For nearly 80 years, Wonder Woman has been one of DC Comics’ most recognisable superheroes and has gone on to become a cultural icon. She’s starred in a TV show, multiple movies, thousands of comics, and has even become a feminist icon.
With Wonder Woman 1984 delayed yet again, there’s never been a better time to dive into the comics to get your Wonder Woman fix. But with 80 years of material, it can be hard to figure out which comic book stories should you read.
To point you in the right direction, How to Love Comics has complied the best Wonder Woman comics. The list mixes fan-favourites and classics, with a variety of different styles of stories including Greek mythology, superhero action, and much more.
Happy reading!
Wonder Woman/Wonder Woman Arrives in Man’s World
Written by William Moulton Marston. Art by Harry G. Peter.
Go back to where it all started with these pair of comics from December 1941 and January 1942. In them, we see the origins of Wonder Woman All the way up to her first World War II adventure in the United States.
These stories do a lot of work to establish many of the classic concepts we know and love. Readers are introduced to Steve Trevor, the soldier/spy, who not only instigates Wonder Woman’s journey but is also the love interest. We also see some of her signature abilities from the very beginning including her super strength, speed and agility, to deflecting bullets with her bracelets.
QUICK TIP: Comics from the 1940s are a different reading experience to modern comics. Keep that in mind when reading these comics and you’ll enjoy them more.
Single Issues: All-Star Comics #8 (back-up) and Sensation Comics #1
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman: The Golden Age Volume 1 or Wonder Woman: Golden Age Omnibus Volume 1
Buy: Comixology | eBay
Gods and Mortals
Written by George Perez and Len Wien. Art by George Perez.
While Wonder Woman’s origins have told numerous times before, Gods and Mortals stands out amongst the rest for being the most comprehensive. It takes the core of the original telling and vastly expands on it. The history of the Amazons is explained in great detail, readers are introduced to the various gods, and the wider cast of Amazons. As a result, it feels like a well-lived world, as opposed to something secluded in the back of the reader’s mind.
Visually, this is one of the most impressive Wonder Woman comics out there. While George Perez’s 1980s comic style might not be to modern readers’ taste, there’s no denying he has put 110% into it. You only have to look at his depiction of Mount Olympus as proof. Perez renders in the same manner as M. C Escher’s Relativity, where the laws of gravity do not apply and impossible architecture that’s still in the Greek style.
Throughout this story, we are also introduced to a wide range of supporting characters, each of who are well developed and will hang around to become mainstays in Wonder Woman comics for years to come.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (1987 series) #1-7
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman By George Perez Volume 1 or Wonder Woman: God and Mortals
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BONUS PICKS: Wonder Woman’s origins have been told numerous times in many different ways. While these interpretations didn’t make the list officially (the list would be half origin stories!), these origin tales are worth checking out too.
- Wonder Woman: Year One by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott.
- The Legend of Wonder Woman by Renee de Liz.
- Wonder Woman: Earth One by Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette.
Battle For Womanhood
Written by William Moulton Marston. Art by Harry G. Peter.
The Wonder Woman comics of the 1940s can be rather goofy, with wild situations that are full of imagination. Battle For Womanhood is no exception, with Wonder Woman taking on a dwarf misogynist who can project ectoplasm around himself to take other forms. He uses this wacky ability to frame women for crimes and devalue their support efforts in World War II.
Like so many Wonder Woman comics of the time, this story reflects the strong feminist values of her co-creator William Moulton Marston. But it goes much further than Wonder Woman foiling the misogynist’s plots with the comic also highlighting the contributions that women are making in World War II.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (1942 series) #5
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman: The Golden Age Volume 2 or Wonder Woman: Golden Age Omnibus Volume 1
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Challenge of the Gods
Written by George Perez and Len Wien. Art by George Perez.
In the wake of Gods and Mortals, Zeus makes Wonder Woman a sleazy proposal. Naturally, she refuses him as she believes that it should be a mutual agreement. That only enrages Zeus and punishes her by setting her a challenge. Wonder Woman is now required to traverse deep under Themyscira and into the path of many dangers.
While readers have seen elements of Greek mythology already, Challenge of the gods blows the door wide open by introducing a vast array of creatures from legend. Monster fans will get a kick out of this story with Wonder Woman battling deadly creatures including the cyclops, harpies, and even a hydra.
