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Who is

Wonder Woman?

 

Let’s get the basic stuff out of the way first.  For a nice video instead, scroll down to the ScreenPrism YouTube link on Wonder Woman.

*Wonder Woman is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character is a founding member of the Justice League and an ambassador of the Amazon people. The character first appeared in All-Star Comics #8 in December 1941 with her first feature in Sensation Comics #1, January 1942. The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986. In her homeland, the island nation of Themyscira, her official title is Princess Diana of Themyscira, Daughter of Hippolyta. 

 

When blending into the society outside of her homeland, she adopts her civilian identity, Diana Prince. The character is also referred to by such epithets as the "Amazing Amazon", the "Spirit of Truth", "Themyscira's Champion", the "God-Killer", and the "Goddess of Love and War"; she has been described in numerous comic issues as "beautiful as Aphrodite, wise as Athena, stronger than Hercules, and swifter than Hermes”.

 

Wonder Woman was created by the American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston (pen name: Charles Moulton), and artist Harry G. Peter. Marston's wife, Elizabeth, and their life partner, Olive Byrne, are credited as being his inspiration for the character's appearance. Marston's comics featured his ideas on DISC theory, and the character drew a great deal of inspiration from early feminists, and especially from birth control pioneer Margaret Sanger; in particular, her piece "Woman and the New Race”.

 

As the world's first and foremost female superhero, Wonder Woman at once embodies the unrivaled force and supreme grace of a born warrior, and the genuine compassion and understanding of a true humanitarian. Diana was born in 3,000 B.C. A symbol of equality, power, and truth, her natural confidence and unmistakable intelligence made her unequaled. Wonder Woman's origin story relates that she was sculpted from clay by her mother Queen Hippolyta and given life by Aphrodite, along with superhuman powers as gifts by the Greek gods. In recent years, DC changed her background with the revelation that she is the daughter of Zeus and Hippolyta, jointly raised by her mother and her aunts Antiope and Menalippe. The character has changed in depiction over the decades, including briefly losing her powers entirely in the 1970s; by the 1980s, artist George Perez gave her a muscular look and emphasized her Amazonian heritage. Wonder Woman's Amazonian training helped to develop a wide range of extraordinary skills in tactics, hunting, and combat. She possesses an arsenal of advanced technology, including the Lasso of Truth, a pair of indestructible bracelets, a tiara which serves as a projectile, and, in older stories, a range of devices based on Amazon technology.

 

* Source: Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonder_Woman

 

A really great video overview to Wonder Woman

YouTube, ScreenPrism, Wonder Woman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXF_2AR_RHc

A great on-line reference

http://dcextendeduniverse.wikia.com/wiki/Wonder_Woman

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There is no doubt that Wonder Woman is the most recognizable and iconic female Superhero.  But she’s not even the oldest.  Of the well-known female superheroes of today, only Hawkgirl (July 1941), Catwoman (April 1940), Sheena, Queen of the Jungle (1938) come before her.

 

I take embodying my character very seriously.  I’ve read numerous books on Wonder Woman.  I strive to truly understand her and act (to the best of my ability) as a real-life personification of her.  When in costume, I try not to break character, which can be challenging sometimes.  However, in and out of the costume, Wonder Woman inspires me.  

 

What I love about Wonder Woman

She inspires all of us to be better.  She sees the world through eyes of great compassion and kindness.  She strives to understand her enemy and usually will not strike first.  She is not driven by revenge, a traumatic event, or the loss of her planet.  She voluntarily left her home (knowing the risks) to make the world a better place.  She is selfless, giving, kind, compassionate, and loving.  She is beyond brave, courageous, strong, level headed, and is a pacifist.  She defends those in need and those who cannot defend themselves.  She stands up for women’s rights and equality for all.  She doesn’t see labels.

 

Speaking of labels, I recently came to the conclusion that between Marvel and DC Comics, Wonder Woman wouldn’t see labels.  Batman, Ironman, Superman, or the Black Widow are all on the same team - according to Wonder Woman.  

 

I also love that Wonder Woman is not perfect.  She makes mistakes.  But she learns from them and adapts.  She forgives, and will usually try to offer a female baddie a second chance on her home island of Themyscira.  She is a natural leader, being a founding member of the Justice League.  She has the wonderful ability to read those around her and approach as well as interact with them in the best possible way for that person or group. 

 

What the world needs NOW is for all of us to channel a little more Wonder Woman.  

  • Treat others with compassion and kindness - and therefore judge less.  

  • Help when you can.  

  • Strive to inspire.  

  • Think inclusive, not exclusive.  

  • Transcend the labels of society.  

  • Act and think outside your bubble (and comfort zone) and open your heart to your fellow humans, animals and the planet. 

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