Wonder Woman strikes the small screen!

Developed in 1941 by the creator of the lie detector, Wonder Woman is the dream of feminist and polygamist William Moulton Marston. Rumored to be loosely based on his lover journalist Olive Richard who was a lovely woman with long dark hair and a thing for Indian metal bracelets. Marston’s character is a bit flawed in its definition. His idea was to portray a submissive yet string woman that young boy readers would be comforted by. However, the devout feminist had an ulterior motive: “ Give them an alluring woman stronger than themselves to submit to, and they’ll be proud to become her willing slaves!”

Seen as a counter-balance to the droves of strongman-types that plagued the funny books, Wonder Woman remains the most recognizable super-heroine in the industry. Her character is sometimes troubled by a vague character direction by writers (is she a warrior or ambassadress of peace?) and even moreso by comic book artists (is she a lucious hottie or a noble beauty?) which has prevented her from rising to her rightful place alongside Superman and Batman.

There have been landmark runs on each comic book character and it must be said that George Perez’ Wonder Woman from 1985 is the definitive article. Challenged with re-introducing the character to the DC characters and new readers, Perez’ Wonder Woman saw the once vague and undeveloped heroine transformed into an innocent yet strong female hero devoted to her mission of peace to the world of men. Her chief villain was understandably the god Ares, but the real story was her relationship with her publicist in getting her message across without turning it into a fad. A sophisticated and action-packed comic, Perez’ Wonder Woman is luckily available for reading in collected trade paperbacks.

But aside from that run… what have we got?

If not for the 1970’s TV show with Linda Carter, most people would have no idea who Wonder Woman even was. An action-adventure serues featuring fuzz guitar and fighting Nazis, the TV program was a gigantic hit in its day. It also solidified WW as a beautiful woman who was almost statuesque in her allure. Carter evoked a kind of nobility that cemeted the comic book character firmly into the mindset of the American public. That hot bed of consumer devotion known as the mid 70’s developed the groundwork that the industry is still working off of to this day. Cartoons, action figures, party favors and TV shows featuring Wonder Woman were commonplace… but who is she?

Hopefully this DC Animated direct to DVD film will put that confusion to rest.

Produced by the multiple Emmy® Award winning animation legend Bruce Timm, Wonder Woman is an origin– story and features a stellar celebrity voice cast including Keri Russell (Waitress, Felicity), Nathan Fillion (Desperate Housewives), Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2), Virginia Madsen (Sideways), Rosario Dawson (Sin City), Oliver Platt (The West Wing) and David McCallum (NCIS).

Wonder Woman begins on the mystical island of Themyscira, where a proud and fierce warrior race of Amazons resides. They have raised Princess Diana, a daughter of stunning beauty, extraordinary strength and incredible fighting prowess. Diana possesses a host of super human powers granted to her by the gods and goddesses of Olympus and her strength and stamina are unparalleled. When Air Force fighter pilot Steve Trevor crash lands on the island, the rebellious and headstrong Diana defies Amazonian law by accompanying Trevor back to civilization. Meanwhile, Ares (the God of War) has escaped his imprisonment at the hands of the Amazons and has decided to exact his revenge by starting a world war that will destroy them all. It is up to Princess Diana to save her people and the world by using her gifts to become the ultimate Wonder Woman.

For more information, please visit www.wonderwomanmovie.com.

Originally intended for a February date, the direct to DVD release hits stores on March 3, 2009.

Recommended:

Wonder Woman Vol. 1: Gods and Mortals
Diana Prince: Wonder Woman – Volume 1 (Wonder Woman (Graphic Novels))
Modern Masters Volume 2: George Perez
Wonder Woman Vol. 3: Beauty and the Beasts
Wonder Woman Vol. 4: Destiny Calling
Wonder Woman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told
Justice League – Season One (DC Comics Classic Collection)
Wonder Woman – The Complete First Season
Challenge of the Super Friends – The First Season (DC Comics Classic Collection)