But it’s not all fighting monsters and displeasing sleazy gods, this arc also does a great job at developing Wonder Woman further. We get some great moments between her and her mother, which flesh out their relationship more. We also get to see a Trevor family connection to the Amazons, which inspire Wonder Woman to continue to be a hero.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (1987 series) #10-14
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman By George Perez Volume 1 or Wonder Woman: Challenge of the Gods
Buy: Comixology | eBay
The Wrath of Doctor Cyber
Written by Denny O’Neil and Mike Sekowsky. Art by Mike Sekowsky.
Out of all this picks on this list, this one is by far the most unique. In the late 1960s, there was a unique period of Wonder Woman history in which titular character didn’t have her powers. Instead, she owned a fashion boutique and went on adventures that were clearly inspired by James Bond and Emma Peel. The Wrath of Doctor Cyber is the first of these spy influenced stories that sets up this new status quo and takes Diana and her supporting cast around the world.
While the comic sounds jarringly different, Diana Prince is still a strong and capable woman. She doesn’t need Amazonian powers in order to save the day, trading those in for martial arts skills and spy gadgets instead.
The comic also received a visual overhaul for this new status quo. The comic really leans into the visuals of the late 60s than most of its contemporaries. Artist Mike Sekowsky introduces elements of psychedelia (especially in issue #178) and new abstract page layouts that buck the more rigid structures often seen throughout the silver age. These layouts work in comics favour to create exciting action that include hand-to-hand combat, car chases, and more.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (1942 series) #178-182
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman: Diana Prince: Celebrating the ’60s Omnibus
Buy: Comixology | eBay
BONUS PICKS: If you want to read even more of these kinds of Wonder Woman stories then continue reading through to Wonder Woman #204.
The Twelve Labors
Written by Martin Pasko, Elliot S. Maggin, Cary Bates, and Len Wein. Art by Curt Swan, John Rosenberger, Irv Novick, Dick Dillin, Kurt Schaffenberger, Dick Giodano, and Jose Delbo.
The above status quo change didn’t last forever and eventually Wonder Woman found her power again. The Twelve Labors was a story that re-established the superhero-style stories and add brand new wrinkles to her lore.
Wonder Woman has decided that the only way she can become a member of the Justice League of America again is if she embarks on twelve trials of heroism. The result is a collection of adventures that see her facing misogynist dandies, robots, a duplicate of herself, a Walt Disney parody, Mars the god of war, and more. These adventures are a lot of fun and do a lot position Wonder Woman as a smart and independent hero.
Along the way, The Twelve Labors also introduces a new Wonder Woman status quo. Diana Prince now works in the Crisis Management department at the Unite Nations, a job that highlights the soft skills and opens up the chance for all kinds of exciting stories. Further to this, DC did not bring back Steve Trevor. Instead replacing him with Morgan Tracey, a co-worker at the U.N and one who was specifically not a love-interest.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (1942 series) #212-222
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman: The Twelve Labors
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Chalk Drawings
Written by George Perez and Mindy Newell. Art by Jill Thompson.
Warning: The next story discusses teen suicide. If you or someone needs help please contact the suicide hotline in your country.
Due to its subject matter, Chalk Drawings is the most confronting Wonder Woman story on this list. It deals with the serious issue of teen suicide. We see Wonder Woman try to make sense of the whole thing while also being emotional support to the young Vanessa, the friend of the victim.
Chalk Drawings respectfully touches on the topic, never using it in a crass way or to fuel drama. Instead, the issue creates a dialogue about teen suicide. This is evident through the reactions of various characters and the way it is discussed throughout the story.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (1987 series) #46
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman by George Perez Volume 5
Buy: Comixology | eBay
She’s a Wonder!
Written by Phil Jimenez and Joe Kelly. Art by Phil Jimenez.
Have you ever wondered what a regular day for Wonder Woman is like? Well, Lois Lane has, so she is tagging along with the hero for the day to write an article. The pair go through Wonder Woman’s routine, speaking to the UN, visiting the White House, and participating in various humanitarian and charity efforts. Through this, they begin to bond over something that isn’t merely knowing Superman.
It’s great to see DC Comics’ best (in my humble opinion) female characters pairing up, even if it’s not in a superhero capacity. Readers see their best sides and insecurities, making them well rounded and fleshed-out characters. She’s a Wonder! is a very different Wonder Woman story to all the others, but that’s what makes it work. It’s a human story set in a world of superheroes.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (1987 series) #170
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman: Paradise Lost or Lois Lane: A Celebration of 75 Years
Buy: Comixology | eBay
BONUS PICK: Phil Jimenez had a long run as writer and/or artist on Wonder Woman. If you want to read more of his work, check out Wonder Woman (1987 series) #164-188.
