DC Comics recently announced that it will publish a graphic novel called “The Wonder Women of History,” which will feature 18 “real-world heroes.” The women selected includes liberal politicians, gay-rights activists, entertainers and a couple of scientists, among others. No conservative nor historical figures were selected.
There are a lot of influential and incredible women throughout history. From Mary, mother of Jesus, to Mother Teresa and Cleopatra to Queen Elizabeth I (and II), there are almost too many incredible women to choose for a graphic novel entitled “The Wonder Women of History.”
So, it boggles the mind that there is not one historical figure among those chosen or one notable conservative politician.
Instead, DC Comics has chosen the following: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Elizabeth Warren, Rashida Tlaib, Teara Fraser, Beyoncé, Mari Copeny, Edith Windsor, Marsha P. Johnson, Ellen Ochoa, Shi Zhengli, Serena Williams, Tig Notaro, Keiko Agena, Dominique Dawes and Janelle Monae.
DC Comics website states, “Wonder Woman has been an inspiration for decades, and while not everyone would choose her star-spangled outfit for themselves, her compassion and fairness are worthy of emulation. We’ll be presenting tales of the real-world heroes who take up Diana’s mantle and work in the fields of science, social justice activism, diplomacy and more!”
All the stories will be written and drawn by women.
It’s unclear why a series that has “history” in the title would contain so little of it.
Why pick drag queen Marsha P. Johnson (Malcom Michaels Jr.), a mentally unstable gay activist, when the authors could have chosen someone like Joan of Arc, an actual woman. While Joan of Arc has inspired women and research for centuries, despite being burned at the stake at the tender age of 19, Johnson’s story will likely be forgotten.
How can DC Comics determine who the “Wonder Women of History” are without the test of time? While it’s true that Serena Williams and Beyoncé have profoundly influenced 21st century sports and entertainment, will they continue to inspire like Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks and Marie Curie, let alone ancient historical figures like Hatshepsut, Boudicca and Mary Magdalene?
At this point, it’s unclear.
There are also no conservative political figures chosen. What about the U.K.’s first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher or former U.N. Ambassador Nicki Haley? Apparently, women who lean conservative are not worthy of the title, “Wonder Women of History.”
It’s obvious that DC Comics doesn’t even believe in its own premise for this graphic novel series. While there are some women who were apparently chosen based on merit in the fields of science, the rest were chosen due to politics more than anything else.
A more appropriate title would be, “The Liberal and Progressive Wonder Women (and Biological Man) of the Last 10 Years—Most of Whom are Still Alive.”
Photo from CQ-Roll Call/REUTERS
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