Real name: Count of Conquest
A.K.A.: Lord Conquest
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#2 (September 1942)
Abilities: Astral projection, inspiring conquest
Quotes: "Give me ten ambitious, ruthless slaves like Hitler and I'll keep the Earth soaked with blood from now on!"
Worst act: Starting World War II
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
We're going to end this year's Bring on the Bad Guys with an earlier foe, who didn't make a solo effort until later. The Count of Conquest was one of Mars's lieutenants (along with the Duke of Deception and the Earl of Greed) who focused on conquest.
Yup, that info at the top is correct. In the DC universe, World War II was started by the Count talking to the leaders of the Axis. He had quite a few stories, but was usually paired alongside the Duke and Earl. His solo efforts ended much the same as his fellows, although he did posses a giant to fight Wonder Woman.
Not a huge fan, as the mystic inspiration does absolve too much (and was thankfully ignored by later writers) and he's too similar to the Duke and Mars too.
I hope you've enjoyed this romp through the Golden Age.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Doctor Psycho
Real name: Edgar Cizko
A.K.A.:
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#5 (July 1943)
Abilities: Telepathy, mind control, mental illusions
Quotes: "Don't be afraid-I won't kill you! Death is too good for you!"
Worst act: Murder
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
One of the longer lasting foes the Amazing Amazon encountered, Doctor Psycho has been fighting against the Amazon way in every era. Unlike the Cheetah, Doctor Psycho's never had a successor. Nope, this guy is a one man legacy.
His origin has its basis with the Duke of Deception. The Duke is tasked by Mars; who seems a bit upset by women helping with the war effort, to discredit all women everywhere. In the diminutive researcher the Duke finds his man.
Psycho's proper origin begins when he was framed in college for stealing radium from the university. His fiancé Marva is seeing Big Man on Campus Ben Bradley behind her intended's back and they conspire to get him out of the picture. Bradley hunches down and Marva reports him as the thief. Ruined and imprisoned, Psycho stews for years. Getting out, he gets revenge. Bradley bites it and confesses, throwing Marva under the bus with his last breath. Psycho hypnotizes her and discovers he can summon ectoplasm through Marva. With that he can craft physical bodies around his own.
The Duke puts a few whispers in his ear and soon Psycho is touring the country, claiming to summon the spirit of George Washington. 'George' (Psycho covered in ectoplasm) then commands women to get out of the war effort and back into the kitchens. Wonder Woman exposes him and from there his hatred of women narrowed into an all consuming hatred of Wonder Woman.
He didn't have that many appearances in the golden age, but he did show up in the Silver, Bronze, and even today's DC. His philosophy makes him the perfect opposite to Wonder Woman.
A.K.A.:
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#5 (July 1943)
Abilities: Telepathy, mind control, mental illusions
Quotes: "Don't be afraid-I won't kill you! Death is too good for you!"
Worst act: Murder
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
One of the longer lasting foes the Amazing Amazon encountered, Doctor Psycho has been fighting against the Amazon way in every era. Unlike the Cheetah, Doctor Psycho's never had a successor. Nope, this guy is a one man legacy.
His origin has its basis with the Duke of Deception. The Duke is tasked by Mars; who seems a bit upset by women helping with the war effort, to discredit all women everywhere. In the diminutive researcher the Duke finds his man.
Psycho's proper origin begins when he was framed in college for stealing radium from the university. His fiancé Marva is seeing Big Man on Campus Ben Bradley behind her intended's back and they conspire to get him out of the picture. Bradley hunches down and Marva reports him as the thief. Ruined and imprisoned, Psycho stews for years. Getting out, he gets revenge. Bradley bites it and confesses, throwing Marva under the bus with his last breath. Psycho hypnotizes her and discovers he can summon ectoplasm through Marva. With that he can craft physical bodies around his own.
The Duke puts a few whispers in his ear and soon Psycho is touring the country, claiming to summon the spirit of George Washington. 'George' (Psycho covered in ectoplasm) then commands women to get out of the war effort and back into the kitchens. Wonder Woman exposes him and from there his hatred of women narrowed into an all consuming hatred of Wonder Woman.
He didn't have that many appearances in the golden age, but he did show up in the Silver, Bronze, and even today's DC. His philosophy makes him the perfect opposite to Wonder Woman.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Senor Quito
Real name: Quito
A.K.A.:
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#18 (June 1943)
Abilities: Inca Priest
Quotes:
Worst act: Murder
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Frank Goodwin (pencils/inks)
Another Axis foe, although this one is working with the Japanese instead of the Germans. When Steve Trevor investigates possible Japanese infiltration into South America, he and the Holliday Girls get kidnapped. Wonder Woman to the rescue!
Turns out Steve and the gals are being held hostage in a lost city ruled over by the last of the Incas, who decided to throw in with Imperial Japan for some reason. Quito is their high priest, who plans to kill Steve ASAP. Wonder Woman shows up, exposes his plans to the people and Quito in despair throws himself off a nearby cliff.
Not terrible but the whole lost city in the jungle was getting pretty stale by this point and the story doesn't do a whole lot with it.
A.K.A.:
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#18 (June 1943)
Abilities: Inca Priest
Quotes:
Worst act: Murder
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Frank Goodwin (pencils/inks)
Another Axis foe, although this one is working with the Japanese instead of the Germans. When Steve Trevor investigates possible Japanese infiltration into South America, he and the Holliday Girls get kidnapped. Wonder Woman to the rescue!
Turns out Steve and the gals are being held hostage in a lost city ruled over by the last of the Incas, who decided to throw in with Imperial Japan for some reason. Quito is their high priest, who plans to kill Steve ASAP. Wonder Woman shows up, exposes his plans to the people and Quito in despair throws himself off a nearby cliff.
Not terrible but the whole lost city in the jungle was getting pretty stale by this point and the story doesn't do a whole lot with it.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Fausta Grables
Real name: Fausta Grables
A.K.A.: Rora Blank, the Masked Marvel
First appearance: Comic Cavalcade#2 (Spring 1943)
Abilities: Spy
Quote: "Now tell me, who calls Wonder Woman when she's needed?"
