Sometime in the 1960s — 1968, to be exact, DC Comics had the bright idea* to strip Wonder Woman of her dumb-ass costume** and give her a mod makeover that’s equal parts Emma Peel and James Bond. The groovy results are now collected in DIANA PRINCE: WONDER WOMAN – VOLUME ONE, you dig?

So here’s how it all goes down: Diana’s boy toy Steve Trevor is convicted of a murder he didn’t commit and makes a run for it. Meanwhile, she’s lost her powers temporarily***, so the star-spangled shorts get kicked to the curb in favor of high-fashion duds straight from the pages of MS.

Diana needs to locate and save Steve, so she hooks up with an old, blind Chinese dude named I Ching. He teaches her kung-fu moves, which — let’s face it — are better than a stupid, glowing lasso the color of weasel piss.**** This comes in handy when they’re pursued by the minions of the evil Dr. Cyber, who of course sets up shop in a massive fortress.

There’s even a Q-like gadget provider who makes Diana a grappling-hook bracelet and some explosive baubles. There’s also a Frankenstein monster that attacks her at one point. I had to double-check to make sure I didn’t dream that one up.*****

This whole non-superhero subterfuge is a terrific, AVENGERS-style approach, because it makes a character I normally detest into one cool chick. I especially liked how she survives a near-death experience and emerges hungry and exhausted, and a pal tells her, “Take it easy … I’m gonna buy ya the thickest steak in town!” Two panels later, Diana tells him, “Thanks for the delicious meal, Mr. Trench.” It’s good to know that when your boyfriend is on the precipice of death, only a good tender sirloin can get in the way.

Even though Diana is in full ass-kicking mode for the bulk of the book, there’s still some sexism at play, such as when that steak provider Mr. Trench warns some of the baddies she’s fighting, “Mustn’t slug Diana! You’ll mess her hairdo!”

I didn’t care so much for the other story that involves a war of the Amazonians, but everything else is everything good about the 1960s, hallucinogens included. –Rod Lott******

*Did I say “bright”? I meant “totally genius.”
**Exception: Lynda Carter. That girl filled/overflowed it well, giving this then-5-year-old dirty thoughts.
***Long, boring reason. Trust me – doesn’t matter.
****So say four out of five dentists.
*****I didn’t; it’s right there on page 47.
******Yes, this review was written under the influence of butalbital. Ask your doctor if butalbital is right for you.

Buy it at Amazon.

“You must smash engine in solar plexus!”