Hi, readers! First of all, I’d like to thank you for all of the love and support I received from last week’s Wonder Woman Wednesday – a tribute to MY Wonder Woman, my mom. It really meant a lot to me.

Now, onto the task at hand. Although, hardly a task it be! This week, we’re looking at the final issue of Andy Mangel’s epic Wonder Woman ’77 Meets The Bionic Woman maxi-series.


Wonder Woman Meets The Bionic Woman is like a really good Indiana Jones film. It has action, intrigue, chills, thrills, a touch of humor, and a ton of heart.


Possible spoilers below.


One of the things I love about this series is how well it’s written. It reminds me of the days when I used to be so excited about new comics day. Comics were inexpensive and crammed with enough story to give you your money’s worth. Although there are many great comics out there, I feel they are overpriced and underwritten. At least there are some exceptions, and if the art is killer, I can forgive story grievances. Most modern comics take less than ten minutes to read. They seem to drag out a story and include very little dialogue. Wonder Woman ’77 Meets the Bionic Woman is a dense, fast-paced thrill ride. Writer Andy Mangel manages to pack plenty of story in his writing and packs it with a punch.


Credit must also be given to series artist Judit Tandora. She really grew and evolved over the course of the story. She has a nice, clean style with a lot of detail, but not too much to be distracting. And brava for having a woman draw the series. As important and successful as Patty Jenkins was in directing the first live-action Wonder Woman flick, it reinforces how pivotal women can be in guiding Wonder Woman to ultimate success.


Having been a huge fan of both ladies since I was a wee lad, this series was and has been a real dream come true. If only there were toys to mark the occasion. I’d give anything to have my original Wonder Woman and Bionic Woman dolls again. Although they were “girls” toys, I must have played with them like somewhat of a boy. I went through two each of both dolls!


There are so many Easter Eggs in this series. I’ll let someone less lazy than me do the count. Some of my favorites have been the inclusion of Drusilla, played by a young Debra Winger on the TV show. And I’ll take a Kanga appearance any day of the week.


Another exciting moment was the appearance of “The Black Wonder Woman,” Nubia. I have been pushing for a modern-day Nubia for a mighty long time. (Wonder Woman editors, you’re my only hope!) With much better diversity in the spotlight, I think it would be great if more established characters of color were brought to the forefront and given their due. I think Nubia would make for a fascinating Wonder Woman tale in the age of “DC Rebirth.” Come on, guys, what do you have to lose?


Andy also managed to slip in a nod to gay marriage, as Diana mentions the “officiating at Nubia and Fausta’s wedding. You go, boy – way to represent.


So, basically, the last issue features everything you could ask for. The bad guys are beaten. The loose ends are tied up. Diana and Steve Trevor are reunited. A new friendship is born. And a possible sequel is ripe for the picking.


As excited as I was to read this issue, I’m also sad to see it end. Perhaps a sequel IS in the works – or another exciting blast-from-the-past team up. Wonder Woman Meets Charlie’s Angels would slay me in the best way possible way. Wonder Woman Meets Police Woman. Wonder Woman Meets Electra Woman and Dyna Girl. Wonder Woman Meets Cagney and Lacey. I guess oh Mighty Isis is off the table (Freaking terrorists!). nut the sky’s the limit.


At any rate, Andy should be given more Wonder Woman to write. As a long-time and big-time Wonder Woman fan (Next to me, of course!), I know the attention to detail and the accuracy of the portrayal of the characters is spot on.


Overall, the story was great with a satisfying ending. I loved Dr. Poison, The Toy Man, and especially the Fembots! I mean, what would a Bionic Woman story be without Fembots?  I also really appreciated how faithful Andy was to the characters. Diana and Jaime have plenty of strength, love, and compassion.  I thought it was super cute at the end when Jaime asked Wonder Woman to do the “Wonder Woman Spin” one more time for her.


I want to thank Andy and Judit and all of the other creative people involved for giving us such a great, memorable Wonder Woman story that could have easily been an episode of the television series. I’m sure Lynda and Lindsay are very proud of you! So, I strongly suggest that – if you haven’t already – you should read this story. Hold out for the trade paperback, as it promises to have a few goodies attached to it.


I guess that’s all, folks! See you next week for another Wonder Woman Wednesday.  Make sure to check out our sister Facebook page, “I Am Wonder Fan,” and feel free to share your opinions on Wonder Woman ’77 Meets the Bionic Woman or anything and everything Wonder Woman related. Also, please follow me on Instagram (@MichaelFitzTroy).

Featured art by Nicola Scott