From Sidekicks To Slavery & Back Again - A Wonder Twins Retrospective

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There have been many sidekicks throughout DC Comics history. From Robin to Speedy and also the Wonder Twins. These additions to the Super Friends were both loved and hated. Why was that? How have they stood the test of time. Appearing in Smallville, Wonder Comics and more. Find out all about them here on Casually Comics!
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[@CasuallyComics]

Offset your carbon footprint on Wren: www.wren.co/start/casuallycomics The first 100 people who sign up will have 10 extra trees planted in their name!

[@lemonzester12]

You look amazing, how is the baby doing?

[@animeknight8958]

can you do a Retrospective on Annie from The New Batman Adventures?

[@RLucas3000]

I hope you have seen this shot for shot remake of the opening of Challenge of the Super Friends, but with South Park characters. Challenge of the South Park Friends: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6W6Yph3gaijfbc

[@elonmartin3294]

We love you Sasha keep it pushing

[@mannyrobles3065]

Funny cause comic book collectors are tree killers since most old comics were made out of paper, meaning those of us with collections dating from the 70s have to plant a wholeeee lot of trees. But yeah, that was just an ironic comment and i do believe in reducing carbon footprints. Ive been involved in a few programs here in Puerto Rico to create more green areas. Its great to see areas like that get green again. I even have 8 trees that ive planted in my house having a pretty big back and front yard.

[@MrLeafeater]

AS a member of the show's target demographic, back when they were new...no one I knew liked Marvin/Wendy/Wonderdog. The Wonder Twins were also kinda ragged on, but at least we saw them as actually belonging there.

[@andrewshandle]

Yes, that's for sure, that being said the bar set by Marvin, Wendy and Wonderdog was incredibly low. ;)

[@jpboursaw4469]

If you haven’t already, check out DCs 1990’s Kingdom Come. An adult Marvin appears in a Meta Human bar scene and, it’s not flattering. Aaaaaaaand the ragging continues…

[@josebrown5961]

Yes we all hated Wendy,Marvin, and that damn dog. Wendy was a babe though. I did get a kick out of Marvin in Kingdom Come.

[@ThisMagicHouse]

I'm *just* young enough not to remember Marvin, Wendy, and Wonderdog. I was 3 when the WT debuted on SuperFriends and about 10 when they were written off, so I grew up with them. When we played superheroes on the playground, there was always a taker for Jayn, but no one wanted to be Zan. Gleek had more respect than Zan, his power was just so useless.

[@KennAKALeo]

Marvin and Wendy were head and shoulders above the Wonder Twins.

[@GenerationWest]

My mom was VERY familiar with them because Superfriends were big when she was a kid, but my first actual exposure to them in action was in Smallville, and not much after it besides being referenced outside of comics media for decades now.

[@lonemotheo1964]

Smallville the live-action TV show

[@Lawfair]

Thank you... for the first time in my life I feel old. I watched them in first run syndication as a child as well, my kids are still too young to be commenting on KZbin videos.

[@gemmamoon5998]

My mom watched them, too! I’m a huge comic nerd, and a twin, so she was shocked that I hadn’t heard of the Wonder Twins. (And to the parent in the comments, don’t worry, I’m 19)

[@The_Blue_Otaku]

The only reason why I know of the Wonder Twins Is because I watched reruns of the old Superfriends cartoon on Teletoon Retro when I was younger

[@TheMsLourdes]

As a mom that grew up with superfriends, I had no problem with the wonder twins (My kids even have Zan and Jayna shirts! and my son adore's Gleek) so props to your mother who has good taste :)

[@stormhawk31]

I was a little boy when the Wonder Twins premiered, and the Super Friends was one of my favorite shows. My take? I hated Wendy and Marvin. HATED. With an unending passion. In fact, I remember that, in my 5 year old brain, I thought that Wendy and Marvin "smelled like pee". By comparison, the Wonder Twins were quite tolerable. I always wanted to see what they would be like if they were taken seriously and written well, but.... *shrug*.

[@jadenbryant9283]

I think the best thing they could do I think is sorta a ghibi take on them with trying to adapt to earth and go through mundane things but react weirdly to it

[@billyb4790]

I agree. As a kid I never questioned whether it was feasible to make an ice rocket that burned scalding hot fuel without melting. I mean I was 5 🤷‍♂️ But for some reason even a five year olds we knew Wendy and Marvin sucked 😂

[@Awestefeld6612]

I was in elementary school when the Wonder Twins came out. So I can safely admit to having a crush on Jayna.

[@tarmaque]

Jayna had it going on. Perhaps not as much as JoAnna Cameron (Isis/Andrea Thomas from _The Secrets of Isis_ ) but she had it going on.

[@thebigchimpanski4783]

I too thought Jayna was hot

[@kenb2671]

Her and Wonder Woman were my SF crushes.👍🏾

[@Awestefeld6612]

@@kenb2671 can't disagree, but I was in elementary school then and I realized even back then, that Wonder Woman was out of reach.

[@aurahoneydew9607]

We all did. Apparently the internet still does as Jayna still has fan art coming.

[@cassiedevereaux-smith3890]

*stands by the ocean* "Form of- WATER" Thanks, Zan. Super useful. I LOVE his Wonder Comics incarnation. The whole thing where he was date on a girl who was trying to make her boyfriend jealous, and when he appears he was super cool with it. Someone is like, "aren't you mad? You just got friend zoned" and he was like, "Yeah! I've got a new friend! Teen couples break up after a few months but friends can last a lifetime!" Then he happily shares his popcorn at the movie while his date and her boyfriend make out. Oh Zan, I love you so much.

[@billyb4790]

Maybe he can make himself into an ice dildo for his new friend. Aww 🥰

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

Taking lighthearted, mildly embarrassing characters and turning them into snarling, grimdark edgelords is such a 90s thing to do, and requires absolutely zero imagination. "Hey, Aquaman is kind of dumb. What should we do with him?" "I know, let's... CUT OFF HIS HAND! And give him a HOOK for a hand! No, no, wait, a HARPOON! A rusty, dolphin-killing HARPOOOOON! ARRRRH!" "Awesome! How many pouches do you think he'll need?" "ALL OF THEM."