Worst act: Nazi and identity theft
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Another of Wonder Woman's rogues who made the transition to live action, this time showing up during the '77 series.
Fausta, in the comics, was a Swiss spy working for the Nazis. Stealing reporter Rora Blank's identity and press pass, she walks into the Army's HQ and just asks. Steve falls for it, but Wonder Woman at least thinks to call the woman's paper and check out her story. When a murder attempt on Steve fails, Fausta tries going after Wonder Woman directly, mostly by impersonating her at a circus.
Funny enough Fausta actually comes out ahead, as she manages to tie Wonder Woman up with her own lasso and take her back to the Axis chiefs. She ultimately loses and gets captured, but it's strange she didn't make more appearances. Really could have fit in the arch foe place vacated by Paula Von Gunther.
A.K.A.: Rora Blank, the Masked Marvel
First appearance: Comic Cavalcade#2 (Spring 1943)
Abilities: Spy
Quote: "Now tell me, who calls Wonder Woman when she's needed?"
Worst act: Nazi and identity theft
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Another of Wonder Woman's rogues who made the transition to live action, this time showing up during the '77 series.
Fausta, in the comics, was a Swiss spy working for the Nazis. Stealing reporter Rora Blank's identity and press pass, she walks into the Army's HQ and just asks. Steve falls for it, but Wonder Woman at least thinks to call the woman's paper and check out her story. When a murder attempt on Steve fails, Fausta tries going after Wonder Woman directly, mostly by impersonating her at a circus.
Funny enough Fausta actually comes out ahead, as she manages to tie Wonder Woman up with her own lasso and take her back to the Axis chiefs. She ultimately loses and gets captured, but it's strange she didn't make more appearances. Really could have fit in the arch foe place vacated by Paula Von Gunther.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Princess Yasmini
Real name: Princess Yasmini
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#17 (May 1943)
Abilities: Spy
Quote:
Worst act: Nazi and also tricking children
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Princess VS princess this time out. The main story is Wonder Woman investigating a spy ring and what appears to be a talking lion. It turns out the lion has a radio in its stomach, which in turn the Nazis use to relay information to their agents.
Yasmini is an interesting character for a one off appearance. She's clearly identified as a Hindu (a rarity in those days), and her story ends with her taking poison rather than betray her fellow spies. She could have been an interesting rouge, given that most of Wonder Woman's foes were either Nazis in suits or the occasional costume villain.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#17 (May 1943)
Abilities: Spy
Quote:
Worst act: Nazi and also tricking children
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Princess VS princess this time out. The main story is Wonder Woman investigating a spy ring and what appears to be a talking lion. It turns out the lion has a radio in its stomach, which in turn the Nazis use to relay information to their agents.
Yasmini is an interesting character for a one off appearance. She's clearly identified as a Hindu (a rarity in those days), and her story ends with her taking poison rather than betray her fellow spies. She could have been an interesting rouge, given that most of Wonder Woman's foes were either Nazis in suits or the occasional costume villain.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Mavis
Real name: Mavis
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#4 (April/May 1943)
Abilities: Piloting
Quote: "I'll teach you to answer me respectfully!"
Worst act: Nazi, also breaking Wonder Woman's bracelets
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Getting back into the proper continuity, we the see the actions of Paula's past coming back to haunt her. It was established early in her appearances that the Baroness had some slave girls under her command. Mavis was one of those, although not named until issue 4.
Yeah, the Baroness getting away with a clean slate? Mavis wasn't having that at all. She makes her intentions clear by stealing Wonder Woman's invisible plane and trying to bomb Paradise Island. She gets captured and sent to Reformation Island, but escapes and takes over a Nazi spy ring in the US. She also captures Wonder Woman again and cuts off her bracelets, which turns the Amazon Princess into a crazed berserker.
Mavis was an interesting character. You could feel some sympathy, and even argue she had a point (Paula getting a clean sheet, no one mentioning her being a Nazi, etc.) although that is dimmed when she takes over as Nazi spymaster. Maybe Marston had a point about victims of abuse continuing the cycle but I'm not sure if I want to assign motive.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#4 (April/May 1943)
Abilities: Piloting
Quote: "I'll teach you to answer me respectfully!"
Worst act: Nazi, also breaking Wonder Woman's bracelets
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Getting back into the proper continuity, we the see the actions of Paula's past coming back to haunt her. It was established early in her appearances that the Baroness had some slave girls under her command. Mavis was one of those, although not named until issue 4.
Yeah, the Baroness getting away with a clean slate? Mavis wasn't having that at all. She makes her intentions clear by stealing Wonder Woman's invisible plane and trying to bomb Paradise Island. She gets captured and sent to Reformation Island, but escapes and takes over a Nazi spy ring in the US. She also captures Wonder Woman again and cuts off her bracelets, which turns the Amazon Princess into a crazed berserker.
Mavis was an interesting character. You could feel some sympathy, and even argue she had a point (Paula getting a clean sheet, no one mentioning her being a Nazi, etc.) although that is dimmed when she takes over as Nazi spymaster. Maybe Marston had a point about victims of abuse continuing the cycle but I'm not sure if I want to assign motive.
Friday, February 22, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: The Cheetah
Real name: Priscilla Rich
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#6 (October 1943)
Abilities: Speed, strength, fangs
Quote: "I am the REAL you-the Cheetah-a treacherous, relentless hunter!"
Worst act: Trying to kill Wonder Woman
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Much like Two-Face and Lex Luthor, I'll be spending the 22nd looking at a foe I've always fancied. Unlike many of the foes listed here and previously, the Cheetah is a legacy villain. While her current version may be best known, I'll focus on the Golden Age one.
