Three views on Wonder Woman
'A kick-ass heroine'
Hope Nicholson, author of The Spectacular Sisterhood Of Superwomen
Wonder Woman’s roots are in the 1930s women's right movements – but she's more likely known for her sensational appearance and kick-ass powers than her radical ideals. She's notable for not being the first superheroine (not by far) but definitely the longest-lasting. While other female heroines have faded away after their appearance, Wonder Woman has existed by being a character who is constantly flexible to fashion fads, and comic book industry trends. This might limit her as a character though, because her character is constantly shifting, so it's hard to figure out if she does have a core personality.
'Champion of truth and equality'
Peter Watson, sales advisor, Forbidden Planet Buchanan St:
When you think of DC heroes you think of the Trinity: Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. What the writers created in Wonder Woman was a character as strong as Superman; someone who could do all the things the guys could do. But she is one of the most variable characters you’ll ever come across in comics, depending on who’s writing her. Her origin story has changed a lot over the years and everybody’s got their favourite story line.
Wonder Woman is a character who stands for truth, independence, fairness and equality – all those virtues are enveloped in her; just what a strong female character needs.
'The best we've got'
Clare Ferguson, Managing Director of Diamondsteel Comics:
She’s a very important character; actually the only major female lead. There are obviously a number of female characters but to have a superhero who is the main character is very unusual across all comic book creators. In the last 10 years there have been 55 comic book movies and none of them have focused on women. They’ve all been add-ons, in a way: women who can help the men. So it’s a very good step, she’s very important in the DC world. Over the years she has been pushed down at times; being sexualised or even at one point even having her powers taken from her. She was created by a male writer in the 1940s – quite a long time ago – and even though he wanted to promote feminist ideas he didn’t do the best job by today’s standards. People do feel conflicted about that. She’s not a perfect feminine figure but in comic books she’s definitely the best we’ve got.
Interviews by Ailean Beaton
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