[@Tiggeralt]

aquaman door hand hook car door

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

@@Tiggeralt Person woman man camera TV.

[@todd8398]

And yet the Peter David Aquaman design continues to be the most popular with many people. But I suspect many who like the look weren't actually reading Aquaman then. Despite the "grimdarkness" of the character design, PD's run was actually pretty wacky and "space opera"-esque. Personally I liked the Waterbearer run ("Water-hand Aquaman") where he went from the edgy look to more "hopeful and aspirational". In other words he became less Batman and more Superman.

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

@@todd8398 What, you didn't like disco headband Aquaman?

[@todd8398]

@@NoJusticeNoPeace HAHAHA no

[@holyrod2001]

I can see the Wonder Twins working in our kind of Steven Universe-esque zeitgeist. There's the low-key tragedy, the striving, the happiness, etc.

[@johnmobley9369]

Wait. I love Steven universe. Explain the relation. I love Steven universe and how they actually gave him trauma from the things he went through.

[@dunker-roo9552]

@@johnmobley9369 agreed

[@ChaosMechanica]

I love this idea. I could totally see them in that tone

[@oldmangeek3007]

Good idea

[@notthephonz]

@@johnmobley9369 They're kind of similar to Steven in that they are the interns for the Justice League in the same way Steven starts out as an "intern" of sorts to the Crystal Gems. He's kind of an annoying kid sidekick comic relief character in the first season, relative to the Gems.

[@PhantomObserver]

Thing is, the WTs debuted on a 1970s show that, while great for kids on Saturday mornings (who can develop their childhood memories into good stories), weren’t written very well due to “broadcast standards” and the still-lingering sense that TV shows were inferior to other media. So you have adults with memories who regard the twins as either kitschy or with reverence, and that affected how comic writers handled them.

[@harlannguyen4048]

Super Friends was the reason why Aquaman got no respect from normies until the modern day.

[@nicholashodges201]

@@harlannguyen4048 that and he was the only OG League member to not get a show or movie in the era he started getting all that crap

[@thereseemstobeenanerror1219]

@@harlannguyen4048 And even then. ( To be honest, what can he do that's so useful? )

[@harlannguyen4048]

@@thereseemstobeenanerror1219 Besides his super strength, durability, and increased swim speed, his ability can command every sea creature (including monstrous ones) makes him incredibly dangerous when fighting near bodies of water. He gets a chance to show this off in New 52 Justice League volume 1, where he calls in the kraken and giant sharks to attack Parademon forces that were flying above the sea.

[@thereseemstobeenanerror1219]

@@harlannguyen4048 So the man a force to be reckoned with, but only near large bodies of water. That sounds a bit limiting to be honest but I can see how that would work.

[@turbotime1964]

You're forcing me to admit I was a WT fan back in the day! I thought they were a big improvement over Marvin and Wendy. I got a weird rush whenever they bumped fists and did their transformation shtick. But my thrill always turn to disappointment when they turn into the lamest thing and always screw up. Just once I wanted to see them do something badass. In my imagination, she would transform into a ferocious beast and maul the evil wizard Mal Havok to pieces. Or he becomes a ice machine gun and mow down the space genie. Obviously, I had no idea of the concept of comic relief or the standards of 70s children show. Still, the Wonder Twins made their mark. "Form of..." and "Shape of.." memes are forever etched into popular culture.

[@TeryJones]

"The Wonder Twin Zan can't form complex machines. Guns and explosives have chemicals in them. Moving parts. He doesn't work that way, but he can form solid metal shapes like knives and stabbing weapons." _Sorry I couldn't help myself XDXDXDXDXDXDXDXD_

[@marvinjones4415]

Mal Havoc!!! I was twelve when I saw that episode in 1979 and too old to be shaken by it, but I was! 😂 World's Greatest Superfriends was my least favorite season and was a huge step back from "Challenge" the year prior. Plus, we never got to see that cool pirate villain that Batman slid passed outside of the show's opening sequence.

[@douglasphillips5870]

One thing I like about the Wonder Twins is that they have room to grow as characters. Unfortunately, no-one wants them to do that. They keep them juvenile forever or change them into dark reflections of themselves. I'd love to see someone take the goofy Super Friends characters and set them on their own adventure where they don't have the team to solve the problems. I'd love to see a story where they are forced apart, and they have to deal with their problems alone, as was touched on in DC vs. Vampires, just without killing one of them.

[@levievil9220]

Maybe they discover that they have their own individual powers that can help their main powers or act as their own powers like water manipulation and animal communication

[@jonathanharrison6859]

I was disappointed when I found out the movie, “Shape of Water” was not about The Wonder Twins! I also was upset when I found the Rocky movie series was not about a Flying Squirrel!

[@jpboursaw4469]

Oh, I know! Flashpoint had nothing to do with time travel, and Troy wasn’t a Titans spin off! Not that I was expecting much, but still left with that feeling. As if promises were made, gifts exchanged, yet no bargain had! Ah, the fans lament. Sigh…maybe somewhere in the multiverse this is an actual thing…

[@jimhaverlock9784]

Top tier comment.

[@davincibarnette]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@robertespley248]

You think you were disappointed? Imagine my disappointment after watching "the never ending story" only for it to finish about an hour and a half later

[@scockery]

That Nightcrawler movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal was the worst X-Men movie.

[@kratoscraken5614]

You forgot to mention how they brought them back in JLU TAS in "The Ultamen". I think they should bring back the twins but in a series way then they'll work 👍

[@unigenius]

I came here just to say this! It was one of my favorite episodes

[@DIEGhostfish]

I mean those were just disposable shocktroop clones with their powers.

[@cwebb6341]

Came here to call out the JLU TAS too. Thanks!

