Marvel Comics has revealed Simon Williams/Wonder Man will star in a new comic book series this March, written by Gerry Duggan with art by Mark Buckingham. Simply titled Wonder Man, the five-issue comic follows Simon as he continues to protect Los Angeles and pursue his acting career. However, when a mystery involving a friend from his villainous past emerges, Simon finds himself on the wrong side of Hollywood, as well as his fellow hero Patsy Walker/Hellcat.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, SUPER HERO ACTION! Simon Williams has had his ups and down, from being manipulated into villainy by the Enchantress, to being one of the brightest stars in the Avengers! But just like Hollywood, no matter how low the lows, Simon keeps fighting the good fight! But what happens when the past finally catches up to him? Enter Randolph Chancellor: Simon’s former cellmate! A true love letter to L.A. as well as the history of Wonder Man!
Duggan says, “Wonder Man has always been a favorite of mine, and so’s Mark Buckingham. To be able to collaborate with one of the kings of comics and a true gentleman has been a thrill and a privilege. Simon Williams dreams of Hollywood, and his city and show business has had a rough go of it. Join us for a very special debut, starring Wonder Man, his chosen family and the one he was born into. This one’s going to be special.”
Buckingham adds, “It is has been a delight to dive into Wonder Man’s world for this brand new solo series and a pleasure to work with Gerry Duggan. Simon is a good man, who doesn’t always make the best choices. He takes care of his family and friends… but often to his own detriment. Especially when it comes to Randolph Chancellor. It has been fun designing a distinctive look for this book that will help ground us in Hollywood as Simon Williams revisits his LA life. There is action, adventure, a little bit of romance, and a lot of laughs.”
Williams, who derives his powers from ionic energy, has become one of the longest-serving members of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes since he was created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Don Heck for 1964’s Avengers #9. He previously headlined a graphic novel in 1986, an ongoing from 1991 to 1994, and a miniseries in 2007, as well as a book co-starring his longtime friend Hank McCoy in 2000, titled Avengers Two: Wonder Man & Beast.
The new Wonder Man #1 (of 5) will be released on March 18, with a main cover by Paulo Siqueira, plus variants by Buckingham, Phil Noto, and Netho Diaz. In the meantime, the Wonder Man TV show will be released in its entirety on Disney+ on Tuesday, January 27, at 9pm ET. The meta take on the character, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon, and Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery, will consist of eight half-hour episodes.
You can check out the latest promotional short for the series, featuring both actors in-character, along with the variant covers below.