Priscilla Rich is your typical poor little rich girl. She also suffers from extremely poor self esteem and a split personality (although she doesn't know that just yet). When she hosts a gala party in DC and invites Wonder Woman, the Amazing Amazon causes this personality to emerge when she has the audacity to take the guest's attention away from her.
She then slips on a cheetah skin costume and dedicates her life to killing Wonder Woman. She'd come close a few times, and even tried to reform once before joining Villainy, Inc. Ms. Rich hasn't had the best time in modern comics though, as she finally showed up after thirty odd years just to be killed off by the latest one before being retconned out of existence.
Sometimes a foe can be have a personal connection, or be a victim of a perceived slight. Sometimes both.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#6 (October 1943)
Abilities: Speed, strength, fangs
Quote: "I am the REAL you-the Cheetah-a treacherous, relentless hunter!"
Worst act: Trying to kill Wonder Woman
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Much like Two-Face and Lex Luthor, I'll be spending the 22nd looking at a foe I've always fancied. Unlike many of the foes listed here and previously, the Cheetah is a legacy villain. While her current version may be best known, I'll focus on the Golden Age one.
Priscilla Rich is your typical poor little rich girl. She also suffers from extremely poor self esteem and a split personality (although she doesn't know that just yet). When she hosts a gala party in DC and invites Wonder Woman, the Amazing Amazon causes this personality to emerge when she has the audacity to take the guest's attention away from her.
She then slips on a cheetah skin costume and dedicates her life to killing Wonder Woman. She'd come close a few times, and even tried to reform once before joining Villainy, Inc. Ms. Rich hasn't had the best time in modern comics though, as she finally showed up after thirty odd years just to be killed off by the latest one before being retconned out of existence.
Sometimes a foe can be have a personal connection, or be a victim of a perceived slight. Sometimes both.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Ivar Torgson
Real name: Ivar Torgson
A.K.A.: Rubber Baron
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#4 (April/May 1943)
Abilities: Being poor in business
Quotes:
Worst act: Burning plans for rubber production
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters
A more straight forward foe this time out. Ivar is the head of a group of rubber barons. While they have developed a new method of rubber production, Ivar figures it would be better business to burn the formula. That way the war will continue and they'll be rich!
Wonder Woman tries making Ivar a slave to his secretary, then figures blasting his brains with a modified x-ray. This somehow works and Ivar and his cohorts are taken to Reform Island.
Many legal questions are raised, I'm sure.
A.K.A.: Rubber Baron
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#4 (April/May 1943)
Abilities: Being poor in business
Quotes:
Worst act: Burning plans for rubber production
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters
A more straight forward foe this time out. Ivar is the head of a group of rubber barons. While they have developed a new method of rubber production, Ivar figures it would be better business to burn the formula. That way the war will continue and they'll be rich!
Wonder Woman tries making Ivar a slave to his secretary, then figures blasting his brains with a modified x-ray. This somehow works and Ivar and his cohorts are taken to Reform Island.
Many legal questions are raised, I'm sure.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Blakfu and the Mole Men
Real name: Blakfu
A.K.A: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#4 (April/May 1943)
Abilities: Ruler of the Mole Men
Quotes:
Worst act: Kidnapping and plotting to take over America
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
Odd choice here. King Blakfu is the ruler of the Mole Men. Much like the Mole People, Blakfu is blind from living underground. Unlike the film version, only the men are affected. Mole women, on the other hand, have no issue seeing in the dark and apply makeup to help the men see.
When an earthquake swallows up Etta Candy and the Holliday Girls, Blakfu tells them of his plan to invade the USA and conquer it! Yeah, a bunch of people who can only see when women wear glow in the dark paint. I see no issue with that plan.
Wonder Woman and Baroness Paula head down to the underworld to rescue the girls and beat some moles.
A.K.A: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#4 (April/May 1943)
Abilities: Ruler of the Mole Men
Quotes:
Worst act: Kidnapping and plotting to take over America
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
Odd choice here. King Blakfu is the ruler of the Mole Men. Much like the Mole People, Blakfu is blind from living underground. Unlike the film version, only the men are affected. Mole women, on the other hand, have no issue seeing in the dark and apply makeup to help the men see.
When an earthquake swallows up Etta Candy and the Holliday Girls, Blakfu tells them of his plan to invade the USA and conquer it! Yeah, a bunch of people who can only see when women wear glow in the dark paint. I see no issue with that plan.
Wonder Woman and Baroness Paula head down to the underworld to rescue the girls and beat some moles.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: General Hideo
Real name: General Hideo
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#4 (April/May 1943)
Abilities: Sending coded messages in whip scars
Quotes:
Worse act: Trying to drive American women insane
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
While a Wonder Woman story, here is where Paula Von Gunther really shines as a member of the supporting cast. Mae Wu, a peasant girl, meets Wonder Woman after being whipped by Japanese troops. She wishes the scars removed, but is killed.
She's only mostly dead though, as Wonder Woman spirits her back to Paradise Island. Paula, using the Purple Ray, brings the dead girl back to life. Heading back to China, they learn the scars are a code to Japanese spies in America to help unleash their ultimate plan to destroy America.
How? Gnats
Yup, poisoned gnats designed to drive women crazy and attack all men. Wonder Woman and Paula step in at the last moment and prevent this.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#4 (April/May 1943)
Abilities: Sending coded messages in whip scars
Quotes:
Worse act: Trying to drive American women insane
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
While a Wonder Woman story, here is where Paula Von Gunther really shines as a member of the supporting cast. Mae Wu, a peasant girl, meets Wonder Woman after being whipped by Japanese troops. She wishes the scars removed, but is killed.
She's only mostly dead though, as Wonder Woman spirits her back to Paradise Island. Paula, using the Purple Ray, brings the dead girl back to life. Heading back to China, they learn the scars are a code to Japanese spies in America to help unleash their ultimate plan to destroy America.
How? Gnats
Yup, poisoned gnats designed to drive women crazy and attack all men. Wonder Woman and Paula step in at the last moment and prevent this.
