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When Wonder Woman lost her powers in the Silver Age classic Wonder Woman 178, it created a lot of controversy. This 1968 issue, now a valuable collector’s item, marked a significant shift in the character’s storyline. The irony of the whole situation was that the writer felt that it would have appealed toward women’s rights groups, portraying a strong and independent woman who could karate-chop a man’s clavicle without any superhuman abilities. Instead, they lashed out, saying that Wonder Woman was the only popular and powerful superhero in the DC universe, which was then solely dominated by men.
Actually, to say that Wonder Woman lost her powers in Wonder Woman issue 178 might be inaccurate, because she simply renounces them. This powerless transformation leads her to submit to a man to teach her martial arts. To change her image, she gets some groovy new clothes, essentially a glamorous makeover that clearly reflects the age this action-adventure comic was published (1968).
It all takes place in a plot that revolves around her getting upset after being forced to testify against her boyfriend, Steve Trevor, in court. For some reason, she thinks that having a double-life led to him being found guilty. So she says:
“I pray to Venus for guidance. I swear, oh goddess, I will make any sacrifice to save my love!”
So she decides to save him as Diana Prince, deciding that Wonder Woman has no place in the matter. This secret identity change becomes a central element of the storyline. Whether or not you think Wonder Woman’s powerless transformation in issue 178 happened for a dumb reason, Wonder Woman 178 has remained a valuable collectible (Affiliate Link) due to its historical significance in the Silver Age of comics.
The entire situation makes no sense really. Wonder Woman has a boyfriend, but her boyfriend has no idea about her actual identity. There’s a scene where the two of them are making out in a convertible by a lake, teenager-style. Is this to fulfill a girl’s fantasy as she reads the comic book?
Before Wonder Woman Lost Her Powers
Wonder Woman (often mistakenly combined to simply “Wonderwoman”) has a secret identity by the name of Diana Prince, her alter ego. Her powers have varied over the years, but in general she has superior physical strength, enough to battle heroes such as Superman in the Justice League of America. Wonder Woman can fly as well, and has a golden lasso that forces people to tell the truth.
Of course, Wonder Woman is often recognized from her costume. It has changed often throughout the years, switching from skirt, to no skirt, to pants, to everything in between. On the flip side, the colors of her costume have remained a consistent blend of red, yellow and gold, and a splash of white. Wonder Woman’s costume has always had a patriotic look and feel ever since her creation during World War 2. Her logo and symbol represents an eagle.
As for who played Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot portrayed her in the Dawn of Justice movie (2016), while Lynda Carter famously played the Amazon princess in 1975.
The Legacy of Wonder Woman 178
Wonder Woman 178, first published in 1968, has become a significant issue in the character’s history. The writer, working in the heart of the Silver Age, took a bold step in depowering one of DC’s most iconic characters. This decision, while controversial, has made Wonder Woman 178 a key issue for collectors.
For those interested in the comic book value of Wonder Woman 178, it’s worth noting that first print copies, especially those in Very Good condition or better, can fetch a considerable price. The Wonder Woman 178 cover, featuring Diana’s new look, is particularly striking and adds to its appeal as a collector’s item.
While the Wonder Woman 178 synopsis might seem outlandish by today’s standards, it reflects the storytelling trends of its time. The issue introduces new Wonder Woman 178 characters like Alex Block, who becomes Diana’s martial arts instructor, and features familiar faces like Steve Trevor in new contexts.
Despite the criticism it received, Wonder Woman 178 remains an intriguing part of the character’s long history. It showcases a unique period in comic book storytelling and offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of one of DC’s most enduring heroes. Whether you’re a fan of Wonder Woman, a Silver Age enthusiast, or simply interested in comic book history, Wonder Woman 178 is an issue worth exploring.