On this day in comics, September 3, 1968, Wonder Woman #179 (1968) arrived, presenting readers with one of the most radical and controversial reinventions of a major superhero. Under the new creative direction of writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Mike Sekowsky, this issue stripped Diana Prince of her powers, her costume, and her title, launching a new era for the Amazon warrior. In a shocking turn of events, Wonder Woman chose to remain in “Man’s World” as a powerless mortal rather than journey with her fellow Amazons to another dimension. This decision set her on a completely new path, transforming her from a demigoddess into a martial artist and boutique owner, a bold move that defined her character for years to come.
This era, often called the “mod” or “karate” era, was a stark departure from her mythological roots. It was an attempt to make the character more relevant to the times, grounding her in espionage and street-level adventures rather than battles with gods and monsters. For any dedicated fan, this issue represents a fascinating and pivotal chapter in the hero’s long history.
A New Direction in Wonder Woman #179 (1968)
The story opens with a difficult choice for Diana. Her Amazon sisters must leave for another dimension to “restore their magic,” and they expect her to join them. However, her love for humanity and her life outside of Paradise Island, particularly her connection to Steve Trevor, compels her to stay. To do so, she must surrender her divine powers and immortality, becoming fully human. It’s a profound sacrifice that immediately changes the stakes for the character. No longer bulletproof or super-strong, Diana Prince must now rely on her wits and training to survive.
This vulnerability is immediately put to the test. Without her powers, Diana finds herself in need of a new way to fight for justice. This leads to her fateful meeting with I Ching, a blind martial arts master who becomes her mentor. The dynamic between the wise, patient teacher and the determined, newly-mortal Diana forms the heart of this new era. This unique storyline was a bold experiment, taking a well-known character into completely uncharted territory.
The Introduction of I Ching
I Ching is introduced as the last surviving member of an ancient sect from a hidden monastery. His order was dedicated to preserving timeless knowledge, understanding that magic and science were two sides of the same coin. The monastery was attacked by agents of the villainous Doctor Cyber, who desired the temple’s treasures. I Ching was the sole survivor, though he was left seriously injured and blind. His path crosses with Diana’s at the perfect moment; she needs a teacher, and he needs a student to carry on his sect’s legacy.
Under I Ching’s guidance, Diana undergoes rigorous training, honing her body into a deadly weapon. She masters various martial arts and weapon skills, transforming her approach to crimefighting. This period saw her tackle everything from spy capers to mythological threats, all without the aid of her Amazonian abilities. The stories explored different genres and showed a side of Diana that was more resourceful, grounded, and human than ever before. Fans who enjoy seeing characters evolve should check out the new comics that often pay homage to different eras of classic heroes.
Creative Team:
- Writer: Dennis O’Neil
- Artist: Mike Sekowsky
- Inker: Dick Giordano
- Editor: Sheldon Mayer
The striking visuals from this team gave us some of the most memorable comic book covers of the late Silver Age, signaling the dramatic shift in the book’s tone. You can dive deeper into this and other transformative eras on the official DC Comics website.
In conclusion, Wonder Woman #179 (1968) stands as a landmark issue that dared to deconstruct and rebuild an icon. By stripping away her powers, it revealed the core of Diana’s heroism: her unwavering commitment to justice, regardless of her own limitations. It introduced the influential character of I Ching and set the stage for a unique chapter in her history that remains a topic of discussion among fans today.
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