When we were kids, my friend Wayne and I created our own heroes and drew our own comics. We were the Jr. Justice League, the sons and daughters of the famous members of the Justice League of America. Wayne was Batboy and I was Wonderboy. While Wonder Woman was a well known face in DC Comics, Marvel comics had their own hero who was a member of the Avengers, Wonder Man. Of course Patti wanted to be Wonder Girl and would make silver bracelets out of tin foil. I remember once debating with Patti over who was stronger, Wonder Woman or Wonder Man.
I enjoyed reading comic books as a kid and was always excited to find a back issue of Wonder Woman at flea markets and old comic shops. I continued following the tales of her exploits on into adulthood and enjoyed the re-creation of the heroine in the late 80s.
What is it about Wonder Woman that has made her so popular since her first appearance in All-Star Comics #8 in 1941? Let's take a brief look at her history. Wonder Woman was born Princess Diana of Themyscira (Paradise Island). Her mother was Queen Hippolyta of the Amazons. Diana didn't have a father, but was fashioned from clay by her mother and given life by the Greek gods. As a young woman she came to Patriarch's World as a hero and champion to spread the message of love and peace.
Wonder Woman's accessories are legendary: The golden lasso which forces all held within its loops to tell the truth, the silver bracelets which can deflect bullets, and the tiara which can be removed and thrown like a boomerang.
Recently DC Comics has revamped the Wonder Woman series with the landmark issue #600. Wonder Woman has been given a new costume and apparently a new history as well. I personally prefer the original costume, but understand that sometimes changes have to be made in order to keep the stories fresh and interesting. I'm looking forward to reading the stories and watching the new plot twist unfold.
Wonder Woman has much to teach us. She came from a world that knew peace, where each individual was valued. Women were not inferior, in fact there were no men on Paradise Island. Another interesting fact that I should point out is that when Wonder Woman came to America, she encountered a culture that was completely alien to her. Even in the realm of faith and religion, Wonder Woman did not fit into the Judeo-Christian worldview. Princess Diana and the Amazons of Themyscira were Pagans, worshipping the ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses.
Wonder Woman is a good role model for women, but for men as well. She fights for what she believes in, is loyal to her friends, and takes her faith seriously. She shows compassion to her enemies, upholds the truth, and defends the weak and helpless.
When was the last time you read a comic book? I encourage you to pick up the latest issue of Wonder Woman and give our heroine a read. You might just enjoy yourself!
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