Greetings, Wonder Freaks and Geeks! (I’m so glad I lived to see the day those adages would become self-empowering compliments!) This week saw the release of the highly anticipated Superwoman Rebirth, written and drawn by Wonder Woman alumni, Phil Jimenez.
We know that in the wake of Superman’s death (Yes, kiddies, Supes is taking another dirt nap. The once immortal is now becoming the next Jean Grey/Aunt May. Don’t fret, I’m sure he’ll be back in business in no time as he is scheduled to appear on the Supergirl TV show and several upcoming DCU films.), Lois Lane will be stepping up to the plate to fill the big red boots. Apparently, she is somehow infused with Superman’s powers and will be the new “Big, Blue, Girl Scout.” Throw in Lana Lang as a support system, and you’ve got yourself a comic book!
The preview looks fun, and the art looks fantastic. (Duh!) I’m especially digging the costume and the logo. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
Oh sure, it’s not the first time Lois has donned the red cape and taken the Kryptonian Oath (Okay, I made that up about the oath, but it sounded good…); however, it’s been long enough to make it fun and interesting again. And in the capable hands of fan-favorite creator Phil Jimenez, it’s Superwoman for the win!
This got me thinking. Superman has an extended family of mixed gender with Superboy, Supergirl, and now Superwoman, as does Batman with Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Batwoman, et al. So, where’s Wonder Woman’s gender-bending counterpart?
Don’t get me wrong, WW has her extended family. We have Donna Troy (a.k.a. Troia, a.k.a. Wonder Girl) whose past is as checkered as Ragman’s underalls. We have Cassie Samdsmark (a.k.a. Wonder Girl 2) who has yet to make an appearance in the “Rebirth” Universe. And, of course, we’ve had Wonder tot and Wonder horse, but no Wonder Boy, Wonder Uncle, or Wonder Man, save Marvel Comics’ ionic Avenger, Simon Williams, but I don’t think that really helps the cause.
So, what gives? Don’t worry, Wonder readers. I have a few theories.
Wonder Woman is so smashingly awesome that she don’t need no stinking male counterpart to come and save the day. And I hope there is truth to that. Wonder Woman was created as an example of a strong female hero for girls, an answer to a female hero that wasn’t just a female version of Superman or Batman. A hero that didn’t need a man to back her up. And 75 years later, her core remains intact.
I suppose that could be seen as a testament to the legacy of Wonder Woman creator William Moulton Marston. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve seen glimpses of male versions of Wonder Woman over the years, but they were usually brief or comedic throwaways.
The second theory is that Wonder Woman comes from an island of all females and, therefore, would have no male relatives to show up and try to steal her thunder.
Although, that theory doesn’t hold much water. Superman and Supergirl may be blood relatives, but Batgirl is Commissioner Gordon’s daughter, Superwoman is Clark’s girlfriend, and Batman picked up Robin at the circus for the love of Hephaestus!
The last (and sadly, possibly true) theory: Sexism is alive and well on planet Earth, especially in the good, old U.S.A. Before you go calling me a bra-burning, feminist hippie, you should know I’ve never burned a bra in my life. And you need to look at no further evidence than the current events to support my statement.
Hillary Clinton made history recently – in 2016, mind you – for being the first woman to be a major party candidate for President of the United States. While this is amazing progress for the country and a truly joyous thing, it leaves Sri Lanka – who declared the first female president in the world in 1960 – saying, “So what?” Let’s get with the program, my fellow Americans. Women rule! (In more ways than one!)
As women have been notoriously portrayed as weaker, or the fairer sex, I’m sure not many people were too gung-ho to introduce “The Male Wonder Man.”
In a way, I’m glad. I love Wonder Woman and don’t think she needs a plethora of “Wonder Family” to round out or water down her character. She continues to stand on her own as the embodiment of female strength. I guess Zeus really did break the mold after Queen Hippolyta fashioned Princess Diana from clay on the shores of Paradise Island.
In closing, I think it’s great that Superman and Batman have their gender-neutral sidekicks and extended family. Would I welcome a male version of Wonder Woman? Sure, but I’m happy to report that Diana certainly doesn’t need a man to define or stand by her.
Make sure to check out Phil Jimenez’s amazing, new Superwoman Rebirth, and, as always, check out the I Am Wonder Fan Facebook page. And be back here next week for another fun-filled Wonder Woman Wednesday.
