The Change in the Representation in the Wonder Woman Comics Before and After World War II

Wonder Woman debuted in the year 1941 and was created by William Marston. Marston always intended for Wonder Woman to be considered a strong female and be a feminist role model for others. (Oddly enough, he was also the inventor of the lie detector) Wonder Woman is a kind person who is always willing to fight for what is right. She is a symbol to women about their own power in a male-dominated society.

While her costume and look has changed over the years, there are still iconic pieces carried over. For example her boots, red top with the eagle logo, and skirt. However after the comic was no longer in the hands of it's creator around World War II, Wonder Woman was used as a tool to influence the behavior of women.

World War II offered a unique opportunity for women to occupy roles previously unavailable to them. Popular culture during this time encouraged women to be strong independent women who would be able to take care of themselves if a situation evolved. However, not all portrayals of women during this time were positive, and this backtracked after the war ended and different forms of media pushed for a more gentle image of women.

While the image of women in popular culture changed both during and after the war, it was the lasting impact that was important. While the media attempted to manipulate women, especially after World War II, the popularity of the images of strong women created during the war show the lasting impact they had.

This particular Wonder Woman comic was published during the war. On the cover she is standing on a podium alone delivering a message. While it is a fantasy sequence since Wonder Woman was not born in the United States, it delivers a portrayal of a woman in a leadership role who clearly does not need a man to support her. (Although there are even men in the crowd who seem to be cheering for her) While the government and media were not encouraging women to become president during World War II, it falls in line with the image that women were expected to be strong during this time period.

This 1949 comic cover of a more helpless Wonder Woman is a change than previously seen from a character who was part of the war effort. Instead it focused on her relationship and wish to marry Steve. Instead of a strong woman, she is being carried over the river by Steve wearing delicate ballet slippers instead of her normal boots evoking the image of a more delicate woman.

While eventually Wonder Woman did start becoming a stronger female role model over following years it does show how easily it is to influence generations within popular culture.

If you would like further information and suggested readings:

This is one of my favorite books about Wonder Woman and the history behind who created her. The Secret History of Wonder Woman, by Jill Lepore was published in 2014. This book highlights how and why Marston was a feminist during his time period. Starting from the beginning of his life the book builds into how Wonder Woman came about and how important it was to the women's history movement. I actually almost got to meet Lepore and have her sign my copy during a special dinner at my college that I was invited to. Unfortunately, through no fault of her own, it ended up having to be canceled. If you would like to snag yourself a copy, click the picture and you will be linked to the book on Amazon.

This book, (that you can also click on if you wish to purchase and read more about the role of Wonder Woman and symbolism in history) is one that was extremely helpful to my full length research paper on Wonder Woman in this time period. Wonder Woman: Bondage and Feminism in the Marston/Peter Comics, 1941-1948, by Noah Berlatsky doesn't take on how the character evolved, but rather the take on some of the symbolism within Wonder Woman. It also focuses on how Wonder Woman compares to other female-forward or popular female characters and gender theory. It is a very thought provoking read.