Empowered: The Symbolism, Feminism, and Superheroism of Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman is an icon…but an icon of what? To some, she’s Lynda Carter, spinning into star-studded shorts to save the day. To others, she’s a racy Halloween costume or inspiring feminist role model. Which is true? This book analyzes each era of Wonder Woman, from the Golden Age to George Pérez and Gail Simone’s reboots to The New 52 and television shows, cartoons, and films. Which teach the right messages for girls and boys? Which have problematic symbols? Most of all, which present an empowering female superhero and which just a fun-loving princess in an improbably clinging corset? Let’s find out.