The Bionic Woman #1
Published and © by Charlton, October 1977
Title: “Rico, Come Home!”
Synopsis: A rich Mexican man abducts his grandson, but Jaime Sommers saves the day and everyone lives happily ever after.
Writer: Uncredited
Artist: Uncredited
Review: This reviewer loved The Bionic Woman television show as a kid. The comic series? Not so much. Even as a youngster, it was easy to see this was a C-team affair. The stories are simplistic and devoid of any real characterization, while the passable art lacks life.
•••
Title: “Weaker Sex?”
Synopsis: A depowered Bionic Woman is sent on an undercover mission – as a stewardess! – to protect a “paroled terrorist leader.”
Writer: Uncredited
Artist: Uncredited
Review: Another slight story plagued by logic flaws, with flat art that does little more that capture the character’s likeness.
Grade (for the entire issue): D+
Second opinion: “To be avoided, conscientiously.” – Steve Whitaker, FantaCo’s Chronicle’s Series Annual #1, 1983 … “Use bionic force of will to avoid this comic.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition)
Cool factor: Umm …
Not-so-cool factor: While the art does a decent job capturing actress Lindsay Wagner’s likeness, it relies heavily on straight-on, smiling close-ups. The result is some pretty creepy visual characterization.
Notable: This issue also includes a two-page text feature, “Birth of the Bionic Woman.”
Character quotable: “You’ve got this coming, sister!” – Jaime Sommers, going all bionic on a female terrorist
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on July 7, 2009.
