2017 has been proven to be the year for the Amazonian warrior princess who fights for your rights to wear satin tights, Wonder Woman! This June Warner Brothers studios released "Wonder Woman" starring Gal Gadot and it was a smash hit. Fast forward to October and the film "Professor Marston and the Wonder Women" surprised audiences with the controversial life of her creator William Moulton Marston and his polyamorous relationship with his wife and his mistress.
If these two films have made Wonder Woman your brand new obsession, then, as one fan to another, I suggest these five other Wonder Woman properties that will turn your obsession for the clay sculpted Amazonian into a lifestyle.
1. Wonder Woman: Hiketeia
Ask me to recall the story that had me think to myself "This gets her. This understands Wonder Woman" and I'll shout at the top of my lungs from the rooftop of the tallest highrise "Wonder Woman: Hiketeia"!
When a young woman on the run from the law knocks on Wonder Woman's door and pleads for her protection from Batman, Wonder Woman is faced with the ultimate ethical dilemma that will test her resolve.
Writer Greg Rucka gives Diana's strong roots in Greek mythology relevance again. These roots no longer feel like niche tidbits of her origin story, but instead feel like the answers to why she won't ever turn the other cheek to someone in need. "Wonder Woman: Hiketeia" proves why Wonder Woman is still one of the most influential figures of our time.
Also if you're kinda tired of the uber-hype that surrounds Batman then the multiple panels of Wonder Woman knocking him down a couple pegs will be extremely satisfying for you.
2. The 2001 Justice League Animated Show
Two years into the new millennium and comic book fans were rewarded with a Justice League show to be truly proud of. "The Super Friends" are a thing of the past, trust me. We watch for the first time Wonder Woman interact with fellow crime fighters like Superman, Batman, and Aquaman. Actress Susan Eisenberg offers Diana a voice that commands authority in a league that could easily be described as a super boys club.
She is often considered the den mother of the Justice League and God help you if you mess with one of her cubs.
3. The 1970s Lynda Carter Television Series
The word I would use to describe Lynda Carter's 1970s Wonder Woman television series is lovable...and dated...and silly. Alright, I lied, it takes more than a measly word to describe this piece of grade A cheese.
Carter's Wonder Woman may not possess the "sword in hand and a shield in the other" warrior spirit, but she does have the drive to spread love and equality to all which made the character so enduring.
She'll leave you thinking about the importance of respect right before she punches you right in the kisser.
4. Wonder Woman: The Contest
Wonder Woman has come face to face with many changeups in her illustrious career. The 1960s was an interesting if albeit misguided attempt to make her resemble the modern woman of the time.
During the early 1990s, comic book writer William Messner-Loebs and comic book artist Mike Deodato, Jr. took a bold swing at the Wonder Woman mythos in "The Contest". Queen Hippolyta, ruler of the Amazon warriors and mother of Wonder Woman, decrees the results of her daughter's mission to relieve Man's World of all of its evil to be pitiful. Only one way to decide who will be next to take on the title of the Wonder Woman: a contest. Ultimately Wondy loses the contest and must now show the new Wonder Woman, Amazon warrior Artemis, the highs and lows of Man's World.
Every hero has a moment of self-reflection that will forever define their purpose in life. "The Contest" is that moment for Wonder Woman. The story is a wonderful arc of redemption and an impactful redesign of Joseph Cambell's the Hero's Journey. Give it a read!
5. Wonder Woman (The War Years)
Seventy years later and the first run of the Wonder Woman comic run by Marston remains a piece of impressive work. The stories are simple and once you know about Marston's support for bondage and absolute submission in the bedroom then the panels of Wondy and other characters in chains will take on a whole new meaning.
Did I miss your favorite Wonder Woman property? If so let me know in the comment section below.