Down to Earth
Written by Greg Rucka. Art by Drew Johnson.
Down to Earth is less about Wonder Woman stopping supervillains or saving the world and more about what happens when her ideals are attacked and how she overcomes the challenges that arise.
Wonder Woman has released a book of essays about her ideals and philosophies. While it’s a sales success, many people want to use it against her to tear her down. A lot of this backlash is orchestrated by the mysterious Veronica Cale, who is pulling all kinds of strings behind the scenes to make life difficult for Wonder Woman. The book also creates tensions in Mt Olympus with the gods, which ends in some disastrous consequences.
Down to Earth sets the scene for many plots throughout Greg Rucka’s four-year run with Wonder Woman and is a great place to start if you want to binge a run.
Want to know more about Down to Earth? Check out this great write-up as part of our Year of Wonder.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (1987 series) #196-200
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman by Greg Rucka Volume 1
Buy: Comixology | eBay
Stoned
Written by Greg Rucka. Art by Drew Johnson.
Also known as Eyes of the Gorgon, this story sees Wonder Woman take on Medusa. After two millennia, the deadly gorgon is back and looking for revenge against Athena. She does this by going after Athena’s champion, who happens to be Wonder Woman.
The result of this confrontation will have ramifications for Wonder Woman in future stories in curious ways. It also explores how mortals are mere playthings for the gods and how any collateral damage they create is beneath them.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (1987 series) #206-210
Trade Paperback: Woman by Greg Rucka Volume 2
Buy: Comixology | eBay
Gimme Shelter
Written by Will Pfeifer. Art by Geraldo Borjes and Jean Diaz.
During the period Gimme Shelter was published, Wonder Woman’s civilian identity, Diana Prince, was a government agent. In this particular story, she is tasked with investigating if there is a link between the hero and a network of women’s shelters. Through her investigation, she learns how she has inspired the women who are there.
This done-in-one tale doesn’t focus on the actions of Wonder Woman, but the residual effects that Wonder Woman leaves behind. In this case, the hope and empowerment that her image creates for battered women, allowing them to start a happier chapter in their life. It shows that you don’t have to beat up bad guys to save a person’s life.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (2006 series) #5
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman: Love and Murder
Buy: Comixology | eBay
The Circle
Written by Gail Simone. Art by Terry Dodson and Ron Randall.
The Circle is two stories that are told back and forth, but eventually tie-in together. One of these focuses on Wonder Woman stopping the villainous Captain Nazi (a villain created during WWII) and his army from invading her home of Themyscira. The other side of the coin tells the story set in the past about The Circle, four personal guards of Hippolyta and their ultimate betrayal. As mentioned earlier, these seemingly unrelated stories tie together at the end to form a tight final act.
The Circle kicks off Gail Simone’s celebrated run on Wonder Woman. It’s a fun read that understands the different sides of the character. She’s a warrior, but also compassionate. A leader and a devoted daughter. Simone gels all of these qualities together to form a well-rounded character, who’s a joy to read.
NOTE: The Circle takes place after Amazons Attack!. It’s not a well-liked comic and didn’t make it on this list because of it. While I don’t recommend reading it, I do suggest reading into the consequences of the story as it is referenced in The Circle.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (2006 series) #14-17
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman: The Circle or Wonder Woman by Gail Simone Omnibus
Buy: Comixology | eBay
The Fifty-Second Visit
Written by Steve Orlando. Art by Laura Braga.
In a tale that is set over the course of several years, Wonder Woman visits one-time foe Mayfly in prison. By doing so, she is hoping that she can reach out to her and make more of an impact than jail time alone.
This character-centric tale is all about rehabilitation through empathy. Through exploring this theme, we see some of the best sides of Wonder Woman. She may be a warrior, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t care or that something cannot be resolved through fighting.
Single Issues: Wonder Woman (2016 series) #51
Trade Paperback: Wonder Woman Volume 9: The Enemy of Both Sides
Buy: Comixology | eBay
A League Of One
Written and art by Christopher Moeller.
Wonder Woman vs a dragon? Yes, please!
When Wonder Woman learns of a prophecy of the Justice League’s death at the hands of the last dragon, she does everything in her power to stop it from coming true. She would sooner take on the dragon by herself than see her friends die. But was it the right decision?
While Wonder Woman is entrenched in fantasy through her Greek mythology premise, this fully-painted graphic novel shows that Wonder Woman can work in different kinds of fantasy settings.
Trade Paperback: Justice League: A League Of One
Buy: Comixology | eBay
Have Your Say!
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