In an interview with Popverse, Tom King discussed Wonder Woman’s origins and the difficulties of writing a contemporary version of the character. He stated that the challenge was to keep Diana relevant in the modern world, without losing her “iconic power and her impact on the world”. And he also mentioned that Wonder Woman is an inspiring symbol that stands for justice and equality.
Insights from Tom King on Wonder Woman’s Origins:
Wonder Woman, one of the most iconic superheroes in the DC Universe, has had a long and storied history since her creation by writer and psychologist William Moulton Marston in 1941. However, as revealed by Tom King, the acclaimed writer tasked with breathing new life into the character, Wonder Woman’s origins present unique challenges that have made her one of the most complex figures to write about in the world of comics.
In the Popverse interview, Tom King opened up about the intricacies of working on his upcoming Wonder Woman series and the difficulties he has encountered in tackling a character with such a rich and sometimes problematic backstory. King candidly referred to Wonder Woman as “the hardest mainstream character” he has written, citing her creation in a different time and place by a man with a specific agenda as a contributing factor to the complexity of her character. King acknowledged that Wonder Woman has been revamped numerous times, leading to a convoluted history that includes villains, sidekicks, and a narrative that has evolved over the decades. He contrasted Wonder Woman’s character with other major DC heroes, noting that while characters like Batman and Superman can often be traced back to their origin stories to find grounding, Wonder Woman’s origins are more challenging due to the way she was created.
Navigating with the Original Character of Wonder Woman:
Under the pen name Charles Moulton, Marston crafted Wonder Woman as a deliberate counterpoint to prevailing stereotypes of submissive women during the era. He aimed to challenge the archetype of the damsel in distress, weaving his own ideologies and unconventional lifestyle choices into the character’s DNA. King acknowledged that while some of Marston’s ideas were commendable, others have become dated over time, necessitating a fresh approach to Wonder Woman’s portrayal in contemporary comics.
King emphasized the difficulties of modernizing a character created with a specific ideological agenda in mind. He highlighted the challenge of reconciling Wonder Woman’s origins with her present-day persona, especially considering the changing social norms and evolving understanding of gender dynamics. King acknowledged the complexity of Wonder Woman’s origins and the need to navigate the fine line between honoring her legacy and embracing a more inclusive and forward-thinking representation.
In response to these challenges, King is dedicated to steering Wonder Woman toward a future that disconnects her from outdated and sexualized portrayals that have often characterized female superheroes. His upcoming series seeks to emphasize her position as one of the most powerful and compelling characters in the DC Universe, providing a contemporary narrative that reflects her strength and significance. As Tom King takes on the task of shaping Wonder Woman’s trajectory in the comic book world, he is not only addressing her intricate origins but also endeavoring to highlight her as a symbol of empowerment and progress.
Wonder Woman’s Modernization:
The struggle to modernize Wonder Woman while respecting her complex history serves as a reminder that superheroes, like the societies they inhabit, are constantly evolving, and their stories are shaped by the changing times in which they exist. As such, it is important to continue to seek out new perspectives and stories that can be told about existing superheroes. This will ensure that these beloved characters remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Wonder Woman has gone beyond comic book pages to become a symbol of strength, resilience, and equality for women everywhere, and by doing these little stuff of ensuring the presence of the original characteristics, we can ensure that these characters remain meaningful to the next generation of fans.
