Michael Allred? I would say probably not.
The “interesting” news so far is who is currently in charge of writing it:
Allan Heinberg (“The O.C.,” “Young Avengers” comics), who wrote the “Amazon” script, is no longer on the project. Aron Eli Coleite (“Heroes,” “Ultimate X-Men” comics) is writing the current draft.
Who is Aron Eli Colieite? Courtesy of Call Me Adam, we get a very nice and polite overview of an impressive mainstream career in television. Nice, sure, very nice:
Emmy Award Nominee Aron Eli Coleite is an author of multiple works for the stage, screen and comic books. His background in theatre includes work as the Literary Manager, Dramaturg and ultimately, Artistic Director of Santa Monica’s Powerhouse Theatre Company. Aron currently serves as a co-executive producer and writer on the new Oren Peli/Steven Spielberg TV series, “The River,” premiering on ABC in 2012. His prior television credits include “Party of Five” and the NBC crime drama “Crossing Jordan.” Most recently, he served as a writer/producer on the hit NBC series “Heroes.” For his work on Heroes, Aron was nominated for an Emmy Award and won a People’s Choice, TV Land, and Saturn Award. He is currently writing a pilot for a new CBS series to be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, a project for the Sci-Fi Network with acclaimed television and theatre producer Bill Haber, and a feature film for 20th Century Fox. Aron is known to comic book fans around the world for his work on Marvel’s Ultimate X-Men and creating the series Vice and The Covenant for Top Cow Comics.
Sounds like that could be good news for some. The only quibble, a big one actually, is that all signs point to this Wonder Woman treading on very safe and familiar ground. Perhaps safe TV is good TV. In many respects, Wonder Woman would seem like something you want to play safe with, not edgy or innovative. The CW network president, Mark Pedowitz, considers Wonder Woman to be “the trickiest of all the DC characters to get right.” There’s really no need to create problems for yourself that don’t need to exist. Consider this: You’re already at a disadvantage if you feel like you’re at a disadvantage.
Okay, first things first. Obviously, you need chemistry, if nothing else. Why is Wonder Woman such a challenge to do right? No one knows what they really want. They will know when they see it, maybe. Writing is acceptable for now, but that’s only half of the battle. The lead is so important that she will, in some yet unforeseen and magical way, determine the writing. We remember Lynda Carter. We don’t remember even one of the half-baked plots from that clunky, yet fun, show.
The fear is another misstep like the David E. Kelley/Andrea Palicki version of Wonder Woman. Not fair but that was the misstep everyone was dreading was going to happen and it was a most glorious misstep, or so everyone has been led to believe. All the deep, and not so deep, pockets are too scared to experiment. At this point, seeking a solid and competent Wonder Woman project sets the bar not too high but in the range of attainable. But is that entertainment?
My best guess is that this latest project will end up being an even bigger fail if left to run its course. Not fair. Sure, we all should just get along and make great work. So, why not go for it? You want to know when you see it working? You really, really want to know? Look closely at the above Wonder Woman art by Mr. Michael Allred. If you could create a show even slightly as cool as that, then you’ve got something. Or, better yet, create a show at that same level of coolness, and then you’re making history.
Doesn’t Wonder Woman deserve an awesome show? You just can’t get so hesitant about it. Think about all the false starts over this and that Wonder Woman project. The hesitancy has gotten to a ridiculous level. Your best bet would be to try something bold and don’t look back.
Filed under Comics, CW, Television, Wonder Woman
Ever wonder what Alexander Hamilton would look like if he was Batman? Well, probably not. But Berlin artist/designer Aslan Malik sure did. He went all graffiti on some legal tender and rendered himself some superheroes. DC Comics, take a look at your Justice Leauge now! Applying paint directly to a $50, $100, $20, $10, and $5, Malik turned Grant, Franklin, Jackson, Hamilton, and Lincoln into Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Batman, and the Flash. But what about the most iconic, and most easily accessible cash of them all, the mighty $1 bill? What about George Washington?