[@ajmari9585]

The Ultamen in JLU were a great way to bring in all those old obscure Super Friends characters in an entertaining plot, further evidence Justice League was the best superhero cartoon show ever.

[@13thGrudge]

@@DIEGhostfish clones means there are originals out there some where. At least I hope. I feel that the storyline of the originals could have been explored more.

[@megan_alnico]

I actually think the Wonder Twins as a show in the same vein as Star Trek lower decks would actually work. Using these two very well intentioned and earnest superheroes who are stuck doing the dirty work because they're the interns would be particularly entertaining and make you root for them in a way that putting them alongside Superman or Wonder Woman really wouldn't. They would be free to make mistakes most of which would be low stakes and get into some ridiculous high jinks. Also it might be a great time to make their superpowers less of a joke. We might find out that Zan can cut steel with high pressure water jets, scald people as hot steam and rip the blood from someone's veins with his water powers but he doesn't do it because he doesn't want to be that kind of a 'hero'. So because he limits himself it's hard for people to see him as a real threat. Jayna might really be able to shift into anything but chooses to restrict herself because people find it so creepy. And when someone finds out she has this power they inherently distrust her. So she is basically shamed and realizing only a small fraction of her power. We would justify the goofy perception while making the watcher hope that they can overcome this perception.

[@alecarcane5035]

Not a bad idea

[@jpboursaw4469]

If that’s your audition to write such a series, (and you had me at Lower Decks) you have my vote!

[@josepablomartinez-rendon9484]

Same! But, at least for me, I’d still want it to be, like, sincere. Because I think that’s the Wonder Twins’ most valuable assets: their sincerity

[@AussieDragoon]

I'd love to see one of these for Spyke from X-Men Evolution, the other character created there who gets overshadowed because he's not a female Wolverine.

[@Madbandit77]

Spyke was actually a male version of Marrow. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marrow_(character)

[@Camuale]

@@Madbandit77 Was going to say the same thing.

[@juliiju0484]

I'm liking this section of original characters in superhero cartoons and their transition to comics/live action/other animations. I hope you eventually make it to firestar,X-23 and others!

[@chidaluokoro9104]

Agent Coulsdon

[@Madbandit77]

Harley Quinn's in that boat, and she's been the most successful.

[@AussieDragoon]

I'd aim more for firestar in that regard. This retrospectives tend to works better, or at least be focused on, characters from other media who get routinely used but never quite found their footing. X-23, for issues she's had as a character, has found a steady place in the Marvel Universe, largely due to her connection to Wolverine. Firestar tends to bounce around like the other characters covered in these retrospectives, not even joining the team she was created to be a part of until 2013, over 30 years after her creation.

[@megan_alnico]

I was kind of shocked when I saw Firestar show up in The New Warriors comic. I thought she just been created for Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends.

[@Madbandit77]

@@megan_alnico Her first comic book appearance within the traditional Marvel Comics Universe was Uncanny X-Men #193. Then she had a four-issue limited series before joining The New Warriors.

[@jbksdad1799]

The Wonder Twins work best when viewed through the lens of innocence. They are teenagers not only getting used to being teenagers....but also aliens getting used to an entire new culture. They will make mistakes. They will say and do things that are funny because of their attempts to acclimate. One thing for sure....the need the monkey with them. They are a trio that should never be separated.

[@ViccVegaa023]

Just to further expand on a point that was mentioned: The way I remember it, Donnie and Marie were a really big deal at the time. At that point they had their own hit TV series and were arguably bigger deal than the Osmonds were. Which might give some context for why they were put in the Super Friends show in the first place.

[@walterszewczyk9024]

Yes, absolutely ferpectly right!!!!! lol, LoL 😆🤣.

[@ShootingStar489]

I enjoy the 2019 comic a lot and seeing their whole history in one place really nailed down why I like them at all; they're siblings surrounded by adults with no peers around. My sibling and I are only 2 years apart and were each other's best friend, greatest enemy, and also each other's only company during big family reunions, holidays, parties, and even our own birthdays for years. All our cousins are 15+ years older with little interest in us being underfoot, our Aunts and Uncles were busy catching up with the drama, and our parents friends didnt have kids themselves. It was just us doing our level best to be helpful but out of the way and entertaining ourselves, much like the twins. I think that might be part of why some people really hate them honestly; they just remind people too much of younger siblings/cousins/friends siblings who taged along or were forced to babysit. As much as I relate to them I also know that we were probably extremely annoying as kids and find some of their antics just as grone worthy. A double edged sword of relatability.

[@christopheralthouse6378]

Ugggh...forced babysitting, what a rip. I'm thankful I didn't have any siblings so that fate was never bestowed onto me. That said, is it THAT hard for parents to raise their OWN kids? I get it for the ones who don't have that sort of flexibility and have to be dual-income (but that's a whole different rant for a whole nother time) but it's FAR too often done when the parents in question ARE FREAKING LOADED. For them, I say QUIT MAKING YOUR CHILDREN DO YOUR JOB! 😣😡🤬🌋

[@darthwolfX2]

I personally really like the wonder twins. I find them fascinating. I like the idea that these twins have powers but are limited through the phrase powers active.

[@user-ManofStyle1]

Idea of Wonder Twins is nice but i think they need a redesign, cause they feel really random. Either they should have matching costumes, powers and personalities to accentuate thier "twinness" or they should completly different, contrastive with powers and personalities, maybe be originally a dysfunctional brother and sister who need each other to make thier powers work but eventually create a strong bond or something.

[@Madbandit77]

John Byrne did the same kind of thing with Northstar and Aurora during his Alpha Flight run at Marvel Comics.

[@frankspick7544]

I disagree on that part. making them exact copies of one and another takes way the appeal. Same for making them so different from each other that they have to learn to work together. They should have that strong bond together at the start. These in many cases only had each other for company and such. Being outsiders and such. So they should get each other on a fundamental level. They had a solid foundation just one that wasn't properly explored.

