In an ironic twist, it appears that at least one element of DC’s old universe is still creating fervor in the new one. Even with Jim Lee’s new Justice League costumes and the end of the Justice Society, fans are arguing about whether or not Wonder Woman will be wearing pants.
As strange as this argument sounds, it is actually an old debate that sprang back to life months ago, when Wonder Woman’s classic star-spangled one piece was replaced with a mostly black, almost full body costume, complete with pants, a leather jacket and red and blue bustier. The reaction from fans was mixed- some hated the change, while others were happy that Wonder Woman was no longer in a costume designed for male titillation. When the DC relaunch was announced, the initial cover art of Justice League #1 showed Wonder Woman in a jacket-less variation of the full body costume. But now, an alternate cover has been released, showing Wonder Woman in a darker version of her classic outfit.
So, does this mean DC gave into the pressure from the fanbase? Not quite; it’s been explained that the new Justice League will be a flashback style story, focusing on the initial formation of the League, so Wonder Woman may evolve into her modern costume. But clearly, this is a pair of pants that has been being hotly debated by comic fans. And what really is the proper thing to do about it?
A Brief History of Wonder Woman
To begin with, Wonder Woman’s costume has been altered before - it began with a skirt, then morphed into the one-piece, various seventies inspired clothes, a more biker style outfit, and back through the skirt, a secret agent costume, and the one piece again. And yes, it can be argued that many of those changes were for male titillation, as there have been with innumerable super heroines. But regardless, it is also true that Wonder Woman’s outfit has been around for more then forty years. It is an iconic costume, and it is very hard to change the image of an icon. The adaptation of the new costume was reportedly part of the reason the Wonder Woman TV pilot was not picked up for this fall. So given that failure, and the fact the Wonder Woman movie has been in development hell for years, DC might not want to give new readers a reminder of anything negative as they start their new story lines.
Still A Swimsuit
But the sexual nature of the original costume remains, along with the irony of the first major female superhero wearing a costume designed to tease the male readers. Many critics of both genders have argued that costumes for female heroes are designed solely for sex appeal, and Wonder Woman certainly could fit under that category. While her costume is not nearly as revealing as some of the outfits that have emerged since, it can be argued it did open the door for presenting women in comics as sex objects as well as heroes. After all, the idea of fighting against heavily armed villains in little clothing doesn’t make much sense, so why does Wonder Woman do it? DC’s change in attire can be looked as moving away from the sex-object costume and drawing more focus onto Wonder Woman herself.
A Great Heroine
Then again, the fact Wonder Woman has become one of the most respected figures in comics proves she has overcome the limits of the costume. The image of Wonder Woman on Ms. Magazine, towering over a city with the headline Wonder Woman for President, is a one of the most well-remembered mainsteam comic book images. And the character has become more then a superhero - she has been an ambassador for her home island of Themyscira, and worked as a diplomat with various nations.
And her home island, with its populace of Amazon warriors, can give clues to her costume’s origins. The Amazons began in ancient Greece, when many male warriors then fought with little or no clothes to keep their enemies from getting an additional grip. It seems possible then that the Amazons would model themselves after that, which makes a small, skin-tight outfit for battle logical. And finally, Wonder Woman’s reputation has always been that while she is beautiful and certainly dressed in a titillating outfit, she has also been a charter member of the Justice League, a skilled fighter, trusted friend and comrade, a diplomat, and above all else, a woman. Does taking away the costume say that a woman can be all those things, but cannot be sexy at the same time?
What to Do?
Regardless of what DC decides to do, the argument over Wonder Woman’s pants will continue from both sides. But regardless of what happens, the important thing is not what they dress Wonder Woman in. If she can remain the same powerful figure that she has become, and continue to add to her legacy as THE major female hero, then she will overcome any all arguments about her costume.
Sources
· Lileks, James. (2011, May 15). Wonder Woman Cancelled Before It Starts. Star Tribune.com.
· Sims, Chris. (2010, June 30). The Comics Roundtable: Wonder Woman's Costume Change.
Eric Nierstedt - Mr. Nierstedt studied English at Kean University. He's written at the Leader newspaper of Westfield NJ for five years.
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