Filed under Art, Batman, Comics, DC Comics, Flash, Graffiti, Green Lantern, Justice League, Superman, Wonder Woman
Just before Lynda Carter, there was Cathy Lee Crosby. It all began in 1974, when ABC aired a “Wonder Woman” movie. It starred Crosby and the script, written by John D.F. Black (“Star Trek,” “Shaft”), was faithful to a new direction the Wonder Woman character had taken in the DC comics title. She was far more grounded and less invincible. And Crosby definitely had what it took. She was a natural athlete, with stunning good looks, and a wholesome quality. Looking back, she would have made a great Wonder Woman for a television series. That role would go to Carter and the rest is history. Still, we have the pilot movie to appreciate that just happens to have released on DVD as of December 11. So, let’s take a look.
The best part of this movie is that it can’t help but be full of shaggy ’70s goodness. Every young, or youngish, guy has billowy long feathered hair if they can manage it or some shaggy quality going on. The pickup lines are all cheesy. The crime and violence is campy. And the villain is a mysterious lothario all dressed in white. Hey, that’s Ricardo Montalban, prior to finding his destiny on “Fantasy Island!”
The plot is simple but fun. A criminal mastermind has stolen all the code books holding the identities of 39 American spies. He wants 15 million dollars within 72 hours or he sells the information to the highest bidder. We find that Wonder Woman has settled in nicely as a secretary for Steve Trevor, who leads various military operations. With a wink and a nod, Steve authorizes Wonder Woman into action. And she soon finds that one of her biggest challenges will be to fend off the advances of the creepy henchman in charge.
Along the way, we see how Wonder Woman improvises when she’s hot on the trail.
And we learn of a new nemesis, Angela, who promised to knock Wonder Woman’s lights out.
For a light and fun look at what the 1970s almost launched for Wonder Woman, this is priceless. But it won’t cost you much to get your own DVD here.
Filed under Comics, DC Comics, DVD Blu-ray Reviews, Television, Warner Bros., Wonder Woman
Before Linda Carter, there was Cathy Lee Crosby as Wonder Woman, if only for an ever so brief moment. Watch all the CLC/Wondy action this holiday season.
And, while you’re at it, Warner Bros. has got you covered with the second season of the much acclaimed, “Superboy.” They both are on their way starting December 11.
More details follow:
Filed under Superheroes, Superman, Television, Warner Bros., Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is the crown jewel in comics. You have the trinity of Batman, Superman and…Wonder Woman. Since her debut in the first issue of “Sensation Comics” in 1940, she’s grabbed the attention of the general public. Some might say that she’s had some trouble staying in the spotlight but she’s too important a character, a symbol, to not do right by her. She’s the Statue of Liberty of comics! You know what I’m saying? Well, lucky for us, she’s been getting the royal treatment for her run as part of the New 52. Written by Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets) and drawn by Cliff Chiang (Human Target), it is the royal treatment indeed.
We’re already up to Issue Four and this story just keeps getting more intriguing. We’ve had a fundamental change to Diana’s origin that has really become a central part of this story in a very intelligent and interesting way. So, this is hardly a secret, you know that the big game changer is that Diana no longer was literally created from clay by her mother, Hippolyta. Sure, she could have easily created a child from clay but that story always seemed a bit too creepy. I love this new version because, in an instant, it makes Wonder Woman all the more accessible. Hippolyta had an affair with Zeus, the ultimate womanizing god! And what happens on Paradise Island can not stay on Paradise Island. In Issue Four, Hippolyta comes face to face with the other woman, Hera!
But that’s only part of the story. As you may recall from the first issue, Wonder Woman has found herself providing comfort, and much needed safety, for a mortal young woman, Zola, who managed to hook up and get knocked up by Zeus.
Then you have Strife who is a totally messed up chick. But Wonder Woman has got it covered. At the first sign of Strife threatening Zola and her baby, Wonder Woman lets Strife have it. All this played out in a club, which is nice to see Wonder Woman being a part of that scene.
We also have Apollo who is plotting his next move very carefully. We see him attempting to drag Ares into his plans. With a shaky hand, the world-weary God of War, pours himself another drink and never stops pouring. He looks as beleaguered as he could possibly be. This story has many things in play and it all looks to be part of an awesome bigger story.
We’ve come a long way since that first issue of “Sensation Comics.” Wonder Woman can look forward to a healthy relaunch. The next issue, Number 5, is on sale January 18, 2012. Tell me that “Woman Woman” is not a hot title! Oh, it is. Wonder Woman is something to whoot, whoot, whoot about!