[@TheCheshireKing]

I first saw the Wonder Twins on super friends and I've always liked them. The Justice League Unlimited characters of Shifter and Downpour (despite being analogs of the twins) showcased their power sets well.

[@AngusJo]

Despite some weaknesses, I liked the last Wonder Twins series by Bendis. Up until that point, I knew nothing about them at all. I liked the idea of showing the everyday lives and experiences of Justice League employees. Also, the humor wasn't always for me, but often enough.

[@pr0t34n]

As much as I loved this retrospective, I hope I never hear the term 'fleshdriver' again

[@r4z0rv1n3]

Honestly I am always excited when people try to take characters like this and make them work. Even Wendy, Marvin, and the Wonder Dog... I just love it when ideas that seem terrible get their time to shine. Or when the Scrappy gets redeemed.

[@christopheralthouse6378]

Am I the only person in existence that actually LIKED Scrappy? Like, srsly...dude's just a little puppy yet he's EASILY 20X BRAVER than the fully grown Scooby! All I could ever say to that was DAAAAAAAAAMN DUUUUUUUDE!!!! 😅😂🤣

[@DSan-kl2yc]

I don't think the idea was ever terrible. They just weren't utilized because they weren't the justice league. Or the format of superfriends. Wendy and Marvin could actually be smart and did help solve stuff. Wonder twins oscillated between being powerful enough that they made sense and too weak to do anything.

[@adamgreenspan4988]

What, Bendis-written characters all having the same snarky voices? You don’t say…

[@strifenineteen]

Why no mention of Shifter and Downpour from Justice league unlimited, they were clearly taken from The Wonder Twins.

[@xclucvt]

THANK YOU!!! Someone else saw that, along with the nods to Apache chief and Samurai

[@strifenineteen]

@@xclucvt all the unimen were based off of super friends characters, not enough people show them any love

[@xclucvt]

I thought they were great and would have been great in their own town or additions to the league (auxiliary members?). Maybe using Shifter and Downpour in Young Justice? Ah, Young Justice. Another fantastic DC property allowed to rot

[@BuThUb]

I'd like to see a wonder twins comic that is them teaming up with different individual Justice League members.

[@steveqhanson6835]

I was the intended age demographic when they were first introduced in the 70s. I remember them fondly. I'd like to see their powers be used in less simplistic story lines.

[@logandesrochers1275]

Your uploads literally make my day. The best comic book channel on KZbin.

[@macuna1995]

FINALLY! Two of my top ten fav DC characters. Always a fun time with Casually Comics.

[@troydonna]

the 2019 series was so good, I had never heard of them before picking up the series but thanks to it I really love the characters

[@Grendarr]

I grew up watching the Wonder Twins and I secretly loved them! Also there was a variation of them in the Justice League Animated Series (maybe the JL Unlimited) as Shifter (Jayna) and Downpour (Zan). If they could be brought back with the tragic past and powers that worked like Shifter and Downpour I think they could work better in the comics.

[@josebrown5961]

The Wonder Twins were supposed to be identical twins- On earth that would mean they came from one egg (identical) and have the SAME sex. I guess on their planet they can have identical twins of different sex.😎

[@1967joeberry]

Not necessarily, because I know of indentical twins where one is a male and the other a female they were my next door neighbors for years

[@josebrown5961]

@@1967joeberry Wow that is damn near a miracle. Since identicals come from the same egg they are usually the exact same, meaning the same sex. But in rare cases one of the babies can be opposite.

[@bombseel]

My underrated faves! Can't wait to watch this

[@intergalacticchicano]

The Wonder Twins are something the majority of Gen Xrs can quote.

[@garyschaub1116]

Shake-n-Bake?

[@intergalacticchicano]

@@garyschaub1116 Willy P

[@djpegao]

Although it's a very refreshing trip through Nostalgia Lane for the twins, I must point that you didn't mention the CN bumper where Zander complains about his powerset, it's hilarious

[@ueno1]

If the Wonder Twins come back, I will anxiously await the return of Jan and Jayce from Space Ghost!

[@ChrisConnolly-Mr.C-Dives-In]

Good comparison.

[@stevesanchez1048]

Growing up in the 80s as a 1st gen son of Filipino immigrants, I loved them. I identified with them, they looked like me, and they were fun! I did think their powers were silly and not as impressive, but I always thought they were cool

[@ChristyAbbey]

Well, since I was target demo (1-2 years older, really), I'll say that Wonder Twins were pretty popular just judging on the constant references in school and some of pop culture, and seem to have faded because their power set seemed inflexible. Much like how all of the people my age who had a TV know the preamble to the Constitution, we all know the Wonder Twins. Make of that what you will. Also, side note: I'll never quite forgive Super Friends for ruining Aquaman.

[@Jeff_Faust]

People our age can *sing* the Preamble to the Constitution, which is kinda weird when you think about it, but '70s cartoons were full of weird things.

[@ChristyAbbey]

@@Jeff_Faust "In 1787 I'm told Our founding fathers did agree To write a list of principles For keepin' people free." Went to google it just to make sure I had the words spot on, and "Preamble" was the first thing in suggestions.

[@WyntheRogue]

I will say this,they redeemed him quite a bit in JL and JLU by showing off his combat skills alongside of his attunement with sea creatures [Which had a badass moment in the Injustice game involving a shark] He's also a very stern but somewhat competent king in Young Justice that I have seen so far.

[@ChristyAbbey]

@@WyntheRogue I'm more fond of the Marvel stuff in TV and film, but I think that's because I'm more of a DC gal when it comes to comics themselves (my gaming name is Stephanie Brown!), so I've only seen bits of JL/JLU/YJ. Was unhappy they left him out of DCAU movie War. In comics, both early Nu52 and Rebirth did him well. Still haven't seen Mamoa's movie, though.

[@WyntheRogue]

@@ChristyAbbey Same,part of me wants to rent it because I heard it's fun and Jason Mamoa did an amazing job,on the other with the Amber Heard fiasco,I cant bring myself to support somebody so horrid. :-/ I do remember Nu52 did do a pretty good job giving him some needed love. His,Batgirl's and Constatine's comics were my top 3 of the Nu52 run.

