In this biography of Wonder Woman, comic book historian Hanley (blogger, Straitened Circumstances; columnist, "Gendercrunching" bleedingcool.com) offers a whirlwind tour of American comic books with the character as a focal point. Starting with Wonder Woman's creation in 1941, the author takes readers through the height of her popularity in the 1940s and 1950s and then into the 21st century, when she becomes a minor player in the superhero canon. In discussing the character's origins, Hanley provides a detailed exploration of previous work done by creator William Marston that affected the development of the Wonder Woman universe. He helpfully situates his subject in the universe of superhero comics and ably describes what made her seem unique and powerful to readers in her early years. Hanley also includes a helpful bibliography, which will be able to assist novices in the subject. VERDICT An entertaining and informative read, Hanley's book is well suited for a general audience less familiar with comic book history. The expert may enjoy the author's footnotes and the odder bits of trivia he includes.—Hanna Clutterbuck, Harvard Univ. Lib., Cambridge, MA