For three quarters of a century, Princess Diana of Themyscira has protected the world from evil. Now, you can celebrate Wonder Woman's 75th anniversary with #WonderWoman75: a new, year-long initiative from DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment. #WonderWoman75 will culminate with the release of the heroine's first standalone film, which hits theaters June 2, 2017.
In 1941, Wonder Woman debuted in All Star Comics No. 8 . Created by polygraph inventor William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman was designed to be a hero who solved problems with wisdom and compassion instead of violence. Unlike many superheroes, she sought to rehabilitate criminals, rather than simply incarcerate or kill them.
Wonder Woman's superhero gear reflects her mission of peace. Most notable is her Lasso of Truth, made from Aphrodite's girdle, which prevents anyone in its bonds from lying. Like all Amazons, Wonder Woman wears a pair of bullet-deflecting magic bracelets, and will go into a berserker rage if someone removes them. Her boomerang tiara and the Sword of Athena are her only offensive weapons.
For many fans, the lack of attention Wonder Woman has received remains a mystery. She appeared on the cover of Ms. Magazine's first issue in 1972, and Wonder Woman TV series starring Lynda Carter aired from 1975 to 1979, and that's ... been about it. Wonder Woman only just made her silver screen debut in 2015's Batman vs. Superman : Dawn of Justice , and won't receive her standalone film until Summer 2017.
There's no real reason for Wonder Woman to have been ignored for so long. She's stronger and more skilled than Batman, and has proven an equal match for Superman. Now, it seems, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment are prepared to give the Amazonian warrior princess her due. The #WonderWoman75 initiative will feature a number of fantastic media opportunities and merchandise campaigns.
For Wonder Woman fans, there's no better place to be this summer than at San Diego Comic-Con. DC Comics will have Carter and Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman costumes, among others, on display. A life-size Invisible Jet will be illuminated nightly for fans to snap photos. The "Wonder Woman 75" panel will discuss the character's history and future.
If you're more into merchandise, get ready. The Barbie™ Collection Amazon Princess Wonder Woman™ Barbie® Doll is, unfortunately, already sold out, but keep your eyes peeled for Wonder Woman clothing, accessories, and cosmetics from Valentino, Under Armour, Converse, Pottery Barn, and Walgreens.
While you wait to get your hands on those, you can check out Spotify's Wonder Woman playlists, and look for the hero's featurette, "The Warrior, The Myth, The Wonder," on the Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice home entertainment release. You can also catch Wonder Woman in DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year , a direct-to-video release expected to launch in August.
What are you most looking forward to about Wonder Woman's 75th anniversary? How are you planning to celebrate? Share your favorite Wonder Woman stories on Twitter, using the hashtag #WonderWoman75.
Image: Warner Bros. Animation