[@NerdettesNewsStand]

Great video Sasha!

[@alecarcane5035]

Thank you NN, I’m here because of your video

[@gregstephens]

JLI became JLA again, while JLE ran concurrently, with its own number 1 issue, as all fans of the “Bwa-ha-ha” era know.

[@luisa9102]

I'm loving this series about the origin of minor characters! Please keep up

[@justanotherglorpsdaymornin5097]

If they had been built up from the 70s onwards they could be really interesting characters but nowadays I don't think being twins is enough of a unique flavouring on the teenage hero learning about the world & themselves thing for them to stand out & they really need something to distinguish themselves from all the other characters that fill a similar role.

[@Sunstar808]

I’m thinking a slightly darker version of the Wonder Twins would do well on the CW or HBO Max. Also let Zan’s powers be more like Hydro Man. 🤜💥🤛

[@jordantheamazing7565]

They were actually referenced at the end of crisis, gleeks cage was focused on followed by monkey noises makin me think they might be characters in flash or Legends Season 8

[@Madbandit77]

@@jordantheamazing7565 Funny you mentioned The Flash TV show because Bart and Nora Allen, Barry and Iris's kids, have a Wonder Twins vibe.

[@bombseel]

The funny thing about Wonder Comics is that the books not written by Bendis are the ones that actually capture that feeling of youth he was talking about. I loved Wonder Twins and Dial H, and am going to read Amethyst soon. Both books can be read as fun and lighthearted, but the Wonder Twins has Marc Russell's signature "socially relevant" humor (Jayna pointing out the flaws in earth prisons and how they only help Luthor then immediately getting kicked out of her field trip was both funny and a great way to incorporate Luthor into the story. Then later when he got stranded in space and was forced to eat the disgusting gruel he forced his underpaid employees to eat). I think it's easy to dismiss the book as just silliness but it really does have something to say and says it well Dial H is just a love letter to superheroes, specifically Superman. I love Miguel O'hara and Summer as protagonists

[@crypticcorgi8280]

As a twin growing up, I had slight announce with them. Because I myself was being treated like a pair and not an individual. So there was a ever slight resentment with what they reinforced. Also, I thought the campy side of comics was lame at the times too. So can say I was just too cool for it at the time with my off-brand light up sketchers shoes and jelled Guy Fury-esque spikey hair and all. But since I have grown into my own and matured enough miss the simpler times. I can enjoy and appreciate the fact that they are characters who (mostly) have their feet firmly planted on the campy side of DC. _...And like, I work around some entitled and inconsiderate randos everyday. Survive some stressful financially tight months. My rent just went up (no joke) $400. While I figured out my job position doesn't give raises or promotions. I am practically a young single dad to 2 very_ *sassy* _goldfishs. (My GF, Ms. Corgi is great, don't want to down play her because I was being mellow dramatic.)_ But life can be great, but it can suck at times. Those times, I don't want to be yelling at the screen because Dean and Sam cannot just simply talk to each other about their feelings; while I am trying to scoop double chocolate chip mint ice cream directly to my mouth from my Ben & Jerry's tub. It is just nice to watch something light hearted and goofy time-to-time. Some times I just want to unwind, have a pudding cup, maybe a stiff drink or some weed every other weekend if I can swing it. Just forget being an adult for a bit, ya know? It's not very good coping mechanisms. But I cannot be bothered with feeling guilty about decompressing.... So about campy entertainment, good for the soul. 9.7/10

[@nilus2k]

The throw away mention of “Dial H for Hero” makes me want to see a video by you on those heroes. Including the super dark and cringy Teen Titans crossover in the 80s.

[@michaelleary9233]

Definitely, I submitted so many ideas to that comic and they never used them!

[@juliagoodwin9510]

I like the idea of the Wonder Twins, and there could be something done with them... unfortunately they're held back by people's perception of the characters. Also, "Thunderlust"... ...Why God, whyyyyyy.....

[@SimonMoon5]

6:09 "They never even explain where they go once they leave" Actually, they did explain. Marvin went to college, going to Ivy University (where the Atom was a professor). Wendy went to train with the Amazons on Paradise Island. Edit: Never mind, you did mention that eventually.

[@backtoweedin4375]

First, THANK YOU so much for doing such a deep dive on the Wonder twins. I grew up with them and over the years have occasionally looked on YT to see what's new with them. So happy to see your video. I was about 7 when they first appeared on the Super Friends and I loved them. I think it's because that was an age when you really wanted adults to see you as more than a little kid... that you could be helpful to them with stuff... and that's exactly the position the twins were in. They wanted to be helpful, and they always tried, though not always successfully. There was one episode that I don't think I've ever heard people mention but that really showed just how much potential they had. It was the episode where General Zod and his two companions escaped the phantom zone and came to earth. They quickly overcame most of the other Superfriends, leaving only Zan and Jayna and Superman, who had been weakened (I think). It was literally up to them to try to save the day. Jayna turned into a winged horse and Zan into an ice saddle. (clip of transformation here kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3i4faaQfbusrJo ) They flew above General Zod and his buddies and then Zan changed into liquid nitrogen, rained down on them, and froze them solid. So in this one instance they literally bested super villians as powerful as Superman. (It's also significant because it the only time I can think of where Zan changed into another element beside water.) Of course Jayne screwed up, saying "Zan, I'm so happy I could kiss you", and does, and deactivates their powers, releasing Zod and the others, who then banishes the twins to the phantom zone with the other Superfriends, and in which their powers didn't work. I always thought they had so much potential. For me, that was the appeal - the journey of watching them become more competent superheroes. They could have done so much more with that. I think Smallville did the best job of capturing that aspect, and that's why it worked pretty well. One other thing I really loved was the sound effects of their powers. In it's best version (heard here kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3i4faaQfbusrJo ), I love the initial rising "stretching" sound (not always heard), then the crunchy piano chords, then lingering energizing sound, and finally the glistening crystalizing sound as they transform. Still love hearing it.