Monday, February 18, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Karl Schultz
Real name: Karl Schultz
A.K.A.: Prince Hylo Goulash
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#16 (April 1943)
Abilities: Spy
Quotes:
Worst act: Breaking Etta Candy's heart, also Nazi
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
An Etta centric foe this time. Etta sends words to her friends back East that's she's getting hitched to Prince Hylo Goulash. Her friends mostly feign pity for the poor groom, but things seems odd when Diana spots the groom to be passionately kissing Fifi La Strange.
One exploding oil well later, Steve is kidnapped. Wonder Woman and the Holliday Girl Marching Band to the rescue!
Along the way they encounter a group of Mexican banditos so over the top Speedy Gonzales would be ashamed. There's actually a reason for this as these Mexicans are actually Italian spies. The Holliday Girls escape their clutches by playing...as Latins love music. As you do.
Pity that Schultz's hiding out on top the mountain. The Holliday Girls come to the rescue again, mostly strapping Wonder Woman to a giant kite and flying her to the top.
Wonder Woman mops the floor with Schultz and drags him back to the chapel, where a rightfully angry Etta beats him senseless.
A.K.A.: Prince Hylo Goulash
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#16 (April 1943)
Abilities: Spy
Quotes:
Worst act: Breaking Etta Candy's heart, also Nazi
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
An Etta centric foe this time. Etta sends words to her friends back East that's she's getting hitched to Prince Hylo Goulash. Her friends mostly feign pity for the poor groom, but things seems odd when Diana spots the groom to be passionately kissing Fifi La Strange.
One exploding oil well later, Steve is kidnapped. Wonder Woman and the Holliday Girl Marching Band to the rescue!
Along the way they encounter a group of Mexican banditos so over the top Speedy Gonzales would be ashamed. There's actually a reason for this as these Mexicans are actually Italian spies. The Holliday Girls escape their clutches by playing...as Latins love music. As you do.
Pity that Schultz's hiding out on top the mountain. The Holliday Girls come to the rescue again, mostly strapping Wonder Woman to a giant kite and flying her to the top.
Wonder Woman mops the floor with Schultz and drags him back to the chapel, where a rightfully angry Etta beats him senseless.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Simon Slickery
Real name: Simon Slickery
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#15 (March 1943)
Abilities: Lawyer
Quotes:
Worst act: Being a Nazi and attempted murder
Created by: William Moulton (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
A lawyer who does most of his business on his private yacht, Simon is also busy directing a fleet of German warships to attack America. He gets his comeuppance when Wonder Woman drags the entire fleet back to the US.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#15 (March 1943)
Abilities: Lawyer
Quotes:
Worst act: Being a Nazi and attempted murder
Created by: William Moulton (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
A lawyer who does most of his business on his private yacht, Simon is also busy directing a fleet of German warships to attack America. He gets his comeuppance when Wonder Woman drags the entire fleet back to the US.
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: The House of the Seven Gables Gang
Real name: Anton, Kip, Fritz
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Comic Cavalcade I#1 (Winter 1942)
Abilities: Spies
Quotes:
Worst act: Nazi and kidnappers
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Doesn't have much connection to the Hawthorne story save for a house that happens to have seven gables. Diana Prince and Steve Trevor are tooling around in the New England countryside when Diana hears of a boy being kidnapped.
In short order she goes looking, finding not only the boy but also a gang of fifth columnists who use the titular house as their base. Not a terrible story but pretty basic.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Comic Cavalcade I#1 (Winter 1942)
Abilities: Spies
Quotes:
Worst act: Nazi and kidnappers
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Doesn't have much connection to the Hawthorne story save for a house that happens to have seven gables. Diana Prince and Steve Trevor are tooling around in the New England countryside when Diana hears of a boy being kidnapped.
In short order she goes looking, finding not only the boy but also a gang of fifth columnists who use the titular house as their base. Not a terrible story but pretty basic.
Friday, February 15, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Carl Natz/Fritz Krieg
Real names: Carl Natz and Fritz Krieg
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#14 (February 1943)
Abilities: Being spies
Quotes: "Ach! Come mit me tonight to the village dance!"
Worst act: Nazis and running Christmas
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
The first crazy thing in this story is the narrator. Just call him Abies Balsamea, but his friends call him Fir Balsam. He's also a tree. Yes, trees talk and see everything we do.
Carl Natz is a Nazi spy. He's in Canada and looking to do spy stuff. He also has the hots for Mrs. Carter, wife of his employer. He tries putting the moves on her, but right as the hubby comes home. Not standing for this, and also implying that he knows Natz is a spy, Mr. Carter gives her to him and kicks her out of his home.
He also smashes the Christmas tree, because why stop there?
A year later, the kids decide they've had enough of their old man and head out to find their mother, braving both the mountains and the dead of winter.
Long story short, they find her and trouble. Wonder Woman happens in, gets captured (as you do) and meets Natz's boss Fritz Krieg. From there the kids find their mother, Nazis get punched, Fir gets the top of his head cut off (he's fine and its for Christmas, so it's ok).
None of that explains how the tree knew what the kids were saying or how he knew what people were doing a year ago though.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#14 (February 1943)
Abilities: Being spies
Quotes: "Ach! Come mit me tonight to the village dance!"
Worst act: Nazis and running Christmas
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
The first crazy thing in this story is the narrator. Just call him Abies Balsamea, but his friends call him Fir Balsam. He's also a tree. Yes, trees talk and see everything we do.
Carl Natz is a Nazi spy. He's in Canada and looking to do spy stuff. He also has the hots for Mrs. Carter, wife of his employer. He tries putting the moves on her, but right as the hubby comes home. Not standing for this, and also implying that he knows Natz is a spy, Mr. Carter gives her to him and kicks her out of his home.
He also smashes the Christmas tree, because why stop there?
A year later, the kids decide they've had enough of their old man and head out to find their mother, braving both the mountains and the dead of winter.
