Wonder Man #1 - Marvel Comics

WONDER MAN No. 1, June 2026

Rather intriguingly focusing upon Simon Williams’ time working for Timely Studios as an actor rather than covering his exploits as part of the West Coast Avengers, “Marvel Mainstay” Gerry Duggan’s script for Issue One of “Wonder Man” probably proved a somewhat enticing read initially. However, this interest probably waned soon afterwards once the publication’s narrative shifts away from all the lights and cameras of Hollywood, and instead arguably turns into a choppy mess of flashbacks, comic book signings and unsuccessful assassination attempts; “I didn’t give law enforcement permission to enter my home without a warrant.”

Indeed, the sheer number of scenes crowbarred into this “true love letter to Los Angeles” which hurls its audience back in time soon becomes completely befuddling, especially when it occurs mid-way through a scene, like the titular character suddenly remembering how he first met Hellcat whilst battling the Defenders. Such sequences certainly add plenty of history to the comic’s considerable cast. But it also abruptly cuts short any momentum the modern-day tale is accumulating, as well as making it all too easy to get some events mixed up with one another.

In addition, it doesn’t ever seem to be explained just what Williams’ employers want him to do with his old cell-mate Randolph Chancellor, apart from sort the man out “quickly and quietly”. The voice behind Ziggy Pig and Silly Seal is clearly in great danger, following the disappearance of thirteen million dollars for which he is being blamed. Yet just what the prisoner-turned-actor actually has to do with the theft isn’t really explained, nor why someone would hire a laser-gun toting killer to shoot him down in the street. Instead, the American author debatably throws in even more befuddling sub-plots, such as Patsy Walker rather contrivingly taking a “gig” with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, and the Ionic-powered Whacko secretly housing his super-villainous brother, the Grim Reaper, at his home.

Disappointingly, Mark Buckingham’s layouts aren’t all that eye-catching either – even with the various colourful costume changes Wonder Man undertakes throughout the twenty-five-page periodical. In fact, despite this book containing its fair share of chases and gun-play, the “legendary” artist’s figures frustratingly appear rather static-looking and sadly don’t show just how much fun the illustrator apparently had “designing a distinctive look for this book that will help ground us in Hollywood as Simon Williams revisits his LA life.”

The regular cover art of "WONDER MAN" #1 by Paulo Siqueira & Rachelle Rosenberg