[@SansArTs2]

I adored the Wonder Comics run, wish it had kept going because the whole moral ambiguity thing it went for with the villians is definitely not something I see often in comics, at least not treated the way it was there, it was greas seeing these hopeful fun characters go up against what's basically reality, and actually try to explore how superheroes just keeping the status quo may actually be doing harm

[@naquingreen1603]

@Santiago Ariza Just so you know superheroes Killing villains/criminals isn't going to make the DC Universe a better place in fact it may make it a LOT WORSE than it was before due to superheroes becoming judge jury and executioners and the governments of the world would grow afraid of them and would probably consider them to be much worse than the supervillains It's a no-win situation and there is barely any moral ambiguity if superheroes killed the villains criminals then the superheroes become no better than the villains because then the governments and people of the world would turn against them due to fear and paranoia that the heroes would turn on them

[@SansArTs2]

@@naquingreen1603 what???? Who said anything about superheroes killing villians????, Have you read the story? I'm talking about how (SPOILER ALERT) the villian wanted to make the world better, literally did make the world a better place, almost ending hunger and poverty, all without killing a single person, and still the justice league just happily stopped him because he was a "villian", (END OF SPOILER) there's nothing in that story about superheroes killing, it actually gave us one of the best depictions of superman, you might have seen that panel of him defending refugees from the military, but still the story explored that mantaining the status quo isn't making the world a better place and that the people in power can do things like ending hunger or poverty, they just don't want to, I agree with you on the superheroes killing wouldn't be good thing, but I have no idea where you got that that's what I was talking about????

[@jaytrace1006]

Jayna’s powers were always better than Zan’s. He was always some variant of water. Yawn…

[@IceRiver1020]

I watched reruns of a lot of old cartoons as a kid, which included the wonder twins. I never forgot them, but they're so absent from everything else that I always wondered what was up with them.

[@THESMOKE007]

Growing up on the Superfriends for me reminded me of my twin sister and I, as well as being twins of color. I'm very happy that they are making a come back.

[@citpeks2000]

Wendy and Marvin all the way! I have a vivid memory of arguing with my babysitter about how much better they were than Zan and Jana.

[@jpboursaw4469]

Did said babysitter have pointed ears and a penchant for purple? That would explain some bias.

[@DaisyXMachina]

I and every kid my age who grew up with Wonder Twins (i.e. pre-teen) loved them for one reason only: they had a cool catchphrase we could scream in the playground. "Wonder Twin Powers Activate!"

[@nishidohellhillsruler6731]

Suddenly I had an 80's flashback, the moment I first saw Wendy and Marvin and thought "She's pretty, but neither of this losers belong here". I was a harsh little kid :D Also, Hawk Girl in a crop top. Hawt Girl. But speaking of the Wonder Twins, ever since I was a child I haven't be able to look at Zan as anything but useless. I mean, Jayna could transform into a giant squid and help rescue some scientists trap in a submarine; Zan would transform into an igloo, or a bucket of water, And do what exactly? Don't get me wrong, I don't hate them as they are; it's just that if I were trap in a car about to fall off a cliff, the only reason I would get worried if I didn't saw Zan around, it would be because then Jayna wouldn't be able to transform into a gorilla and save me. Yeah, sorry I'm not sorry, Zan.

[@21blackwind]

Please for the love of all that is holy BUFF Zan! Give him new powers then let the *touch* somehow give the two more strength for their transformations. It would be kinda cool if he could transform parts of his body into elements that could differ. One hand fire. One hand water and the touch would let him change his whole body same with Jayna

[@21blackwind]

Or let them transform other things as well? Kinda like firestorm but only the elements. Wouldn't it be cool if he could turn a floor into sand or a glass panel into water?

[@deansmith6593]

Wendy, Marvin and Wonder Dog next?

[@SXJAYSX]

Honestly subconsciously that's probably why I liked them too. I was just a kid so it's not like I was thinking that in the front of my mind... But looking back it was nice to see some superheroes that looked even slightly a lil like me. Maybe that was part of my pull towards them for sure. Even if they were used as comic relief 😅

[@WinglessMoonstone]

I remember really liking the wonder twins a lot when I was a kid. I watched them whenever they were on Boomerang. I think the thing that I really latched onto was just how distinctly designed they were, as well as their unique shape shifting abilities.

[@Shift_Salt]

I didn't mind the thunderlust joke tbh

[@belladonna4765]

I always liked and remembered the wonder twins. I think DC needs to recognize their potential for great stories. I always enjoyed stories with underrated superheroes that as seen having the worst or weirdest powers like Squirrel Girl from Marvel. There is something unforgettable about people nobody thinks they are powerful or have the best adventures. It be nice to have fun yet amazing stories that is both funny and have serious moments.

[@CyberPhoenix001]

The Purple Monkey Planet is where the Purple Monkey Dishwasher of SIMPSONS legend originates from. 😅

[@briannalee1998]

I definitely think it fits more to have them be a part of Young Justice,than the Justice League

[@bowl1820]

The problem with Wendy and Marvin, zan. And jayna (in the org. cartoon)were their characters and powers weren't properly developed. Marvin could fly which was shown only once, zan and jayna IMO would have been better as boyfriend and girlfriend

[@DigitalLeonardo]

They were fun on Smallville. Sometimes the Smallville fan base was… intense…

[@David_Gallaher]

By golly I love the Wonder Twins, the are best utilized in THE WORLDS GREATEST SUPERFRIENDS season

[@Skeezer66]

I recall an origin issue of that Super Friends comic for Wendy, Marvin, and Wonder Dog! Each of them was supposed to get super hero training because of something either they or a parent did. I think Wendy's mom saved Wonder Woman's life once, things like that. I guess from Hanna Barbera's side they wanted modern Snapper Carrs so kids would identify with them, but at least Snapper played a role in Justice League history. As much as I loved Justice League International and it's spin offs, I have No Memories of Extreme Justice. Must have been too EXTREME!!!!!!!!!! for me, hahaha!

