It’s Wonder Woman week at DC’s The Source blog, in celebration of her 600th issue. So far we’ve got pinups (Nicola Scott’s to the right — god, I love love her pencils) and an essay by Lynda Carter. Fun times for the fan!

So, something I learned today was: The only thing better than a possessed zombie Wonder Woman is a possessed zombie Wonder Woman making out with Batman (and drawn by Nicola Scott.)

It was totally a What The…? moment, but like Christmas at the same time.

Hee.

(Preview pages here, for those interested.)

I lurk at a few places, and one of my favorites lately has been the Wonder Woman forum at CBR. Every now and then, I’ll see someone from this romancey neck of the woods there. This happened again recently, but in a reverse kind of way — I was looking through the ads in RT magazine, and noticed a book, TOUCH OF DANGER by Carol A. Strickland, an author whose name seemed really, really familiar.

Then it struck me: CarolStrick at the WW boards, and the DC boards before that! And also a fantastic new columnist for the Wonder of Wonders column. I don’t know her — I don’t even think I’ve replied any of her comments in my years and years of lurking — but I’ll admit I had that dorky bit of glee and then went to check out the book.

When ultra-superhero Londo (Valiant) Rand breaks through her door to save Lina O’Kelly from a burning hotel, she knows that’s merely the beginning of her crisis. Londo’s foes have temporarily blasted away his powers, leaving the two of them to outrun a mercenary army across an otherwise deserted South Pacific island. If they’re lucky they can reach safety to await rescue, or Londo’s powers will return and he can fly them away.

Londo doesn’t want those powers to return, not yet. This is the first time in his life he’s been able to touch someone without the potential of accidentally tearing them to shreds. Lina is definitely someone he wants to touch — and more. He’s eager to learn what it feels like to be fully human.

But stubborn telepath/psychic Lina’s dysfunctional childhood has left her with an acute phobia for touch. She’s also sworn to help anyone who requests aid — even if it’s the world’s greatest superhero who asks for what she’s unable to give.

Will they discover that what they’ve both longed for was not a touch of skin, but that of two hearts meeting? If they should fall deeply in love, how will they cope when Londo’s powers return and he’s too strong to hold Lina in his arms? (Excerpt and buy link.)

Superheroes. Romance. Two of my favorite things.

Anyway, while lurking this morning, I saw that she’s over at the Cerridwen Press blog today, with the topic “So You Want to be a Psychic,” and a psychic reading event on Friday. So off I go to lurk again…

I’m not sure which one of us is going to win. Or even which of us is the monster and which is WW.

Also, I can’t wait for this movie.

…and, back to work.

Leah (#17), you’ve won the Erin McCarthy/Kristan Higgins pack, plus a book from my backlist! Congratulations!

Also, here are some pictures from WW Day at Excalibur Comics in Portland:

My wonder tot, Wonder Woman, and me. I’m not sure who was more excited — my daughter or me :joker: It was very cute, though — we were about a block away from the store when my daughter and Wonder Woman spotted each other. Wonder Woman waved, and my daughter started running and doing her giggly I’m-so-excited! laugh … then realized she wasn’t supposed to run to strangers, even superheroes. So she looked at me, and of course I told her to go. Unfortunately, the first picture with just my daughter and Wonder Woman didn’t come out, and I also couldn’t get her to pose with the Batman. She’ll eventually learn

Then here’s two of daughter and me at the event. Gail Simone signed two comics for my daughter, then I bought a ton more. I really, really shouldn’t be allowed into one of these places with my wallet.

DECISION ’08
OCTOBER 26

Days left until DEMON BOUND is out: 9
Days left until the national election: 9

If you are looking for the daily vote, you’re in the right spot.

If you are looking for where you’re supposed to vote for the grand prize or post your link to the Decision ’08 widget, click here. You’ll have to scroll down to vote or post your link in the comments. If you haven’t yet read the contest rules, now is a good time to do it.

As some of you may know, today I’m attending the Wonder Woman Day event in Portland (there is also one in Fleminton, NJ), a charity event that raises awareness and money for domestic violence shelters and a crisis help line. You don’t have to attend the event to be a part of it — there is a silent auction taking place for artwork (click for details on how to place your bid).

It’s also no surprise to many of you that Wonder Woman is my favorite heroine (after all, only she and He-Man have their own categories on my sidebar), that I have a girl-crush on Gail Simone, the current writer on the Wonder Woman monthly comic book, and that I’d like to convert everyone out there to the Awesome that is Diana of Themyscira. So, with that end in mind and in honor of Wonder Woman Day, I’ve chosen two graphic novels featuring Wonder Woman … stories that are, IMO, some of the best stand-alone Wonder Woman stories out there:

THE HIKETEIA by Greg Rucka and J.G. Jones (You can see the artwork and an overview of the story here, but be aware that there are spoilers.)

or

JLA: LEAGUE OF ONE by Christopher Moeller (You can see the artwork and an overview of the story here, but be aware that there are spoilers.)

Vote for your favorite. The winner will receive the most popular choice, along with a copy of any title from my backlist (books 1-6 of the Guardian series — this does not include Demon Bound.)

My backlist suggestion: Any of them. Because all of my heroines are Wonder Women.

So, are you ready to vote? Great! But first, a word from our sponsor:

Note: Voting does not enter you to win.

Everyone can vote, but only by leaving a comment in this post are you eligible to win whichever option receives the most votes by the end of the day.

Feel free to simply state “voted” or “present” or even a smiley to enter — or, you might choose to argue your case. Comments from dissenters, moderates, and fangirls are all welcome, but personal attacks will get you disqualified.

Don’t forget to vote in the Grand Prize poll by November 3rd — everyone can vote in that poll, even if you don’t post the widget anywhere.

For complete rules and instructions in how to receive an additional entry into the Grand Prize drawing, please visit DEMON BOUND headquarters.

Good luck!

This is where I will be on Sunday, October 26: stalking Gail Simone with my own little Wonder Tot at my side. (Thanks to Megan Frampton for the heads up!)

Not really related, but I’m thinking about contests to celebrate the release of Demon Bound. So here’s a poll:

Remember when I wrote that I was so happy about the change in your book, as Gail Simone took over the writing?

Well, the first story arc completed yesterday … and I’m still happy. Actually, I might just be in love. This Diana kicks all kind of awesome ass. If I was still in grade school, sending out Valentines, this would be the one I’d copy and send out to all of my friends.

I love this book.

Yours with hearts and flowers,
Meljean

Remember when I wrote that I was so happy about the change in your book, as Gail Simone took over the writing?

Well, the first story arc completed yesterday … and I’m still happy. Actually, I might just be in love. This Diana kicks all kind of awesome ass. If I was still in grade school, sending out Valentines, this would be the one I’d copy and send out to all of my friends.

I love this book.

Yours with hearts and flowers,
Meljean