You can’t get tired of this cover art by Cliff Chiang for the next issue. It is easily one of the coolest covers I’ve seen in a long while. The next issue comes out January 18, 2012. Keep a close eye on Wondy. She is red hot.
Filed under Brian Azzarello, Cliff Chiang, Comics, DC Comics, The New 52, Wonder Woman
I have no beef with Kathy Bates. I’d go even as far as to say that her current show on NBC, “HARRY”S LAW,” is for all intents and purposes a fine little show, reminiscent of “CANNON” and “BARNABY JONES.” But to favor this show over the possibility of bringing back “WONDER WOMAN”? Apparently, NBC would rather drop the idea of David E. Kelley’s reboot of “Wonder Woman” and instead invest in more episodes of “Harry’s Law.”
Why not take Kathy Bates and cast her in a role in the new Wondy show? She might be able to play Wondy’s mom or maybe a character much like, if not identical, to the one she’s playing now on this Harry show. She could be a female version of Commisioner Gordon. I know, wrong superhero reference, but you know what I’m saying.
Adrianne Palicki might be counting her lucky stars. It does seem like she was miscast. And, most likely, this Wondy effort was missing something very important, like a real purpose to exist. Ah well, maybe it’s good that NBC is being as cautious as it is. Or maybe they don’t really care and figure “Harry” is money in the bank.
Filed under DC Comics, Wonder Woman
I was just commenting the other day about Eric Palicki’s writing for comics, particularly his new work, “Barefoot.” And now we get the big news from “The Hollywood Reporter” that his sister has been chosen to star in the new Wonder Woman TV show on NBC. There are no two ways about it, Adrianne Palicki is a hottie. She also happens to have developed an impressive career on TV which includes superhero street cred: Adrianne played Supergirl on “Smallville” and had a role on the CW’s short-lived “Aquaman.” But is this just shortsighted typecasting? Some might agree. Then again, this is supposed to be a different Wonder Woman, based out of LA, so let’s roll with it.
Here is some info from the press release:
The series pilot is a reinvention of the iconic DC Comics title in which Wonder Woman – a.k.a. Diana Prince – is a vigilante crime fighter in Los Angeles but also a successful corporate executive and a modern woman trying to balance all of the elements of her extraordinary life. Kelley and Bill D’Elia (“Boston Legal,” “The Practice”) are the executive producers. The pilot was written by Kelley and will be directed by Jeffrey Reiner(NBC’s “The Event”). “Wonder Woman” is from David E. Kelley Productions and Warner Bros. Television.
So, what does this mean to you, or to me? Well, I’m just a guy. I scratch when I itch. I will lay about with a beer and watch a game now and then. I don’t keep up with all the shows on TV unless it’s something that really calls out to me, otherwise I may be tone deaf to something that apparently is popular. For instance, Adrianne Palicki is currently the star of “Friday Night Lights.” I have no idea what that is. She plays the role of Tyra Collete. Maybe I’ll look it up.
What I initally found interesting was all the newfound interest in Wonder Woman. This is one of those shows that I’m interested to follow as the publicity ramps up. I am not a wild fan of too many actors. You’d have to go back to Jack Lemmon for someone I really liked and cared about. Or, for someone more recent, Drew Barrymore, but on a different level. And on an even more different level, Russell Brand comes to mind. What do Jack Lemmon, Drew Barrymore and Russell Brand have in common? They all come across as real human beings. Smart, talented and human. That’s a great combination.
Anyway, back to Wonder Woman, based on what fans seem to want, it really looked like the best choice would have been Bridget Regan. She was on ABC’s “Legend of the Seeker.” Again, that does not register with me but, from what I can tell, it looks good. And, from what I see, Adrianne Palicki should do quite well as Wonder Woman. This could very well be her Lynda Carter moment. She may become a truly household name, although audiences are definitely not what they were in Carter’s day. Everything is now scattered and random. Audiences can be more fickle. Corporations can be less patient. Although there are always exceptions. Did anyone predict that “Big Bang Theory” would become a hit? No, of course not. Some shows take time and are worth sticking with. And some shows get dropped for no good reason other than low ratings.
Whatever the case, Adrianne Palicki will become better known because of the fact she’s now Wonder Woman and then, after that, her career may go downhill unless she’s really good on this show, so good that she actually transcends it. Now, that’s a tall order. We’ll wait and see.
Filed under DC Comics, NBC, Television, Wonder Woman
