Welcome, Wonder Warriors! This week, we take a look at the penultimate and arguably the best so far of writer Andy Mangels’ Wonder Woman ’77 Meets the Bionic Woman #5 from DC and Dynamite Entertainment. This has to be the best thing to come out comic book-wise concerning Wonder Woman. In a year of standout Wonder Woman stories, that is no small feat. Andy Mangels succeeds at capturing the vibe of the era. This could easily be season 4 of the television series. 


Spoilers to follow.

With a title like “Attack of The Fembots,” how could it not succeed? Wonder Woman is shot and being carried around like a new bride by the Bionic Woman. She’s told by Wondy to tell the robot plane to take them to Transformation Isle…. what the heck? Since when is the “safe word” for “Paradise Island” “Transformation Isle?” Oh those wacky ’70s! It’s little flourishes such as these that showcase Andy as the perfect and only writer for this series. It seems like Andy’s Jaime Somers is modeled after a certain Elle Woods, unless I missed the mark. But that’s just fine with me. That’s the new movie, Legally Bionic!
 
Credit should also be given to most improved new artist on the scene, Judit Tandora. I swear that her Carolyn Jones’ Hippolyta’s eyes were following me around the bedroom. She looks more like Lynda Carter than Lynda Carter looks like Lynda Carter. In other words, it’s beautifully drawn.

I’ve waited my whole life to see Debra Winger wield an axe dressed as Wonder Girl. Well done! (Hand to Zeus, it happens!)

Of course, it’s Nubia for the win! How do I not know the actress’ name who played her on the TV show? Surely, she must have some sort of gay following? No? No. Okay.

Speaking of gay followings – it’s always a treat to see Phillupus and Artemis in any incarnation. I always think it’s a riot watching the poor, tortured Amazons endlessly preparing for inevitable genocide that seems to happen every couple of years or so. Not with Andy’s Amazons. They are more housewives than ninja warrior for lack of a better comparison. Anyway, it’s like being transported by the most awesome time machine in every issue as we are pelted with Easter eggs left and right.

This issue really hit the ground running, and it makes me sad that the series is almost over. May I be the first to call for a sequel? If I know Mr. Mangels like I think I do, I’m sure the pitch has already been made. And I’m all for it! What started as a fun nostalgia trip has turned into a monthly must read.  We have to wait a full month to see more Amazons slaughtered by evil men and their evil Fembots!


Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Andy has nailed the perfect sound effect for when Jaime uses her bionics. It would be plagiarism to reveal said sound effect here, so you’re going to have to read it for yourself! And that’s a good thing. (Suddenly I’m Martha Stewart?)
 
So, after you read WW’77MTBW, go over to the “I Am Wonder Fan” page on Facebook and then follow me on Instagram @MichaelFitzTroy.


And we shall see you all back here next week!