[@CapricornNJ]

Hello Scott. Regarding Wendy and Marvin and their origin, it was never discussed in the comic, but in the letter pages of the first issue, E. Nelson Bridwell gave origins to Wendy & Marvin. Wendy became Wendy Harris, the niece of Harvey Harris, the detective who trained Bruce Wayne in detection. When Wendy wanted to take up crime fighting like her uncle, he reached out to Batman, and that's how Wendy joined the Super Friends. Marvin became Marvin White. When Wonder Woman arrived in America, she had no secret identity, only her name of Princess Diana, and her training to be a nurse, as well as her Amazonian training. She was earning money doing tricks with her bracelets, deflecting bullets. One day, she ran into a woman who looked just like her, named Diana Prince. This woman was a nurse who was in love with a man who was moving to South America, but she didn't have enough money to follow. Wonder Woman used her earned money to buy the real Diana Prince's credentials, and took over her identity. The real Diana Prince moved to South America and became Diana White, and gave birth to Marvin. So when he decided to become a crime fighter, his connection to Wonder Woman got him in the Super Friends.

[@arpitpatel2781]

What!! Darkseid trying to Marry Wonder Woman!!! Please tell me more... I'm listening....👂

[@deshawnedwards6412]

You know I'd love to see these two in the DCAU in the Justice League animated series.

[@juliiju0484]

They were, in a way

[@Madbandit77]

@@juliiju0484 As statues in "Injustice For All".

[@juliiju0484]

@@Madbandit77 i was referring to the parodies of the characters in the justice league unlimited episode "ultimatum"

[@Madbandit77]

@@juliiju0484 Mea culpa. That was a good episode.

[@Fanatic_Foremem]

@@juliiju0484 less parodies and more a gritty metacomentary on "artifical" heroes.

[@charleshodgdon6168]

I only saw them in the old cartoons. 1. Dick and Jane was probably changed due to the old Dick and Jane books, not Tarzan. 2. Starfire's backstory was taken from the Wonder Twins. Wonder Twins came out in 77. Starfire came out in 80. 3. I liked Wendy, Marvin, and Wonderdog more. I did like the Wonder Twins. 4. More slave butt. These are just what I remember.

[@madnessarcade7447]

Did you know the marvel animated universe on Disney xd got their own comics could you talk about those please hope u see this Sasha CasuallyComics PLEASE SEE THIS SASHA 🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@sifilore9462]

If they appear in DCEU they should get code names like from Justice League Unlimited, Downpour and Shifter. Back then they had chalky white skin and hair with pink eyes, but maintained the pointy ears; and didn’t have to touch and say “Wonder Twin Powers Activite” or just “Powers Activate” in Smallville. They just announced their form.

[@zenquantum1246]

My intro to the Twins was in the SuperFriends show, and even as a kid, they worked best in the smaller doses. Everyone I knew groaned when we got a Twins-only segment. Where was everybody else? Aaaannnddd... then we'd watch it anyway because... superheroes!

[@cogline9]

I can repeat your comment word for word and it would all be true! Bonus points if you watched it on the USA Network and/or Nickelodeon on cable.

[@Jon-Rimmer]

God why those old forums exactly like ours today? I expected 90s nerdy talk. Hollywood as corrupted me

[@WarmLillie]

I always wonder how these to mange to survive the test of time and orgins

[@DavidMartinez-ce3lp]

I think Smallville had perfect casting when they featured the Wonder Twins!

[@marktaylor6553]

Uhhh, I just read the wiki entry for _their planet,_ trying to find all this info you gave us here, but instead I found a few poorly written (and lacking content) entries, that focused on only ONE aspect of their culture - the 'Thunder Lust". I mean... is that for REAL? You don't seem to mention it all, and it almost seems like some idiot got into the Wiki and left a false entry. *NEVERMIND* - I just rewatched the episode, and you DID mention it - my bad. Weird that the Wiki just focused on that and nothing else.

[@bradleygood6871]

I was only six when the All New Super Friends hour premiered. I had watched the first series in reruns and I really liked Wendy and Marvin. So it was a bit of an unpleasant surprise to see them replaced that first Saturday morning. And I never really liked them as characters, It was never explained on TV that Zan could only turn into water based things and Jayna could only become animals. And so me and my cousin used to make fun of that. And I hate so say it, but seeing their episodes as an adult made me dislike them more. Zan would make some stupid pun and all Jayna would do is say "Spacey Zan. Real spacey." But maybe if they had introduced them on TV similarly as they did in the comic, which I didn't read in 1977, I may have liked them better. They are characters with a lot of potential but I don't think the TV writers pulled them off well. But that is just my opinion. Of course 1978 brought in the Challenge of the Super Friends which was so much better than the regular half hour segments with the Wonder Twins. But to be fair, I liked the Twins better than I did the introduction of Scrappy Doo.

[@macsnafu]

The Wonder Twins were better than Wendy and Marvin, because they were aliens and had powers. But only a little better. ;-) And I always forget if their names are Jan and Zayna or Zan and Jayna! I did like the Super Friends comic book, though. E Nelson Bridwell managed to keep the tone of the book in line with the kid-friendly cartoon, but still introduced interesting stuff to the stories. He also guested some other DC characters in the book. Most suprising, though were the new super characters he introduced, but didn't really take off, like the Global Guardians.

[@SimonMoon5]

As someone who was a big fan of the Superfriends comic book (but not so much the cartoon) because of E. Nelson Bridwell's writing, I'm always disappointed that everyone thinks back to the cartoon version rather than the comic book version of the Wonder Twins. The Twins were much more useful in the comic book. Jayna could turn into alien creatures (such as an alien bird with hypnotic powers or even a Kryptonian creature with all of a Kryptonian's powers), while Zan could do more than just being some useless water (he could turn into a snowman or even Jack Frost himself). And most people don't even know about their secret identities. In the cartoon, they were super lame, but in the comic, they were only slightly lame.