Long story short, they find her and trouble. Wonder Woman happens in, gets captured (as you do) and meets Natz's boss Fritz Krieg. From there the kids find their mother, Nazis get punched, Fir gets the top of his head cut off (he's fine and its for Christmas, so it's ok).
None of that explains how the tree knew what the kids were saying or how he knew what people were doing a year ago though.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Olga
Real name: Olga
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#13 (January 1943)
Abilities: Spy
Quote:
Worst act: Being a spy and a Nazi. Also bowling
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
Sort of a cheat on this one, as the proper villain is Baroness Paul Von Gunther, but Olga is the main villain for most of the story. She is introduced when she steals a secret formula that turns out to be faked. Despite being stripped search the formula isn't found. Olga takes the enforced nudity with stride and evens offers Diana Prince a spot on her bowling team.
While Diana is playing with Olga, Wonder Woman is supposed to play that night on the Holliday Girl's team...which are playing against Olga's team. With some quick change chicanery used, both Diana and Wonder Woman play but the game is called on account of explosives being placed in the pins.
It turns out, after the obligatory bondage scene, Olga is actually an agent for Baroness Paula, who takes over the story from there.
Odd? I mean that's the only word that comes to mind.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#13 (January 1943)
Abilities: Spy
Quote:
Worst act: Being a spy and a Nazi. Also bowling
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
Sort of a cheat on this one, as the proper villain is Baroness Paul Von Gunther, but Olga is the main villain for most of the story. She is introduced when she steals a secret formula that turns out to be faked. Despite being stripped search the formula isn't found. Olga takes the enforced nudity with stride and evens offers Diana Prince a spot on her bowling team.
While Diana is playing with Olga, Wonder Woman is supposed to play that night on the Holliday Girl's team...which are playing against Olga's team. With some quick change chicanery used, both Diana and Wonder Woman play but the game is called on account of explosives being placed in the pins.
It turns out, after the obligatory bondage scene, Olga is actually an agent for Baroness Paula, who takes over the story from there.
Odd? I mean that's the only word that comes to mind.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Duke of Deception
Real name: N/A
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#2 (Fall 1942)
Abilities: Creating illusions in the minds of mortals
Quotes: "There, there-be calm, I'll help you up..."
Worst act: Influencing various despots
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script) and Harry G. Peters
More of a sidekick, but the Duke was a villain in his own right too. Serving Mars, the Duke mainly works at the Lie Factory on the planet Mars. Yes, you can get your deceptions from any corner store, but if you want quality you have to go with the hand made ones.
The Duke mostly showed following Mars, and was more or less forgotten by the 70's. He acted with a few others, but he did serve as the man behind the curtain for a few villains, mostly Doctor Psycho.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#2 (Fall 1942)
Abilities: Creating illusions in the minds of mortals
Quotes: "There, there-be calm, I'll help you up..."
Worst act: Influencing various despots
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script) and Harry G. Peters
More of a sidekick, but the Duke was a villain in his own right too. Serving Mars, the Duke mainly works at the Lie Factory on the planet Mars. Yes, you can get your deceptions from any corner store, but if you want quality you have to go with the hand made ones.
The Duke mostly showed following Mars, and was more or less forgotten by the 70's. He acted with a few others, but he did serve as the man behind the curtain for a few villains, mostly Doctor Psycho.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Rebla
Real name: Rebla
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#11 (November 1942)
Abilities: Scientist, man-fishing
Quote: "But you must let me work in my electrical laboratory!"
Worst act: Bucking the system
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
Now this is a weird one. First we have the acknowledgment of other characters, where Wonder Woman mentions the Justice Society of America. Second, this is sort of a continuation of the JSA story, where Wonder Woman is contacted by Queen Desira of the planet Eros.
Wonder Woman helped her out before and the Queen is in a pickle now. It seems a former prisoner named Rebla has rebelled against her rule and taken over the planet.
Yes, prisoner, as on the planet Eros all women are sentenced to prison and given everything they want until the planetary judge sentences them to their life's vocation. Rebla is sentenced to rule the Trans Mountainia instead of being a scientist, so naturally she's going to burn the system down.
With some reverse psychology in play, Rebla goes back to prison. This time it's run by the man Dominus, who whips her regularly. Rebla doesn't care for this, so she frees Wonder Woman and goes back to her regular prison.
Odd duck all around.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#11 (November 1942)
Abilities: Scientist, man-fishing
Quote: "But you must let me work in my electrical laboratory!"
Worst act: Bucking the system
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
Now this is a weird one. First we have the acknowledgment of other characters, where Wonder Woman mentions the Justice Society of America. Second, this is sort of a continuation of the JSA story, where Wonder Woman is contacted by Queen Desira of the planet Eros.
Wonder Woman helped her out before and the Queen is in a pickle now. It seems a former prisoner named Rebla has rebelled against her rule and taken over the planet.
Yes, prisoner, as on the planet Eros all women are sentenced to prison and given everything they want until the planetary judge sentences them to their life's vocation. Rebla is sentenced to rule the Trans Mountainia instead of being a scientist, so naturally she's going to burn the system down.
With some reverse psychology in play, Rebla goes back to prison. This time it's run by the man Dominus, who whips her regularly. Rebla doesn't care for this, so she frees Wonder Woman and goes back to her regular prison.
Odd duck all around.
Monday, February 11, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Ishti
Real name: Ishti
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#10 (October 1942)
Abilities: Spying
Quotes: "You so strong Wonder Woman, you break these little chains easy!"
Worst act: Being a fascist
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters
Ishti is sort of the man behind everything for this yarn, as the main villain throughout the tale is Dolly Dancer, a honey of a pot who seduces Steve Trevor and steals some a vital code key.
Wonder Woman gets captured, but in a twist Ishti has her bracelets shackled to sap her strength. He learned that tidbit from Baroness Paula.
Granted Dolly is the main focus of the issue, and the subject of Wonder Woman's jealousy. Steve reveals at the end he was on to Dolly and Wonder Woman shrugs off being electrocuted.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#10 (October 1942)
Abilities: Spying
Quotes: "You so strong Wonder Woman, you break these little chains easy!"
