Diana of Themyscira is many things to many people - but who is she, exactly? Each pair of comics below represents a different angle on this iconic character. Click on the covers or titles to check them out via Hoopla for instant access.
Wonder Woman is a princess of Themyscira.
(Diana: Princess of the Amazons / The True Amazon)
A lot of Wonder Woman's compassion and inner strength is based on her upbringing on the island of Themyscira. Growing up among strong, supportive women gave her a strong foundation that led to who she later became as Wonder Woman. These two comics cover her mischievous childhood and entitled adolescence, when she learns responsibility and appreciation for her fellow sisters.
Wonder Woman is a warrior of love.
(Wonder Woman by George Perez / Wonder Woman: Rebirth)
Wonder Woman stories tend to use Greek mythology, especially its pantheon of gods, for heroes and villains. Compared to some heroes of Greek myth, Wonder Woman is a beacon of love and hope. The gods may be jealous, deceptive, and violent, but Diana always finds a way to make things right. Violence is her last resort, but when she goes all out, her strength rivals anyone's in Olympus. She would much rather enjoy nature, friendship, and lasting peace.
Wonder Woman is a liaison of compassion to our world.
Diana's first impressions of the world outside Themyscira, "man's world," often include shock. How can people be so callous and cruel to one another? How can she open people's eyes to the evils of discrimination, war, and patriarchy? These stories show a Diana who is directly involved in saving the world on a human level, one that empowers readers to feel like they can help, too. She turns her humility to learn into the will to advocate.
Wonder Woman is a legend in every time.
(The Legend of Wonder Woman / Dead Earth)
How old is Wonder Woman? Some stories make her positively ancient, while others have her coming of age just as she leaves Themyscira for man's world. The Legend of Wonder Woman takes place during World War 2, while Dead Earth has her wake up in a post-apocalyptic world. In both cases, she is tough, competent, and optimistic in the face of overwhelming odds.
Wonder Woman is the Justice League’s connection to mythology and the magical.
(The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman / Justice League: A League of One)
Diana's ties to the supernatural give her knowledge and experience that mortal heroes, Batman for example, lack. Superman can stop a falling airplane, but can he talk to dragons? These stories give Diana and her unique gifts the spotlight among other superheroes.
Wonder Woman is a friend to everyone, even her enemies.
(Sensation Comics / Golden Age Wonder Woman)
The Sensation Comics anthology allows multiple writers and artists to show off their interpretations of Diana. Each short story lets some aspect of her personality shine. However, look no further than the original Wonder Woman comics for some truly unique spectacles, including kangaroos that jump through outer space, Nazi milk sabotage, and rehabilitating villains through strength training.
