“The New Adventures of WonderBoy,” an independent fan-made series inspired by DC Comics’ Wonder Woman, is entering a new phase of development. Creator Brian J. Patterson and writer Navid Haider are outlining an ambitious expansion of the project’s mythology, scope and future direction.
The series centers on Bobby Barnes, a little-known character introduced in Wonder Woman Vol. 2 #188 (2003) by writer and artist Phil Jimenez. In that issue, Barnes (nephew of Steve Trevor) briefly appeared during a quiet, human moment with Diana Prince before disappearing from continuity. Patterson’s project imagines what happened next, reintroducing Barnes as the superhero WonderBoy.
From obscure comic footnote to central hero
Patterson said the idea took shape during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by personal loss, career uncertainty and creative reflection. While rereading classic Wonder Woman comics, he recognized something deeply personal in Bobby Barnes.
“That’s me,” Patterson said of the character. “I realized this was a role I could play, and a story I could tell.”
The project came together remotely, with Haider joining as writer after the two connected online. Haider, based in Bangladesh, brings a background in literature, poetry and academic research. This marks his first major screenwriting collaboration.
Despite operating without studio backing, the team has built a global production network, with contributors in the United States, Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. Patterson emphasized that all performers are paid and contracted, with productions run at a professional, union-adjacent standard. This includes call sheets, contracts and on-set accommodations.
A story rooted in Wonder Woman’s original philosophy
At the heart of “WonderBoy” is the guiding theme “Lead with Love,” a direct reference to psychologist William Moulton Marston’s original intent for Wonder Woman. Patterson and Haider argue that Wonder Woman’s foundational message (love as strength) has often been overshadowed by more conventional superhero tropes.
The series reframes that philosophy through a male protagonist who embodies compassion, balance and emotional openness.
“What happens when love isn’t treated as weakness,” Patterson said, “but as the source of power?”
Haider added that positioning Bobby Barnes at the center of this narrative allows audiences, particularly male viewers, to engage more directly with Wonder Woman’s ethos of balance, kindness and moral courage.
A distinct continuity with deep roots
While the series draws from across DC history, it exists in its own continuity. The show is anchored primarily in the universe of the 1970s “Wonder Woman” television series starring Lynda Carter. That choice reflects the original comic reference that inspired the project and informs the show’s visual language, character designs and timeline.
The recently released proof-of-concept trailer, debuted on Wonder Woman Day, featured a Diana Prince modeled closely on Carter’s iconic portrayal. Patterson revealed that the costume used in the trailer was an authentic replica, sourced with the help of Wonder Woman historian and author Andy Mangels.
Rather than showing Wonder Woman’s face, the trailer presents her from Bobby’s perspective, reinforcing her role as both inspiration and ideal.
Expanding cast and characters
The series incorporates a wide range of DC characters, including Superboy, Superman, Deathstroke, Veronica Cale, Circe and Steve Trevor. It also features Trevor’s descendants, reflecting the generational continuity established in the television series.
Patterson confirmed that Lois Lane will appear in upcoming material. He added that several lesser-known Wonder Woman characters, often overlooked in mainstream adaptations, are being reintroduced with renewed purpose.
The project also introduces original characters, most notably Vanguard, a new antagonist designed to bridge the Lynda Carter era, Tom King’s recent Wonder Woman run and the series’ original mythology.
What comes next
Looking ahead, the creators plan to produce a short film under 30 minutes that will serve as a narrative bridge. The film will resolve the current mini-episodes while setting the stage for a larger series and an eventual feature-length film.
The short film will explore WonderBoy’s evolving role in a broader sociopolitical and mythological landscape, incorporating the Greek gods, Amazonian lore and a growing rogues’ gallery. While details remain under wraps, Patterson confirmed that Bobby Barnes’ journey is only beginning. He also revealed that the WonderBoy mantle itself may not belong to just one person.
“There won’t be just one Wonder Boy,” Patterson said.
Despite initial concerns about online backlash (particularly given the project’s inclusive themes and LGBTQ+ representation), the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Fan discussions, online features and growing press interest have fueled what the creators describe as a “slow burn” momentum.
For Patterson and Haider, the long game is intentional.
“This isn’t about rushing,” Patterson said. “It’s about building something with care, respect and purpose.”
As “The New Adventures of WonderBoy” continues to unfold, the project positions itself not as a parody or novelty, but as a sincere, character-driven extension of Wonder Woman’s original ideals, reimagined for a new era.
