Mankind's Wonder Woman

From what I’ve seen, Wonder Woman is basically the male version of Superman, although the ways they have modified the plot/genesis to fit the gender, so does it fall so easily into gender roles. The five issues we’ve read so far contain a slew of stereotypes, double standards, and questionably degrading depictions of women. Wonder Woman’s story stems from rebellion of oppression; already existing in a hierarchy where women are submissive or underneath men, a theme that is constantly mentioned throughout the series. Wonder Woman is a champion among women and America as she protects all that she loves, mainly Steve Trevor, her fellow women and any injustice against her. Unlike Superman, she was created on Earth by divine powers, a little more familiar than the alien Superman who came from outer space.

Certain bits got me excited about the series: the first instance of blood showed, the first instance of Wonder Woman beating up a bunch of big burly thugs, the constant success of Wonder Woman, her use of cunningness, wit, and smarts, instead of coming into an area, guns a-blazing and beating up everyone around her. She actually uses her wits to get what she wants, even if by questionable methods. She is the first character to even ask for consent when taking an identity, unlike Superman who has no problem barging into situations undercover. 

However, other parts had me resisting the urge to roll my eyes. Wonder Woman’s costume, sewn by her own mother, is not what I imagined a crime fighter to be wearing and is even ridiculed when Wonder Woman first enters the US. The lack of clothing on all Amazonians, the lack of color representation and lack of body mass representation in other women in the comics made the portrayal of women unrealistic. The artist drew men very crudely and drew women as if they were posing. Some poses or actions that the women partake are almost sexualized or sensual; page 58, row one panel 2 shows a very crude scene of a group of women punishing another woman (the criminal) with spanking. This form of punishment seems almost a joke, inappropriate for the power Amazonians possess.

It seems Moulton attempted to continue with the superhero formula but made obvious changes according to gender. Despite working in Army Intelligence, Wonder Woman goes undercover as a secretary. Previously, she held a job as a nurse. Her constant doting and looking after Steve Trevor could be seen as a sign of vulnerability, like kryptonite. I want to like when Wonder Woman goes undercover like Superman does, but cannot agree with the way she must act submissive towards men still in order to get what she wants.

Despite Moulton’s impressive history and his support for women’s suffrage, I cannot get past the fact Wonder Woman is a story about a women fighting for women, written by a man who identifies as a man. I wish it were a woman who wrote Wonder Woman. Then I feel like it would be a completely different story.