Worst act: Being a fascist
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters
Ishti is sort of the man behind everything for this yarn, as the main villain throughout the tale is Dolly Dancer, a honey of a pot who seduces Steve Trevor and steals some a vital code key.
Wonder Woman gets captured, but in a twist Ishti has her bracelets shackled to sap her strength. He learned that tidbit from Baroness Paula.
Granted Dolly is the main focus of the issue, and the subject of Wonder Woman's jealousy. Steve reveals at the end he was on to Dolly and Wonder Woman shrugs off being electrocuted.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Pancho and Pepita Valdez
Real names: Pancho, Pepita Valdez
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#1 (Spring 1942)
Abilities: Spies and dancing
Quotes: "Ah, for the marriage we must wait!"
Worst act: Tricking Mint Candy and spying
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
This yarn focuses on Etta Candy, Wonder Woman's sidekick and her brother Mint. Mint is serving a hitch in the Army and he gets a concussion on his motorcycle. Mint brushes it off, but everyone else sees it as the work of spies. When Diana and Etta pay him a visit, they find dancer Pepita Valdez stuck in a mineshaft.
Of course the whole thing was a set up to get Pepita in the Candy's good graces while she takes her orders from Candy ranch hand Pancho, who's working for the Japanese (Pepita is at least being blackmailed into working for the Axis).
Not a terrible story, although not as racist as the San Yan tale isn't the highest bar to clear.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#1 (Spring 1942)
Abilities: Spies and dancing
Quotes: "Ah, for the marriage we must wait!"
Worst act: Tricking Mint Candy and spying
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
This yarn focuses on Etta Candy, Wonder Woman's sidekick and her brother Mint. Mint is serving a hitch in the Army and he gets a concussion on his motorcycle. Mint brushes it off, but everyone else sees it as the work of spies. When Diana and Etta pay him a visit, they find dancer Pepita Valdez stuck in a mineshaft.
Of course the whole thing was a set up to get Pepita in the Candy's good graces while she takes her orders from Candy ranch hand Pancho, who's working for the Japanese (Pepita is at least being blackmailed into working for the Axis).
Not a terrible story, although not as racist as the San Yan tale isn't the highest bar to clear.
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: San Yan
Real name: San Yan
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#1 (Summer 1942)
Abilities: Spy, also racism
Quotes: "Captives, hear your doom!"
Worst act: Being pretty darn racist even for the time period
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Yeesh. I realize when the villain of a 1940's comic is Japanese odds are pretty good they're going to come across as pretty bad, but this one is pretty darn bad.
San Yan here is pretending to be Burmese and he has the locals riled up, telling them to kill the local elephants to appease their ancestor's souls. Not sure if that is a Burmese belief, but that is second to the terminal case of jaundice the entire country seems to be suffering from. Hell, even the Burmese comes across as pretty bad, given that they trekked across the Pacific on word of one guy who doesn't even speak their language.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#1 (Summer 1942)
Abilities: Spy, also racism
Quotes: "Captives, hear your doom!"
Worst act: Being pretty darn racist even for the time period
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Yeesh. I realize when the villain of a 1940's comic is Japanese odds are pretty good they're going to come across as pretty bad, but this one is pretty darn bad.
San Yan here is pretending to be Burmese and he has the locals riled up, telling them to kill the local elephants to appease their ancestor's souls. Not sure if that is a Burmese belief, but that is second to the terminal case of jaundice the entire country seems to be suffering from. Hell, even the Burmese comes across as pretty bad, given that they trekked across the Pacific on word of one guy who doesn't even speak their language.
Friday, February 8, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Mars
Real name: Ares
A.K.A.: God of War, Ares Buchanan
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#1 (Summer 1942)
Abilities: Mastery of war and over all weapons
Quotes: "My men shall rule with the sword!"
Worst act: Being the personification of war and slaughter
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script) and Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Another character that would become a long running foe Mars/Ares (DC settled on the Greek version after the Crisis and the Roman before), Mars was the god of war and probably Wonder Woman's most persistent foe outside of Paula Von Gunther and the Cheetah.
The living embodiment of war and mindless slaughter, Mars was seen as having a base on the planet Mars and using dead souls as his troops (you think the Martian Manhunter ever talked about that?). Along with his lieutenants, Mars would side with the Axis Powers.
I admit some bias, but I always preferred George Perez's take on the character. Peter's version seemed too much like a muscle man walking off a peplum flick whereas Perez's Ares was only humanoid, like the armor around him was only containing the very nature of war itself.
Still, for a character who supposed to be an ambassador of peace having her fight war itself makes sense.
A.K.A.: God of War, Ares Buchanan
First appearance: Wonder Woman I#1 (Summer 1942)
Abilities: Mastery of war and over all weapons
Quotes: "My men shall rule with the sword!"
Worst act: Being the personification of war and slaughter
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script) and Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
Another character that would become a long running foe Mars/Ares (DC settled on the Greek version after the Crisis and the Roman before), Mars was the god of war and probably Wonder Woman's most persistent foe outside of Paula Von Gunther and the Cheetah.
The living embodiment of war and mindless slaughter, Mars was seen as having a base on the planet Mars and using dead souls as his troops (you think the Martian Manhunter ever talked about that?). Along with his lieutenants, Mars would side with the Axis Powers.
I admit some bias, but I always preferred George Perez's take on the character. Peter's version seemed too much like a muscle man walking off a peplum flick whereas Perez's Ares was only humanoid, like the armor around him was only containing the very nature of war itself.
Still, for a character who supposed to be an ambassador of peace having her fight war itself makes sense.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Dr. I.M. Cue
Real name: Colonel Togo Ku
A.K.A.: Dr. Cue
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#9 (September 1942)
Quotes: "Even so! I lose no face in being defeated by Wonder Woman"
Worst act: Making Wonder Woman deal with Dan White
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
One character that tends to get glossed over in the Wonder Woman canon is the first Diana Prince. In the first story, Princess Diana buys the identity of war nurse Diana Prince so she can be near Steve Trevor. Well, in issue 9 we see what the first Ms. Prince has been up to and boy. Might be a good reason not to buy someone's identity without doing a background check first.
