Simon Williams is back! Marvel Comics announces a new Wonder Man #1 series from Gerry Duggan and Mark Buckingham, launching December 2025, just in time for his MCU debut.
The cover for Wonder Man #1, launching in December 2025. Source: Bleeding Cool
Key Facts
- New Comic Series: Wonder Man #1 launches on December 10, 2025, from Marvel Comics.
- Creative Team: The series is written by Gerry Duggan (X-Men, Deadpool) with art by Mark Buckingham (Fables, Miracleman).
- MCU Synergy: The comic’s release is timed to coincide with the premiere of the Wonder Man live-action series on Disney+ in December 2025.
- MCU Star: The Disney+ series stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Aquaman, Watchmen) as Simon Williams / Wonder Man.
- Surprise Return: The comic will feature the Marvel 616 comics debut of Trevor Slattery, the hapless actor played by Ben Kingsley in Iron Man 3 and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
What’s New & Why It Matters
Get ready for a Hollywood comeback of heroic proportions. Simon Williams, a.k.a. Wonder Man, is stepping back into the spotlight with a brand-new ongoing comic series from Marvel Comics, perfectly timed to coincide with his much-anticipated debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This strategic alignment between the comics and the screen is a clear signal that Marvel has big plans for the ionic-powered Avenger.
The announcement of Wonder Man #1, first reported by Bleeding Cool, confirms a December 10, 2025 release date. This places the comic squarely in the launch window for the Wonder Man Disney+ series, which also premieres in December 2025 and stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the title role. This kind of synergy is classic Marvel, aiming to capture the attention of both longtime comic fans and new audiences drawn in by the MCU.
What makes this return particularly noteworthy is the creative team attached. Gerry Duggan, a veteran writer known for his acclaimed runs on major titles like X-Men and Deadpool, is penning the series. Duggan has recent experience with the character, having featured him in the West Coast Avengers revival. Joining him is the legendary artist Mark Buckingham, whose iconic work on Fables and Miracleman has earned him critical acclaim. This powerhouse pairing suggests Marvel is investing heavily in making Wonder Man a major player once again.
Perhaps the most surprising twist is the inclusion of Trevor Slattery, the washed-up actor memorably portrayed by Ben Kingsley in the MCU. His appearance in the comic marks his official debut in the core Marvel 616 continuity, a fascinating case of the cinematic universe directly influencing the comics. This move not only promises some meta-commentary on fame and Hollywood but also raises questions about how closely the new comic will mirror the tone and narrative of the Disney+ show. Will Simon Williams in the comics start to resemble his on-screen counterpart, played by Abdul-Mateen II? The solicitation text teases a story where Simon is “in big trouble,” suggesting a dramatic and perhaps tumultuous journey for the hero-actor.
Creators/Cast
Comic Book Creative Team:
- Writer: Gerry Duggan – A prolific Marvel writer, Duggan is known for his work on Marauders, Savage Avengers, and the recent X-Men relaunch. His prior work on West Coast Avengers gives him a strong foundation for exploring Simon Williams’ character.
- Artist: Mark Buckingham – A celebrated artist in the comics industry, Buckingham is best known for his long and defining run on DC/Vertigo’s Fables. His return to Marvel for a high-profile launch like Wonder Man is a significant get for the publisher.
Disney+ Series Cast:
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams / Wonder Man: The Emmy-winning actor takes on the lead role, bringing his immense talent and screen presence to the MCU. He’s known for his roles as Black Manta in Aquaman and Doctor Manhattan in HBO’s Watchmen.
- Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery: Kingsley reprises his fan-favorite role as the bumbling actor who once posed as the Mandarin. His involvement suggests a comedic and satirical tone for the series.
- Demetrius Grosse as Eric Williams / Grim Reaper: Grosse will play Simon’s brother, who in the comics becomes the villainous Grim Reaper. This casting points to a core family conflict driving the show’s narrative.
