Admittedly, it’s really always time to be talking about Wonder Woman.
I love Wonder Woman. It’s partially because she’s an ageless, wise, beautiful, flying, divinely ordained warrior who is stronger than some Kryptonians. It’s partially because, unlike Batman and Superman (the other two of the DC Comics “Big Three”), she does not have a character flaw that prevents her from killing people who deserve it. And it’s partially because she’s an enduring feminist icon—a female superhero who took a front-lines, physical combat role at a time when most female superheroes had psionic powers that did not require that they “get in the trenches with the boys,” as it were.
A lot of people don’t “get” Wonder Woman. And I understand why.
In the 1990s, both Batman and Superman got their own animated series (Batman TAS and Superman TAS, both within the DCAU continuity, produced by Bruce Timm). Both Batman and Superman have multiple movies—even if most, or perhaps all, of those films leave something to be desired.
Wonder Woman has not had a series. She was one of the main characters in Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited. She has been a recurring character on the recent series, Young Justice, though, like most of the Justice League members, her presence has been sporadic as those heroes are not the focus of the show.
It has been nice to see Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark) as one of the main characters on Young Justice. The episode in which we see her fighting alongside Wonder Woman was a real treat—for the viewers and for Cassie.
Wonder Woman flying alongside Wonder Girl
I hope that Wonder Woman gets to take center stage on the small screen or the big screen, and soon. A lot of us saw that abysmal television series pilot (in which she apparently could not fly and was not an Amazon?). We need something . . . better.
Though the division between male and female fans of graphic novel characters (along with video games and a number of other previous “boys club” areas) continues to dissolve, bridging the gender gap could always use some help.
An animated television series—viewable by children but also perfect for an adult audience—would be ideal for that. For a lot of people, Batman TAS is “the definitive Batman” (I happen to agree). Young Justice, which was recently, and accurately, named as the second-best television series based upon a comic book universe (though I cannot for the life of me find the link), is an extraordinary series. One which Cartoon Network, in its clearly diminishing wisdom, has decided to cancel (while renewing The Annoying Orange. And they shall rue the day).
Entertaining current fans (excepting those few who are inexplicably put off by animation) and drawing in a new fanbase for the entire DC Universe and for Wonder Woman is a win-win . . . and helps to lay the interest and groundwork for a live-action Wonder Woman film in a few years.
Remember—it is not just that girls of all ages could use some kick-ass role models on television. And it is not just that girls need to be reminded that superheroes are for them, too—it’s not just “a guy thing.” Boys need to see kickass women, too. Young boys need to see it. Teen boys need to see it. I also think that there are are adult men who need to see a woman who is strong in body and strong in personality.
Also, a Wonder Woman series might be an excellent opportunity to introduce a slightly different uniform. I mean, Batman’s costume has certainly evolved since the days of Adam West. Wonder Woman has been wearing more or less the same outfit since she was fighting Nazis. Perhaps this Donna Troy costume is a good place to start?
And, as far as finding a live-action actress to portray Wonder Woman, I have to say that Jennifer Lawrence comes to mind.
PS: If you are anywhere close to being as huge of a Wonder Woman fan as I am, here are some other Wonder Woman screencaps that I have taken from Young Justice.
