If you’re an MCU fan, this might get confusing. In March, Marvel Comics launches a new solo series for one of their oldest heroes, Wonder Man. The creative team rocks, hands down. Since Simon Williams works as an actor, he’s touted as “Hollywood’s Hero.” Writer Gerry Duggan promises the solo series digs deep into the character’s Hollywood history. Not to mention that Simon Williams has a backstory deeply entangled with The Vision, Scarlet Witch, and the Avengers.
Therein lies the potential confusion. On January 27th, Disney+ releases the long-awaited Wonder Man TV series. That seems to offer some meta-commentary on pop culture within that universe. At some point in what I assume to be the 1980s, a cheesy TV series featuring the character Wonder Man existed. From the fleeting glimpse we’ve seen, he’s dressed in at least one of the comics outfits from that time. So far we have some matches.
The series we’re getting on Disney+, however, focuses on Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as struggling actor Simon Williams trying to be cast in the reimagining of that old TV series. If you get drawn in by this show (and I hope I will be), you’re not going to find a comic that matches. Although we could make a case that in the MCU, a remake did already happen, as in Guardians of the Galaxy v.2 an Earth theater marquee did have a poster for Wonder Man starring Simon Williams. That Simon Williams looked an awful lot like Nathan Fillion.
I admit there’s not much crossover between MCU fans and Marvel Comics fans. (No matter what internet chatter makes it seem.) Marvel Comics have definitely backed off on creating MCU “lost” stories between films — though it looks like Dan Slott will be writing another prequel comic to Fantastic Four: First Steps.
So… I wonder what I’ll think of Wonder Man the new solo series.
From Marvel:
Simon Williams makes it big in March, starring in an all-new limited comic series by superstar writer Gerry Duggan (West Coast Avengers, Invincible Iron Man) and acclaimed artist Mark Buckingham (Miracleman).
WONDER MAN returns to Hollywood for action both on and off set! Using his ionic—and iconic—powers to keep Tinsel Town in line, Simon gets caught up in a deadly mystery involving an old friend. With Hellcat chasing his tail and studios demanding his head, Simon embarks on the adventure that will make or break his career! A saga sure to make headlines, WONDER MAN is a perfect entry point to the multi-faceted character, mining his rich history and setting the stage for his next breakthrough role!
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!
“Wonder Man has always been a favorite of mine, and so’s Mark Buckingham,” Duggan shared. “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.”
“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,” Buckingham said. “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,” he continued. “There is action, adventure, a little bit of romance, and a lot of laughs.
Check out Paulo Siqueria’s cover for the debut issue along with a Foil Variant Cover by Netho Diaz, a Headshot Variant Cover by Phil Noto, and a variant cover by Mark Buckingham and be sure not to miss Marvel Television’s own take on Simon Williams in Wonder Man, releasing January 27 on Disney+!
