Joss Whedon

She may be ready for Social Security, but she’s still hot

AS WONDER WOMAN celebrates her 65th birthday with an impressive relaunch of her comic series by writer Allan Heinberg and artists Terry and Rachel Dodson, it is clear that the character is an icon that transcends the comic-book world.

"She is the first female superhero that has crossed generations and is important to everyone as a role model," said comic writer Jimmy Palmiotti ("Painkiller Jane"). "And that costume... woo-ha!"

"She is empowering to women and irresistible to men," opined comic and TV writer Christos Gage ("Law and Order: SVU"). "She embodies female strength, beauty and character."

Since making her first appearance in "All Star Comics #8" (now valued at $43,000) in December 1941, Wonder Woman has been published almost continuously, which explains her grip on the public’s consciousness.

This is quite a feat in an industry and marketplace that is tough on titles headlined by female characters. For example, the popular "X-Men’s" character Rogue lasted only 12 issues as a solo title.

"It’s a joke to compare the two," said Palmiotti. "Wonder Woman’s roots are in mythology, instantly giving the character more scope and background than a character like Rogue."

"Part of it is that the character’s own long history gives her a stronger foundation than someone like Rogue, who is a more recent character that people think of as more a part of a team than a solo figure," agreed Gage.

In the 1940s, besides her superhero duties, Wonder Woman was a member of the armed forces in the civilian persona of Diana Prince.

In the 1950s, writers introduced "Wonder Girl" via flashback stories, spotlighting the adventures of a younger Wonder Woman. The name would later be used by Donna Troy - Wonder Woman’s sister and sidekick.

The 1960s saw major changes in the character, as she disposed of her classic red and blue costume in favor of a hip white jumpsuit. She also lost her super powers and fought using karate.

"I think it was incredibly brave for them to try and make the character as timely and relatable as possible," said Heinberg. "She had sort of fallen out of fashion in the late ’60s, and they made some radical decisions to try and bring readers back to the book and to make it essential reading. I admire the guts it took."

But by the 1970s, the character was back in her traditional garb and even helped launch Gloria Steinem’s seminal Ms. Magazine with her larger-than-life presence on the publication’s first issue, drawn by veteran artist Murphy Anderson.

Of course, many feminists have a problem with the character’s revealing costume.

"I feel that the fact that Wonder Woman is so comfortable in her own skin, is so accepting of her femininity and sexuality, and is brave enough to wear a costume like that out in a world of men... is an act of courage and bravery and self-acceptance to some degree," said Heinberg. "As a fan of the character and a comic-book writer, I would never want to change the costume."

"Why can’t you be strong and half-naked?" joked Palmiotti. "Why this is even an issue, I’ll never understand."

The "Wonder Woman" TV show starring Lynda Carter premiered in 1975 on CBS and helped increase the character’s popularity dramatically.

Then in 1987, DC relaunched the character with a new #1, spearheaded by George Perez, who emphasized the character’s mythological roots.

For two decades, his interpretation has been considered the definitive version of character and has influenced all subsequent writers.

But after just one issue, Heinberg’s 2006 relaunch seems poised to redefine Wonder Woman for years to come.