The world of superheroes is filled with larger-than-life characters. Just a simple silhouette is enough to recognize the character. A simple mention of their name invokes thoughts of their backstory. These characters are immortal and the many projects reflect that. Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, The Hulk, and Wolverine have all received projects that elevate and solidify their status. These range from a premier comic book to cartoons to video games to beloved video games. However, there is one iconic and important comic character that shares the fame as other iconic characters but does not match the material. That will be Wonder Woman. She is instantly recognizable at first glance and first mention. She is comfortably at the same level as all the other characters that receive project after project. Yet, despite her fame, the projects revolving around only her vastly come short.
Wonder Woman does have the series starring Lynda Carter which helped Wonder Woman’s status grow. Solidified her as a household name. That legacy continues for her today. However, after that, it was hard to find her in anything other than comic books. Even in comic books though, her status couldn’t compete with Batman. This was because, just few years later after the Wonder Woman series ended, two of Batman’s most prominent stories in the books debuted; The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One. These stories boosted Batman’s image and continues to cement his reputation. This was perfect time for DC to capitalize on the momentum of the Wonder Woman series and the success of Batman comic books to maybe give Wonder Woman her own premier book. It would have definitely help Woman Woman’s stature grow in a positive direction. And as a huge plus, would have maybe given her something that a handful of famous comic book characters have, and that is THAT ONE comic book.
Batman has several, Superman has a handful, Spider-Man has a copy as does Wolverine. Some of these stories are standard ones to collect for comic book readers. More importantly these stories are the ones that serve as the blueprint for the superheroes for any other story. Fans would have to dig a little deep to find such a comic book for Wonder Woman. Although she does have a few that can serve as her prominent one, it still does not rise to the level of The Dark Knight Returns, All-Star Superman or even Old Man Logan. For having rich and vital history in the world of comic books, a crucial character like Wonder Woman should have at least one of the stories. By having one, it will add so much to her legacy and presence.
She also has her two movies. The first film was an instant success and finally put her on the big screen which was long overdue. When the second film came out, it did not live up to the success that the first one was able to reach. But since her last film, she was sprinkled in the DCEU with little impact. But as for live action films, it effectively ends there. She did have moments in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. But again, not much after that. A third movie was discussed but once James Gunn took over DC films, the planned sequel was scrapped. A project in her side of the DC universe is in the works but it will be a prequel of sorts. Tales of Themyscira before she was born. But it is bizarre how such an iconic character as Wonder Woman will be playing catch up to Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, and at his point Captain America and Thor when it comes to films. Given her fame, she should at least have a sequel to match her counterparts. It’s another area of storytelling where she comes a little short. At a time where Batman, Superman and Spider-Man are getting sequels, reboots and spin offs, Wonder Woman feels like she is still waiting for a proper turn. She still has to wait even though many characters are getting the spotlight in the DCU. She did get a proper movie treatment but still lacks the volume of them that reflect the magnitude of her character.
While Superman may lack in this department, Batman and Spider-Man excel in the video game department. The Arkham games are still the bar for what a superhero video game should be. However, the Marvel’s Spider-Man games did ascend up the ranks quickly. And just as fast, compared to the Arkham games. But this is another area where Wonder Woman is nowhere to be found. There was in fact a video game revolving around her slated to come out but rather recently, this game was outright cancelled. This is an area though that could boost her image. Video games could be an easier step to take to bring characters and stories alive. So, in this time where Wonder Woman is in some sort of limbo, a video game could be a great opportunity to showcase her without stepping over a live action outing. Given her character, a powerful fighter in Greek Mythology, her game could get inspirations from a lot of others. God of War, in either the Greek or Norse Saga, could be a great blueprint to what her game could potentially look and feel like. Wonder Woman would be in great company as well. When it comes to female superheroes, she is a clear number one with an unclear number 2 far from her ranking. Video games have a great track record in having formidable female characters. From Samus to Lara Croft to Aloy. Wonder Woman would be at home in video game storytelling. It’s arguable that a video game would probably be the best platform, outside of comic books, to get her character right. To give her character justice.
A series, be it live action or animated, could be another viable option since other superheroes have received this treatment. There was a series in deployment but was cancelled and pulled before the first episode premiered, even though it was already made. But since then, superhero series have been successful to the point where they get nominated for Emmy’s. Or become a huge success over night. Since Wonder Woman virtually has an untapped resource with her lore, a series could be a great opportunity to highlight familiar aspects of her lore, or showcase little known ones. The Themyscira series is coming but will be missing Wonder Woman. It could evolve into a Wonder Woman driven series but until it starts its course, nothing will be known about that. Regardless though, a series could do Wonder Woman a lot of good similar to what a series did for Peacemaker and Invincible.
Wonder Woman is a staple to comic books. She is a pillar to comic books. Her brand, her image is one of the most iconic in the comic book genre, and arguably overall in daily life. Other heroes that share this level of popularity with her, have projects revolving around them that honor that scope. Wonder Woman, despite her fame, lacks in that greatly. She has a permanent, unquestionable seat at the table but she doesn’t have a whole lot of food in front of her. Seems that there’s tiptoeing around her. Seems that there’s only confidence to include in something when she shares the stage with others. That shouldn’t be the case. She deserves to be the only one on the stage. After all these years, Wonder Woman must be in more projects with her as the main character.
