Classical Myth and Gender Identity in Wonder Woman Comics

Greek mythology and imagery have been interwoven into Wonder Woman comics since the character was invented in 1941. Wonder Woman has fought not only modern supervillains, but mythological monsters like the hydra. Yet, the Wonder Woman comics have regularly reimagined Greek myth so that it differs greatly from its original source material. This is especially notable in Wonder Woman’s identity as an Amazon warrior. Wonder Woman and her fellow Amazons display many of the same combative and aggressive attributes as their ancient predecessors. Yet, characteristics once seen as a perversion of the natural order by the Greeks are held up as symbols of modern female strength, empowerment, and heroism. Hercules, a representation of an outdated, male-dominated society, serves as an antagonist, fighting for his own glory against the Amazons who stand for truth and justice.

Focusing on three periods of Wonder Woman comics in the 1940s, 1980s, and 2010s, this paper examines how Wonder Woman comics have used classical myth and imagery to communicate ideals of heroism and feminism. It considers how stories of an Amazon against a background of contemporary politics and culture became a symbol of modern feminism and female heroism. Wonder Woman’s gender has always been central to her heroism. Yet, Wonder Woman’s characteristics and how she defeats her enemies has changed over time as gender ideals have changed. What has not changed is Wonder Woman’s identity as an Amazon, and how the use of this ancient myth communicates modern messages.