It’s hard to fathom, but there was a pivotal moment in the history of DC Comics when it seemed Wonder Woman could have been relegated to the past. Despite being one of the most iconic superheroes ever created, her legacy faced the real threat of extinction.
Wonder Woman debuted to tremendous success, even surpassing Superman in sales at certain points. Yet, as decades went by, her popularity fluctuated significantly. Although she has emerged as a key figure within the DC Universe, there were times when the comic book world seemed poised to lose the remarkable Amazon.
Wonder Woman Was Once Labeled ‘Un-Writable’
William Messner-Loebs Reflects on Diana’s Struggles
Wonder Woman’s journey has been intricate, stretching back to her inception by William Moulton Marston, who intended her as a symbol of feminist ideals. Nevertheless, her character underwent various transformations over the years. One notably controversial iteration depicted Diana as a vulnerable secret agent, which contributed to her diminished appeal. According to former Wonder Woman writer William Messner-Loebs, who shared his insights during an interview with Darren Schroeder for “Bill Messner-Loebs: A Career Retrospective (Part III)”, there was indeed a challenging phase when Wonder Woman struggled to captivate audiences.
In response to queries about DC Comics labeling Wonder Woman as ‘un-writable’, Messner-Loebs suggested that the publisher misjudged the character’s potential, seeing her stories as frivolous and unable to connect with a diverse audience. This misguided perspective led to restrictive expectations that stifled creativity. He recalled that ideas from fellow writer Dan Mishkin were often dismissed, and even his contributions faced rejection based on DC’s rigid guidelines regarding what Wonder Woman could represent.
Ultimately, Messner-Loebs viewed this difficult era as a detrimental narrative for DC. The strict parameters imposed on Wonder Woman were paradoxically used to argue that female-led comics could not succeed. However, he emphasized that George Perez’s celebrated run had proven that readers craved stories featuring well-rounded female protagonists. He noted that successful films like Alien and Coma illustrated that male audiences could relate to female characters; all that was needed was a genuine effort in crafting Wonder Woman’s narratives.
Wonder Woman is Not ‘Un-Writable’ — Her Legacy Confirms It
A Time-Tested Heroine
Multiple writers, including Greg Rucka, have acknowledged that bringing Diana to life is no easy task. Rooted in unabashed feminism, she was created to defy societal norms. However, many writers struggled to successfully portray such a complex character, leading to a constriction of her narrative potential and ultimately risking her relevance.
Messner-Loebs accurately points out that fans, especially male audiences, were looking for a female hero whose creators could think beyond conventional boundaries. George Perez revitalized Wonder Woman during his post-Crisis run, showcasing her as a vibrant and innovative character. Subsequent writers like Gail Simone and Greg Rucka further expanded her narrative scope, delivering beloved story arcs. Currently, the Absolute Wonder Woman series is attracting new readers, affirming that it is among DC’s best-selling titles.
There was indeed a time when Wonder Woman faced significant challenges, but she found rejuvenation as creative freedoms allowed her stories to flourish. The notion of DC Comics possibly discontinuing her character is unsettling, yet ultimately, a shift in editorial approach led to her renewed prominence. It’s difficult to envision a scenario where Wonder Woman could have faced cancellation, but luckily, fate had other plans for this beloved heroine.
Continued Innovation is Key for Wonder Woman’s Relevance
A Future of Infinite Possibilities
Though Wonder Woman has faced potential threats to her legacy, she has persisted due to the relentless efforts of inventive creative teams. Granting freedom for Diana to encounter new challenges and life experiences is critical to her sustained relevance. While not every storyline may resonate perfectly, it is undeniable that fans appreciate when writers are empowered to highlight the remarkable qualities of Wonder Woman.