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All Star Comics 8 - A Defiant Heroine Ahead of its Time
The man behind the most popular female comic book hero of all time, Wonder Woman, had a secret past: Creator William Moulton Marston had a wife — and a mistress. He fathered children with both of them, and they all secretly lived together in Rye, N.Y. who played a crucial part in influencing the appearance of Wonder Woman. He envisioned her as the ideal love leader and the type of woman who should rule the world with the strength of Superman and the appeal of a good and beautiful woman.
Wonder Woman debuted in All Star Comics #8, which was cover dated December–January 1941–1942, but actually hit stands on October 21, 1941. She was created by William Moulton Marston and Harry G. Peter, and designed both to appeal to little girl readers and to support Marston’s belief in female superiority. Early Wonder Woman comics are infused with bondage, feminimsm, and a flux of gender defying norms.
Created in response to the prominence of male superheroes at the time (Superman, Batman, Captain America) Marston hoped his female hero would inspire young kids to become leaders through articles and features celebrating female empowerment. There were stories about the career paths of famous and accomplished ladies called the Wonder Women of History.
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Wonder Woman is viewed as a feminist icon, though her appearance is just as noteworthy. Her red, white, and blue star-spangled suit is among her most striking characteristics — though her beauty does not serve to downplay her strength — as well as one of the most famous costumes in comic books ever. The famous getup includes gauntlets of Atlas which increase the strength of the wearer by ten — these sometimes cause Diana trouble when it comes to controlling the sudden increase in strength. Another item in her weaponry repertoire is the Lasso of Truth: a lasso that forces people to tell the truth; can restore memories; get rid of or cause illusions to those it holds; heal the holder of insanity; and protect those in close proximity from magical attacks.
Wonder Woman tells the tale of Princess Diana of Themyscira. Her original origin story says she was formed out of clay by her mother, Hippolyta, and had life bestowed upon her by the Greek gods — making her the only Amazon not conceived by a man. She grows up free of men on Paradise Island where the Amazons teach her warrior skills as well as lessons of love and peace. The gods also gift Diana with powers including strength, wisdom, courage, a hunter's heart, beauty, sisterhood, speed, and flight.
In 2017, Professor Marston and the Wonder Women made its debut retelling the story of how Wonder Woman was conceived. The film premiered at Toronto Internation Film Festival. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised Robinson's direction, positive portrayal of aménage à trois (a specific form of committed polyamory), and gentle representation for the BDSM community.
All Star #8 is currently tied for the #13 position on Overstreet's list of Top 100 Golden Age Comic Books, up two spots from last year. Overstreet 2021 VG 4.0 value = $43,250. CGC census 6/22: 11 in 4.5, 43 higher.
