Wonder Woman #1 (1942, DC)

In the summer of 1942, with World War II raging across Europe and the Pacific, DC Comics (then known as All-American Publications) launched the solo series for its newest superhero. Wonder Woman #1 introduced Diana, Princess of the Amazons, to her own ongoing title after successful appearances in All Star Comics #8 (December 1941) and Sensation Comics #1 (January 1942). Created by psychologist William Moulton Marston with art by Harry G. Peter, Wonder Woman was a radical creation: a female superhero who was not a sidekick or a love interest but a powerful protagonist in her own right. Her first solo issue is one of the most important and valuable comic books in the Golden Age canon.

The Creation of Wonder Woman

William Moulton Marston was an unusual comic book creator. He held a law degree and a PhD in psychology from Harvard, had contributed to the development of the systolic blood pressure test (a component of the polygraph), and was a vocal advocate for women's rights. He believed that comic books, then wildly popular with children, could be a vehicle for positive messages, particularly about female empowerment.

Marston pitched his concept for Wonder Woman to Max Gaines, publisher of All-American Publications (which was closely affiliated with and would eventually merge into DC Comics). Gaines was intrigued, and Marston created the character under the pen name "Charles Moulton" (combining Gaines's middle name with Marston's own).

Harry G. Peter, a veteran artist who had worked in newspaper illustration, was chosen to illustrate the series. Peter's slightly old-fashioned style gave Wonder Woman a distinctive visual identity that set her apart from the sleeker superhero art of the era.

Wonder Woman debuted in All Star Comics #8 (cover date December 1941/January 1942) and proved immediately popular. She quickly received her own series, with Wonder Woman #1 bearing a cover date of Summer 1942.

Wonder Woman #1: The Issue

The first issue features a striking cover by Harry G. Peter showing Wonder Woman riding a white horse and leaping over a battlefield scene. The interior contains the origin story of Diana, Princess of the Amazons, and her journey from the hidden island of Themyscira (then called "Paradise Island") to "Man's World" to fight alongside the Allies in World War II.

The issue establishes key elements of Wonder Woman mythology: the Amazon warrior culture, the Lasso of Truth (which compels those bound by it to speak truthfully, reflecting Marston's interest in lie detection), the invisible plane, and Diana's alter ego of Diana Prince, an Army nurse.

Marston's writing is distinctive for its emphasis on female strength, intelligence, and leadership. While some modern readers find problematic elements in the early stories (particularly the frequent bondage imagery, which reflected Marston's complex views on dominance and submission), the core message of female empowerment was revolutionary for 1942 comics.

Why It Is Collectible

Historical significance. Wonder Woman #1 is the first solo issue of the most important female superhero in comics history. Diana has been in continuous publication for over 80 years and remains one of DC's "Big Three" alongside Superman and Batman.

Golden Age rarity. Comic books from 1942 were printed on low-quality newsprint and were not preserved by most readers. They were read, shared, traded, and eventually discarded or collected for wartime paper drives. Surviving copies in any condition are scarce.

Cultural importance. Wonder Woman is a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond comics. She has been featured in television series, animated shows, and the blockbuster 2017 film starring Gal Gadot. Each media appearance increases awareness of and demand for the original comics.

Cover appeal. The Harry G. Peter cover is visually dynamic and immediately recognizable. Strong covers drive comic book collecting, and Wonder Woman #1 delivers.

Female superhero milestone. As awareness of representation in popular media has grown, Wonder Woman's status as the first major female superhero has become increasingly appreciated. This cultural reevaluation has supported rising prices for her key issues.

Condition Grades

Grade	Description
CGC 9.0+	Exceptional preservation, theoretical for a 1942 comic, museum-grade
CGC 7.0 to 8.5	Remarkably well-preserved, minor wear, bright colors, tight spine
CGC 5.0 to 6.5	Above-average condition, moderate wear, colors still vibrant, structural integrity maintained
CGC 3.0 to 4.5	Average to slightly below-average condition for age, noticeable wear, possible small tears or creases
CGC 1.0 to 2.5	Below-average condition, significant wear, major creases, tears, or restoration
CGC 0.5	Poor condition, barely complete, heavy damage, valued for rarity rather than aesthetics
Ungraded/Restored	Restored copies (color touch, piece replacement, cleaning) are graded separately and valued lower

Value and Price Guide

Grade	Approximate Value Range
CGC 9.0+	$500,000 to $1,000,000+
CGC 8.0	$250,000 to $500,000
CGC 7.0	$150,000 to $300,000
CGC 6.0	$80,000 to $160,000
CGC 5.0	$50,000 to $90,000
CGC 4.0	$30,000 to $55,000
CGC 3.0	$18,000 to $35,000
CGC 2.0	$10,000 to $20,000
CGC 1.0	$6,000 to $12,000
CGC 0.5	$3,000 to $7,000
Restored (Purple/Green label)	30 to 60% of unrestored equivalent

For comparison with other landmark first issues:

Comic	CGC 6.0 Value
Action Comics #1 (Superman, 1938)	$1,500,000+
Detective Comics #27 (Batman, 1939)	$800,000+
Wonder Woman #1 (1942)	$80,000 to $160,000
Captain America Comics #1 (1941)	$150,000 to $300,000

Wonder Woman #1 is the most affordable of the "Big Three" first solo issues, making it relatively more accessible for serious Golden Age collectors.

Authentication and Identification

Cover date. The issue carries a cover date of "Summer 1942." Verify this appears on the cover.

Publisher imprint. The issue was published by All-American Publications, not National Comics (DC). The All-American logo or imprint should appear on the cover or interior pages.

Interior content. The issue contains specific stories and features. Reference the Grand Comics Database (comics.org) for the complete content listing of Wonder Woman #1.

Page count. Verify the page count matches the published specifications for this issue.

Paper and printing. Golden Age comics were printed on uncoated newsprint using letterpress printing. The paper should show age-appropriate yellowing and brittleness. The printing should display the characteristic dot patterns of 1940s comic book production.

Restoration detection. Professional restoration (color touch, piece replacement, spine reinforcement, cleaning) is common in Golden Age comics. CGC and CBCS grade restored comics with a different label color and label designation. UV light examination can reveal some types of restoration.

Provenance. For comics at these values, documented ownership history (pedigree collections, notable prior owners, publication history) adds confidence and can command a premium.

The Wonder Woman Market

The market for Wonder Woman key issues has strengthened considerably over the past decade, driven by the character's increasing cultural visibility. The 2017 Gal Gadot film, in particular, created a surge of interest that lifted prices across Wonder Woman's entire Golden Age run.

Wonder Woman #1 benefits from being the definitive "key" for the character. While All Star Comics #8 (her first appearance) is more valuable, Wonder Woman #1 is her first solo title and the comic most closely identified with the character's collecting legacy.

Collecting Strategy

At current market prices, Wonder Woman #1 in any grade represents a significant investment. For collectors approaching this purchase, CGC certification is non-negotiable. Buy from established dealers or major auction houses (Heritage, ComicConnect, Hake's) that stand behind their sales.

For budget-conscious collectors, lower-grade copies (CGC 1.0 to 3.0) offer the opportunity to own a genuine piece of Golden Age history at prices that, while substantial, are far more accessible than mid-grade and higher copies. The key is to buy the best condition you can afford and to prioritize unrestored copies over restored ones at similar price points.

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