Dear DC Comics,
I have idolized Wonder Woman for years. She is a fierce, strong, independent warrior queen that commands respect. Her femininity does not contradict her role as a leader and a fighter. She is an excellent model of womanhood. Detective Comics would not be complete without her yet for far too long DC has failed to realize her full potential. For the vast majority of my childhood, I have waited patiently for Wonder Woman to make her own appearance an original animated series. My patience has been in vain. Time and time again Wonder Woman has been disregarded and nearly forgotten.
As a female fan, I am overlooked and the same treatment has been extended to other fans. I am a young woman who loves DC yet I do not feel like DC recognizes that women make up a significant portion of the fan base. According to a survey done through Facebook with about 26 million US fans, roughly 40 percent of comic lovers are women. (See the survey here). This survey was done over a year ago and still the lack of attention spent on heroines, Wonder Woman in particular, does a great disservice to the fan base and the DC Universe.
The exploration of heroines should be used as an opportunity to propel DC into the future and provide a more complete picture of the DC Universe. This is an opportunity to start a new narrative in the DC community. Heroines have the ability to open new topics of discussion and offer an alternative approach to classic themes such as loyalty, sacrifice and revenge. The DC Universe today is incomplete. The lack of development in the heroines keeps the DC world from realizing its full potential and progressing to new levels of storytelling. It is not possible to explore all the facets of classic themes without a female perspective.
Wonder Woman embodies rational feminism. She does not need Superman or Batman yet she is not above asking for assistance if it is in the best interest of her people or guaranteeing victory. If anything, they need her. She sends a powerful message. A woman does not have to sacrifice femininity to have independence or act as a leader. She deserves to have her own animated series that document her progress as a world leader, a warrior, an Amazonian, a queen, and a woman. In addition, it would pay homage to your underrated, female fans.
DC does not give enough credit to the female fan base. Furthermore, false assumptions have been made that the male majority would have no interest in following a female protagonist. Any DC fan, despite gender, can appreciate a well-developed character and story line regardless of what gender the character may be. DC needs to refocus their efforts on developing unique story lines that people can relate to, but still feel enraptured in the DC Universe. That is the way to revitalize the DC community. I hope vocalizing my frustration in writing will bring attention to heroines and progress can be made in the right direction. I believe the DC Universe is reaching a stalemate in animated series; however this stalemate can be breached with the exploration of heroines and the narratives they will bring to the DC Universe.
Sincerely,
Nnenna Umelloh