- Ed Harris and Arian Moayed have also been cast in undisclosed roles, adding to the show’s impressive ensemble.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will bring Simon Williams to life in the Disney+ series. Source: Deadline
Release Plan
Mark your calendars for a double dose of Wonder Man this holiday season.
- Wonder Man #1 (Comic Book): The first issue of the new comic series is set to hit comic book shops and digital platforms on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
- Wonder Man (Disney+ Series): The live-action series is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ in December 2025. While a specific date has not yet been announced, it will be part of the Marvel Spotlight banner, suggesting a binge-watch release model for its 10-episode first season.
Fans will be able to dive into Simon Williams’ new adventures on the page and screen almost simultaneously, creating a unique cross-media experience.
Bigger Context
Wonder Man’s return is more than just a single character’s revival; it reflects several larger trends at Marvel. The character has a long and complicated history, first appearing as a villain in The Avengers #9 back in 1964. Created by Stan Lee, Don Heck, and Jack Kirby, he was a tragic figure who seemingly died in his first appearance, only to be resurrected years later. His journey from a one-off antagonist to a core member of the Avengers, and later a founding member of the West Coast Avengers, is a classic Marvel redemption arc.
His struggles with his powers, his mortality, and his career as a Hollywood actor have made him a relatable and complex character. The decision to launch a new series now, alongside his MCU debut, is a strategic move to elevate his profile. It’s a playbook Marvel has used successfully for characters like the Guardians of the Galaxy, who went from cosmic C-listers to household names thanks to their MCU films.
The Wonder Man Disney+ series is part of the new “Marvel Spotlight” banner, which is designed to tell more character-driven, standalone stories that don’t necessarily require knowledge of the entire MCU continuity. This approach allows for more creative freedom and a focus on grounded narratives. The inclusion of Trevor Slattery and the Hollywood satire angle suggests the show will have a unique, comedic tone, possibly in the vein of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.
For the comics, this new #1 issue is an opportunity to re-establish Wonder Man for a modern audience. With Duggan and Buckingham at the helm, we can expect a series that honors the character’s history while pushing him in new and exciting directions. The integration of MCU elements like Trevor Slattery shows a willingness to create a more cohesive and interconnected Marvel Universe across all media, which could be a sign of things to come for other characters as well.
Classic comic book art of Wonder Man. Source: Wikipedia
Quick FAQ
Q1: Who is Wonder Man?
Simon Williams, a.k.a. Wonder Man, is a classic Marvel superhero with ionic energy powers. He was originally a villain who fought the Avengers but was later resurrected and became a hero. He is known for his immense strength, near-invulnerability, and his career as a Hollywood actor.
Q2: When does the new Wonder Man comic come out?
Wonder Man #1 will be released on December 10, 2025.
Q3: Who is writing and drawing the new comic?
The new series is written by Gerry Duggan and drawn by Mark Buckingham.
Q4: When is the Wonder Man TV show coming out?
The Wonder Man series will premiere on Disney+ in December 2025.
Q5: Who is playing Wonder Man in the MCU?
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will play Simon Williams / Wonder Man in the Disney+ series.
The Bottom Line
The return of Wonder Man is a welcome development for Marvel fans. With a top-tier creative team on the comic and a talented cast bringing the character to life in the MCU, Simon Williams is poised for a major resurgence. The synergy between the comic and the Disney+ series is a smart move that will introduce a new generation of fans to this classic Avenger, while the inclusion of MCU-specific elements in the comic shows a new level of integration between Marvel’s different media platforms. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, December 2025 is shaping up to be the month of Wonder Man.
Sources
- Bleeding Cool: Marvel Comics Will Launch Wonder Man #1 In December 2025
- Bleeding Cool: Wonder Man #1 by Gerry Duggan & Mark Buckingham… And Trevor Slattery
- IMDb: Wonder Man Cast, Plot, & Everything We Know
- Wikipedia: Wonder Man (miniseries)
