No longer will young girls and fans who idolize one of the sole female super heroes out there be forced to ponder the ridiculous question: “How does she fight crime without any pants?” Seriously, how did Wonder Woman spend 69 years in essentially a tube top swimsuit while her male counterparts got full-body suits? Not only was her suit impractical, it also made her ripe for objectification. As of the comic book’s 600th issue, however, this will all change — Wonder Woman is getting a new, modern look.
DC Comics announced the super heroine’s new duds on Tuesday evening. “It’s a look designed to be taken seriously as a warrior, in partial answer to the many female fans over the years who’ve asked, ‘how does she fight in that thing without all her parts falling out?’” incoming series writer J. Michael Straczynski, told Yahoo News. Straczynski continued describing both the outfit’s versatility, meaning and empowering features:
“It reflects her origins in both the outside world and the world of Amazons: tough, elegant … a street-fighter’s look which also incorporates elements of her classic design. It reflects the two sides warring for ultimate victory, and underscores the path she must take.” He also told The New York Times, “I wanted to toughen her up and give her a modern sensibility,” and joked, “What woman only wears only one outfit for 60-plus years?”
So how much will the iconic WW outfit be changing? The well-known “W” insignia on her bustier (seriously, who could fight crime in that thing?) will become more understated, as will the overall tones of the outfit. Wonder Woman will don a midnight-blue jacket and dark tights and boots The Times describes as a “flinty fusion.” The overall look is meant to be more functional and contemporary and less costume-y. By covering up her legs, the costume’s designer, artist Jim Lee, is hoping to make her look strong without screaming “I’m a superhero.”
In addition to her new, empowered look, Wonder Woman will be getting an entirely new back story. No longer will the Amazon have been reared among the Greek gods; now, she has grown up in a modern, urban environment. Wonder Woman No. 600, which comes out on June 30, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the female heroine poised to enter the great super hero pantheon. “This is Wonder Woman reborn, literally and metaphorically: fast, elegant, tough, smart … the savior of her people, their guardian and protector,” Straczynski says.
We can guarantee all of that will be a lot easier now that she has some pants and a jacket.
Photo courtesy of DC Comics.