Alpha Female

Her race to the big screen has lasted an astonishing 75 years. But the indomitable WONDER WOMAN's journey is almost at an end.

- Helen O'Hara

IN HER VERY FIRST APPEARANCE within the pages of All Star Comics #8, Wonder Woman appeared to leap out of the page, one booted leg forward, arms pumping, star-spangled skirt swirling around her. She looked powerful, beautiful, unlike anything seen before. “AT LAST, IN A WORLD TORN BY THE HATREDS AND WARS OF MEN,” the accompanying text boomed, “APPEARS A WOMAN TO WHOM THE PROBLEMS AND FEATS OF MEN ARE MERE CHILD’S PLAY…”

It was December 1941, the United States had just joined World War II, and this goddess had come to fight for truth, justice and a better world. She was an instant sensation, prompting a flood of enthusiastic letters from readers and winning a comic of her own. But despite that debut, in the 75 years (and change) since, she’s never had her own film on the big screen. Her fellow members of DC’s Holy Trinity, Superman and Batman, have had six and eight films respectively. Wonder Woman’s big-screen credits, however, are a supporting role in Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice, a tiny (though funny) cameo in The Lego Movie, and a blink-and-you’ll miss it spot in The Lego Batman Movie. So this year’s Wonder Woman, starring Gal Gadot and directed by Monster’s Patty Jenkins, will be a landmark.

But it’s not been for lack of trying.