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.
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