Wonder Woman Comic Book Prices
Value of Wonder Woman Comics
Before I start discussing Wonder Woman comic book prices, allow me to take a moment and express my longstanding obsession with comicdom’s most enduring female superhero. We’re talking about a six-foot-tall Amazon princess whose traditional costume consists of a red bustier and boots, tiara, star-spangled briefs, and a golden lasso. Oh, and she’s from an island populated by nothing but hot women. Do I need to spell it out?
Considered a feminist icon by women like Gloria Steinem, Wonder Woman has been ever-present in the pages of DC Comics (and its predecessor) since her debut in 1941. Along with Batman and Superman, she forms the “Big Three” of the DC Universe and has served on teams ranging from the Justice League of America to the Justice Society of America. And let’s not forget about her various appearances outside the world of comics, ranging from Mortal Combat video games to underwear for girls.
But this article isn’t about my Wonder Woman fetish. Instead, it’s intended to be a look at some of the busty Amazon’s most collectible comics. If you’re thinking about making a long-term investment in comic books, you’d be wise to add some of the titles listed below. Besides, who wouldn’t want to open up their storage boxes and see a raven-haired warrioress staring back at them?
Notable Comics for Your Wonder Woman Collection
Before you start throwing money around, read this section for some suggestions on notable comics for your Wonder Woman collection. If you’re going to be a comic book collector, you might as well stretch your money as far as possible.
The Debut of Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman owes her creation to William Moulton Marston, a psychologist who’s also credited with helping to invent the lie detector. After he gave an interview extolling the potential educational value of comic books, he was hired as a consultant for All-American Publications and National Periodical Publications, the two companies that would later morph into DC Comics. Along with some help from wife Elizabeth and their live-in lover, Marston created Wonder Woman, a female crimefighter who stood in immediate contrast to an industry dominated by guys in tights.
Wonder Woman made her debut in All Star Comics #8 in 1941, with Marston providing the dialogue and Harry G. Peter the artwork. Her debut was an immediate success, and she would soon grace the cover of 1942’s Sensation Comics #1. By the summer of that year, she had her own self-titled series that ran until 1986. These early issues were notable for depicting Marston’s seeming obsession with bondage. Bound and/or gagged women would frequently appear on the covers, and Wonder Woman once tied up a number of women and dressed them in deer costumes, then chased them through the forest and later displayed them on platters. I wonder what Superman would make of that?
Wonder Woman was also a member of the Justice Society of America during this time, although she was reduced to serving as their secretary. While the character was helping to pave the way for women’s equality, some barriers were not yet ready to be broken.
All Star Comics #8 is valued at $108,000 in near mint condition. Issue #12, where Wonder Woman becomes the secretary for the JSA, is valued at $4,400.
Various Incarnations of Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman #105 revealed a new origin for the character, and all references to her battling Nazis during World War II were removed. This issue is listed at $1,800, while the first issue of the solo Wonder Woman title is valued at $60,000.
When DC Comics decided to have a Multiverse comprised of numerous alternate Earths, the original Wonder Woman (Golden Age) was placed on Earth Two, and the Wonder Women most familiar to modern readers (Silver Age) was located on Earth One. Wonder Woman #300 also revealed that the Earth Two Wonder Woman had eventually married old flame Steve Trevor.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Wonder Woman loses her powers and must rely on espionage and martial arts. She even has a Chinese mentor and owns a boutique. One great cover I came across was for Wonder Woman #189 (1970), which shows our heroine dressed in a white Asian outfit and firing a machine gun at an approaching Japanese fighter plane. This issue is worth $80.
Luckily, she would return to normal in issue #204. This issue, by the way, is valued at $40.
After Crisis on Infinite Earths, Wonder Woman received a reboot courtesy of writer/artist George Perez. He would work on the title for 62 issues before giving way to talent such as William Messner-Loebs.
Volume Two of Wonder Woman would see John Byrne take over from issues #101 to #136, and during this period a number of supporting characters were allowed to shine. At one point Diana became the Goddess of Truth, while her mother Hippolyta took on the costume and responsibilities of Wonder Woman. Almost all the Byrne issues are currently listed at $3.
Another pivotal moment in the development of Wonder Woman came in issue #219 of Volume Two. Written by Greg Rucka, the issue sees our heroine break the longstanding code against killing and snap the neck of an evil Maxwell Lord. Unfortunately for her, the deed is broadcast around the globe and causes a rift between the Big Three. Wonder Woman collectors can add this issue for $12.
The third volume of Wonder Woman was launched in 2006, and this time Diane Prince becomes a secret agent while her superhero alter-ego helps to get the Justice League of America back together. Issues 6 to 10 of this series depict her getting captured and tortured by the U.S. government.
The Wonder Woman series went back to its original numbering with issue #600, and #601 caused a stir when J. Michael Straczynski took over and engaged in an overhaul of the character. She also got a new costume, which was designed by none other than Jim Lee. This move received plenty of coverage in the mainstream media. There were four different versions of issue #600, with the most valuable being a black and white variant cover drawn by Adam Hughes (#600B) and listed at $50.
The Best Wonder Woman Stories
While collectors obviously want books that will increase in value, they may also be interested in gathering together the best Wonder Woman stories (some of which occur outside her solo title). Here are, in my opinion, three of the finest:
- Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia – Released in 2002, this graphic novel helped land Greg Rucka the gig of working on the regular Wonder Woman series. When she undergoes an ancient Amazon ritual that binds her to protect a young American woman, Wonder Woman finds herself drawn into a conflict with Batman and forced to choose between honor and justice. A DF remarked edition of the book is worth $100, while a DF signed edition is valued at $50.
- “Down to Earth” – After getting the Wonder Woman job, Greg Rucka started his four-year run with this storyline that goes from issues 195 to 200 of Volume 2. In it, Wonder Woman releases a book, draws the ire of a woman intent on destroying her reputation, and takes down an African military strongman. Each of these can be had for $3 or less, so there’s no reason not to buy them.
- JLA: A League of One – Written and painted by Christopher Moeller, this standalone book finds Wonder Woman fighting and defeating each of the members of the JLA so that she may face an unstoppable dragon along (sacrificing her life for her teammates in the process). The hardcover version is listed for $25, while the softcover can be found for $15.
While that invisible plane of hers may be laughable, Wonder Woman comic book prices are nothing to snicker at. Her presence in comics stretches back over 70 years, so you can rest assured that collectors will have plenty of chances to make some cash by buying and selling her older titles. Those looking to be entertained will also be in for a treat, as Wonder Woman comics over the years have featured such industry talents as John Byrne, George Perez, J. Michael Straczynski, and Gail Simone.