Wonder Woman’s first appearance marked the debut of one of the most iconic superheroes of all time – one envisioned as a powerful, independent figure who championed love, justice, and equality.
When is the first appearance of Wonder Woman?
The first appearance and origin of Wonder Woman is All-Star Comics #8, published in 1941. This also includes the first appearances of Steve Trevor and Hippolyta. It recently sold for 1.6 million in a grade of 9.2 in 2022.
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The Creation of Wonder Woman
William Moulton Marston and H.G Peter
William Moulton Marston was an American Psychologist who co-created Wonder Woman with artist H.G Peter. Charles Moulton (William Moulton Marston’s pen name) wife Elizabeth and life partner Olive Bryne were said to be the inspiration for Wonder Woman. Mister Marston and Elizabeth were in a polyamorous relationship with Olive. William was already famous for inventing the polygraph machine with his wife Elizabeth.
Inspiration behind the character
In an interview with Family Circus magazine though that comic book medium had a lot of potential. Max Gaines owner of National Periodicals and All American Publications (DC Comics) hired Marston as an educational consultant. Marston, wanting to create his own new superhero, worked with his wife on creating Wonder Woman. Who could triumph with love and not always fists.
Wonder Woman was meant to be a reflection of modern women of the era, unconventional, liberated, powerful and did not need to rely on men.
Wonder Woman’s Debut in All-Star Comics #8
Published by DC in December 1941, All-Star Comics #8 was written by Gardiner Fox with art by E.E Hibbard. This also included the first appearance of Steve Trevor who went on to be an important figure in Diana’s life. Hippolyta also had her first appearance in All-Star Comics #8. She is the mother of Diana Prince.
Subsequent Early Appearances
Sensation Comics #1
Published the following month after Wonder Woman’s first appearance, January 1942. This was Wonder Woman’s first cover appearance, 2nd in issue appearance. Art by H.G Peters with various writers contributing. It also included the first appearance of Mr Terrific, Terry Sloane and Wildcat, Ted Grant.
Wonder Woman #1
The first solo series of Wonder Woman. Published in June 1942, written by Charles Moulton (William Moulton Marston) with art by H.G Peters. It has a classic cover and tells four full length stories while also retconning some story elements including when Diana received the lasso of truth.
Significance of Wonder Woman’s First Appearance
Wonder Woman is one of the most important super heroes to be introduced in comic history. Especially at a time when women’s rights and equality were in question. Through the years she has been a beacon of feminism. In a genre dominated by male superheroes Diana Prince is the 5th most important hero in history as rated by IGN.
Collecting Wonder Woman’s Debut Comic
Current Market Value
This book is very hard to find in raw grade of any significance. It doesn’t come up for sale a lot. COVR price only has 2 recorded sales of ungraded copies in the last 5 years. A no-grade sold for $14,000 in April 2022.
Graded copies come up more often than ungraded but it is still rare. Since they also come up for sale rarely, the price of these books vs grade fluctuates wildly.
A graded 7 sold in 2012 for $13,000 and twelve years later sold for more than five times the price of $63,000.
Tips for collectors
For the average collector this book in any fine grade and above is going to be out of reach or take a long time to save for. If you are looking for the cover to display or to read the book and its four full length stories there was a facsimile reprint in 2023 with 2 variants including a foil variant and a blank variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Wonder Woman Created?
Wonder Woman was created for a generation of boys and girls who could look up to a new type of hero. One who wins through love and compassion and not always fists and fire power, though Diana had those abilities available to her to win the fight.
How has Wonder Woman evolved since her debut?
Over the years her origin has altered and enhanced. Originally Wonder Woman had no connection to Greek mythology. During the Silver Age of comics Robert Kanigher gave her a new origin story with Hellenic roots.
By the end of the Silver Age she had lost her powers in order to stay in the world of man and learned martial arts and fighting abilities.
During the Bronze Age, Diana returned to her Superhero roots in Justice League and regained her powers. She was also returned to the WW2 Era in her own title.
Beloved artist and writer George Perez along with Len Wein and Greg Potter changed her origin again in 1985 following Crisis on Infinite Earths. They changed her origin to be an emissary to the Patriarchs’ world from Themyscira.
What Makes All-Star Comics #8 a valuable issue?
It is the first appearance of Wonder Woman…..thats why its valuable.
Wonder Woman’s First Appearance and her lasting legacy
A character created in 1941 is still influencing society 80 years later. She has been an inspiration for girls and boys through the years. Standing up for equality and justice. Diana is an intelligent, beautiful, powerful woman who helps others and does the right thing.
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