[@patrickmcgavin2245]

Until now i thought Wonder Twins were only in the Super Friends cartoon. Like Apache Chief Black Vulcan and Samurai.

[@spookydookie4046]

Look we all make mistakes because we are human. The Wonder Twins embody that by existing. Just because something was created by God or man doesn't mean it was a good idea. Leave them alone. Just don't touch it Unless you are going for a comedic angle. They remind me of siblings where one child is gifted and the other is, well a disappointment. Teen Titans Go hit the nail on the head. I can't imagine having the Wonder Twins as the only heroes you could relate to because they were the only non-white characters. So lame and unfair. Favorite Sasha Quote: "I am nerd"

[@thegeorgiealityshow359]

Well from what I see Zan could be Aquamans best friend.Killer Frost,Captain cold & Mr freeze would have a blast with Zan.

[@maloydonedidit2903]

there was a nod to the twins in the arrowverse on the CW. at the end of season 6 'crisis of infinite earths' crossover event that happened between Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Black Lightning, Batwoman, and Legend of Tomorrow. it showed all the main protagonists standing in a hanger (which was the shape of the original JLA building) around a round table with the JLA symbol on it. as it pans out and they walk towards the exit you hear a chimp making some noise in the background. the camera then pans to a large pet carrier under some tarps. a purple chimp hand fits between the bars as the camera pans farther down to show the name Gleek. then fades to the credits.

[@KaijudoMaster11]

I was fascinated by the Wonder Twins when I was a kid. This video is great! I had no idea they had all this back story. Too funny 😂

[@stebaer]

How I recall not only when The Wonder Twins debuted on the All New Super Friends Hour and other episodes to follow but how in The Season Premier in 1978 of The Challenge of The super Friends when they recieved word that their home world of Exor was in trouble and went alone at first because on the view screen at The Hall of Justice all of The Super Friends were busy but then upon return the other Super Friends went to join them after finding this out.

[@Awestefeld6612]

In the adaptations segament I thought Sasha might bring out Gleek in the Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinate Earths.

[@rashida7777]

Sis, I LOVE your hair. And thanks for the look back at the Wonder Twins. They never got it time.

[@briannalee1998]

It's interesting that they were created to be sidekicks of Wonder Woman, but their origin story never connected with her and they were never in any Wonder Woman comics. She may be my favorite superhero, but I prefer them as their own thing and it makes sense for them to be aliens.

[@NaveSutlef]

All they need is a power up. Let the guy become more embodiments of nature like from Spider-Man Homecoming and let the girl become bigger stronger alien creatures, maybe even something that blends with the elements so they can become a fusion-esque alien thing.

[@wavemaster4891]

I love the Wonder Twins, but I think thier best incarnation was in batman beyond. Thier powers were not much different but they were stronger, like instead of a bucket of water. It was a flood of water inside a building.

[@rodneylindsey849]

“ Wonder Comments Power Activate” As the Target Audience ( I was 11) for the Wonder Twins , I thought they where a Big Improvement over Wendy, Marvin, & Wonderdog…I mean they had Powers ( Lame or Not) as a Whole the Super Friends where exciting to me because I’m a Comic Geek, but as I got older I Realized They where pretty Lame because they where made during the Non Violent Era of Children Cartoons, which doesn’t lend itself well to the Genre…Even when going against Super Villains they where non violent confrontations …Although I did like The Twins, I doubt they will ever be top tier at anytime…By the way you missed their JLU adaptations as part of the Ultimen Team as Shifter/Jana,& Downpour/Zan, along with some other SF’s retcons Wind Dragon/ Samurai , Long Shadow / Apache Chief, & Juice /Black Vulcan ( who to this day I don’t know why he wasn’t Black Lightning)…Anyway Stay Strong With The Mom Power 🖖🏾

[@Madbandit77]

There was a dispute between DC Comics and Black Lightning's co-creator, Tony Isabella. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Vulcan

[@rodneylindsey849]

Jayna not Jana Sorry 🤦🏾‍♂️🖖🏾

[@rodneylindsey849]

Thanks for the info 👊🏾🖖🏾

[@NicholasYanes]

I've only liked their Justice League Unlimited counterparts

[@JK.Patterson]

As someone who was and still is a fan of the Wonder Twins the 2019 series just rubbed me the wrong way. It didn’t feel like the Wonder Twins, and the story that was in it felt very convoluted. Like the actions certain characters who choose didn’t make any sense. The story from my perspective focused more on Jayna, and how she felt while leaving Zan behind. For me they both have to take center stage because they’re the WONDER TWINS. If they wanted to have the twins sorta fall out they could’ve have explored how they have different fews of the world, and how people should act in it. Only to find out they were both being used, and in order for things to get better they have to work together finding a compromise. They may be heroes, but first they’re family. They can’t afford to lose each other because then they’ll have no one, and no one ever truly wants to be alone to face the unknowns of the world. If you like the 2019 version good for you, and there is no shame in doing so. The characters are a lot of fun and have great potential to be something even more amazing if given the chance. It’s just that series was not for me, and I don’t think it will ever be. I still have respect for the creators and everyone who worked on the series. They have a passion for the characters they’re writing about, and a vision on where they want them to go. It shows and for that I respect them. You know what I should just write a fanfic about them.

[@TheDiabeticGameMaster]

So many different superheroes have had their powers retconned or changed over time so I don't understand why they don't just change his powers into something a little more useful than only being able to turn into water. She can do animals why can't he do elements or something like maybe you can also turn into Earth fire air lightning I don't know something anything other than I can just turn into water and not even water that can move I need to be picked up in a bucket.

[@cogline9]

Side note I like the purple lipstick and black outfit. Kind of a little nod to the Twins costumes and nicely done at that! :D

[@ScottWaa]

In background news, I never imagined Capt would be the little spoon.