Basically, Diana was engaged (and now married) to Dan White, a fellow who thinks no woman of his should work, even though his job as an inventor has managed to bring the family a whopping sum of nothing. He also keeps confusing Wonder Woman for Diana before getting involved with the mysterious Dr. Cue.
Cue is actually the head of Japan's spies and the whole smacks of 40's racism. Wonder Woman manages to get Diana to go back to her husband, even the man has no issue with chaining a woman to the stove.
A.K.A.: Dr. Cue
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#9 (September 1942)
Quotes: "Even so! I lose no face in being defeated by Wonder Woman"
Worst act: Making Wonder Woman deal with Dan White
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
One character that tends to get glossed over in the Wonder Woman canon is the first Diana Prince. In the first story, Princess Diana buys the identity of war nurse Diana Prince so she can be near Steve Trevor. Well, in issue 9 we see what the first Ms. Prince has been up to and boy. Might be a good reason not to buy someone's identity without doing a background check first.
Basically, Diana was engaged (and now married) to Dan White, a fellow who thinks no woman of his should work, even though his job as an inventor has managed to bring the family a whopping sum of nothing. He also keeps confusing Wonder Woman for Diana before getting involved with the mysterious Dr. Cue.
Cue is actually the head of Japan's spies and the whole smacks of 40's racism. Wonder Woman manages to get Diana to go back to her husband, even the man has no issue with chaining a woman to the stove.
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Mr. Googins/Guigi Del Slimo
Real names: N/A
A.K.A.: Doe
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#8 (August 1942)
Abilities: Smooth talking
Quotes: "It is those shop girls who treat Miss Bullfinch abominably!"
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script) and Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
In what might be a first, at least for Wonder Woman, we have a story 'inspired' by true events. In the comics itself, Wonder Woman wages war on wage slavery when she investigates the goings on in the Bullfinch Department Store.
The workers are mistreated and paid starvation wages, while the owner, Ms. Gloria Bullfinch, is unaware; having been hoodwinked by her fiancé Prince Guigi Del Slimo. Del Slimo is actually in cahoots with store manager Mr. Googins to rob the place. Steve Trevor gets kidnapped but Wonder Woman saves the day.
The true events would have been ripped from the headlines, as 17 year old heiress Gloria Vanderbilt had just married the much older and widowed agent (also alleged gangster) Pat DiCicco in 1941. DiCicco was a real piece of work (mostly garbage), but the story could be a coincidence.
A.K.A.: Doe
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#8 (August 1942)
Abilities: Smooth talking
Quotes: "It is those shop girls who treat Miss Bullfinch abominably!"
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script) and Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
In what might be a first, at least for Wonder Woman, we have a story 'inspired' by true events. In the comics itself, Wonder Woman wages war on wage slavery when she investigates the goings on in the Bullfinch Department Store.
The workers are mistreated and paid starvation wages, while the owner, Ms. Gloria Bullfinch, is unaware; having been hoodwinked by her fiancé Prince Guigi Del Slimo. Del Slimo is actually in cahoots with store manager Mr. Googins to rob the place. Steve Trevor gets kidnapped but Wonder Woman saves the day.
The true events would have been ripped from the headlines, as 17 year old heiress Gloria Vanderbilt had just married the much older and widowed agent (also alleged gangster) Pat DiCicco in 1941. DiCicco was a real piece of work (mostly garbage), but the story could be a coincidence.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: The Saboteurs
Real name: N/A
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#5 (May 1942)
Abilities: Sabotage
Quotes: "Say! You're supposed to be drowned!"
Worst act: Sabotaging the Octopus
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script) and Harry G. Peter (artist)
More Nazis this time out, and a more generic bunch you'd be hard pressed to find. They've infiltrated the Navy's newest submarine and framed an ensign for their crimes. Thanks to Wonder Woman and the Holliday Girls their crime is exposed and after a short and spectacular battle the bad guys are arrested and good guys win one for Uncle Sam.
A decent story, but when the you fail to give the villains names it doesn't quite measure up, even when compared to the few stories that came before.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#5 (May 1942)
Abilities: Sabotage
Quotes: "Say! You're supposed to be drowned!"
Worst act: Sabotaging the Octopus
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script) and Harry G. Peter (artist)
More Nazis this time out, and a more generic bunch you'd be hard pressed to find. They've infiltrated the Navy's newest submarine and framed an ensign for their crimes. Thanks to Wonder Woman and the Holliday Girls their crime is exposed and after a short and spectacular battle the bad guys are arrested and good guys win one for Uncle Sam.
A decent story, but when the you fail to give the villains names it doesn't quite measure up, even when compared to the few stories that came before.
Monday, February 4, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Paula Von Gunther
Real name: Paula Von Gunther
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#4 (April 1942)
Abilities: Genius, hypnotist, and spy
Quotes: "Why should I know a wretched little typist?"
Worst act: Torture, murder, and being a Nazi
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script) and Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
For a while, the baroness here was the only comic villain ever to appear in live action, showing up in the classic '77 series.
Von Gunther would also be the first reoccurring villain who became a cast member. Yes, it seems Paul undergoes what wrestling fans might term a Heel-Face turn and ends up working with the Amazons after Wonder Woman rescues her daughter Greta.
Of course, going by her early appearances you wouldn't know she was conflicted about anything, but blackmail was a decent way to get the character to switch sides without too many complaints. Having her move to Paradise Island also helped avoid any lingering questions too I imagine.
Paula's stories actually had a decent amount of continuity for the time period, which her survival (when she died) being addressed and even coming into play when she is put on trial for the last time (she was legally executed and declared dead after all. She just got better). Some were a bit odd, with Paula being charged to poison America's future by messing with the milk. Not every villain is going to blackmail the world I guess.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#4 (April 1942)
Abilities: Genius, hypnotist, and spy
Quotes: "Why should I know a wretched little typist?"
