Wonder Woman #173

Wonder Woman #173, released in November 1967, arrived during a transformative and controversial era for the character. This issue was part of the 'mod' era of DC Comics, where the title shifted significantly away from its mythological roots. In an attempt to modernize the series and appeal to a younger, trendier demographic, editors stripped Diana Prince of her powers and iconic costume, reinventing her as a globe-trotting secret agent who practiced martial arts.

The creative direction for this period was largely driven by the goal of aligning the character with the popularity of contemporary spy fiction and action television shows like The Avengers. Illustrators like Mike Sekowsky were instrumental in this departure, adopting a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic to match the new direction. While the change was intended to revitalize the character, it remains a divisive subject among historians and fans, often cited as one of the most drastic tonal shifts in the history of comic book iconography.