Worst act: Torture, murder, and being a Nazi
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script) and Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
For a while, the baroness here was the only comic villain ever to appear in live action, showing up in the classic '77 series.
Von Gunther would also be the first reoccurring villain who became a cast member. Yes, it seems Paul undergoes what wrestling fans might term a Heel-Face turn and ends up working with the Amazons after Wonder Woman rescues her daughter Greta.
Of course, going by her early appearances you wouldn't know she was conflicted about anything, but blackmail was a decent way to get the character to switch sides without too many complaints. Having her move to Paradise Island also helped avoid any lingering questions too I imagine.
Paula's stories actually had a decent amount of continuity for the time period, which her survival (when she died) being addressed and even coming into play when she is put on trial for the last time (she was legally executed and declared dead after all. She just got better). Some were a bit odd, with Paula being charged to poison America's future by messing with the milk. Not every villain is going to blackmail the world I guess.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Agent Gross
Real name: Gross
A.K.A.: X-46
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#3 (March 1942)
Abilities: Spy
Quotes: "I'll tell you nothing you blitzing she monster!"
Worst act: Blackmail
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
Generic Nazi spy, but this story is important for Wonder Woman becoming Steve Trevor's secretary. Also the Holliday Girls giving a gal 'the Adolf treatment', which seems to involve a severe beating of the buttocks.
Aside from that, Gross blackmail's Trevor's first secretary and forces her to steal a secret formula and frame Diana Prince in the process.
A.K.A.: X-46
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#3 (March 1942)
Abilities: Spy
Quotes: "I'll tell you nothing you blitzing she monster!"
Worst act: Blackmail
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peters (pencils/inks)
Generic Nazi spy, but this story is important for Wonder Woman becoming Steve Trevor's secretary. Also the Holliday Girls giving a gal 'the Adolf treatment', which seems to involve a severe beating of the buttocks.
Aside from that, Gross blackmail's Trevor's first secretary and forces her to steal a secret formula and frame Diana Prince in the process.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Doctor Poison
Real name: Princess Maru
A.K.A.: Mei Sing
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#2 (February 1942)
Abilities: Master of poisons, chemicals
Quotes: "I thought you might enjoy the morning newspaper, captain"
Worst act: Creating Reverso, which makes you do the opposite of what you want to do
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
The first reoccurring villain and the first one to make it to the big screen. Also the first one to feature what would be a theme with some of Wonder Woman's foes, namely crossdressing.
When we first see the good doctor, she's presented to us as a massive fellow with weird clamps around the eyes and mouth. After a brief fight, however, and we see the slender Princess Maru under all the wrappings.
Unlike other foes, she's has a costume, and a disguise, and is clearly on Wonder Woman's mental level as shown by her chemical concoctions. Chemical warfare had really advanced during the first World War, so seeing a villain based on that would have been topical.
The good doctor would pop up again, although with the same disguise. She was also a member of Villainy, Inc., which I believe was first all villain team for DC (Monster Society of Evil having shown up in 1943 for Fawcett).
A.K.A.: Mei Sing
First appearance: Sensation Comics I#2 (February 1942)
Abilities: Master of poisons, chemicals
Quotes: "I thought you might enjoy the morning newspaper, captain"
Worst act: Creating Reverso, which makes you do the opposite of what you want to do
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
The first reoccurring villain and the first one to make it to the big screen. Also the first one to feature what would be a theme with some of Wonder Woman's foes, namely crossdressing.
When we first see the good doctor, she's presented to us as a massive fellow with weird clamps around the eyes and mouth. After a brief fight, however, and we see the slender Princess Maru under all the wrappings.
Unlike other foes, she's has a costume, and a disguise, and is clearly on Wonder Woman's mental level as shown by her chemical concoctions. Chemical warfare had really advanced during the first World War, so seeing a villain based on that would have been topical.
The good doctor would pop up again, although with the same disguise. She was also a member of Villainy, Inc., which I believe was first all villain team for DC (Monster Society of Evil having shown up in 1943 for Fawcett).
Friday, February 1, 2019
Bring on the Bad Guys: Von Strom and Fritz
Real name: Von Strom and Fritz
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: All-Star Comics 1#8 (December 1941)
Abilities: Spies
Quotes: "Goot work Fritz!"
Worst act: Sabotage and being Nazis.
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
This year we're taking a look at the rogues of that Amazing Amazon, Wonder Woman. Like before we'll be taking a look at the very start all throughout the month.
Admittedly Von Strom and Fritz aren't the most dynamic and frankly rather generic as far as villains go, but without them we'd have no Wonder Woman.
It was Steve Trevor trying to take down Fritz's stolen plane when he went off course and crashed landed on Paradise Island, thus kicking off the introduction of Princess Diana to Man's World. She'd have more colorful foes, but for the time period two generic Germans were good enough. They didn't have much of a story and no comeuppance but in this case the journey was more important than the destination.
A.K.A.: N/A
First appearance: All-Star Comics 1#8 (December 1941)
Abilities: Spies
Quotes: "Goot work Fritz!"
Worst act: Sabotage and being Nazis.
Created by: William Moulton Marston (script), Harry G. Peter (pencils/inks)
This year we're taking a look at the rogues of that Amazing Amazon, Wonder Woman. Like before we'll be taking a look at the very start all throughout the month.
Admittedly Von Strom and Fritz aren't the most dynamic and frankly rather generic as far as villains go, but without them we'd have no Wonder Woman.
It was Steve Trevor trying to take down Fritz's stolen plane when he went off course and crashed landed on Paradise Island, thus kicking off the introduction of Princess Diana to Man's World. She'd have more colorful foes, but for the time period two generic Germans were good enough. They didn't have much of a story and no comeuppance but in this case the journey was more important than the destination.
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