DC Comics is fit to bursting with iconic characters, butWonder Womanis arguably among its most recognizable. The Justice League member and Princess of Themyscira first appeared in 1941, and since thenWonder Womanhas enjoyed a long-lasting legacy among comic book fans with numerous adaptions. Wonder Woman may be one of the cultural tentpoles of DC’s offering, but she hasn’t enjoyed the same spotlight in video games as fellow comic book heroes like Superman or Batman.
In industries like comic books and video games that have historically struggled with issues like misogyny and gendered stereotypes, it isn’t surprising that male characters have received more attention and coverage than female ones. However, things are starting to change, and with a slew of recent movies, an apparently prominent placein the upcomingSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,and her own highly anticipated single-player open-world title from Monolith on the way, the time seems right to capitalize on Wonder Woman’s growing influence.
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The Current Spotlight on Wonder Woman
It’s no secret that Marvel has dominated the movie market over the last decade-and-a-half, with rivals like DC struggling to match up. While standalone offerings likeWatchmen,Joker, andChristopher Nolan’sBatmantrilogyhave done well, the DC cinematic universe has failed to pull off a streak as impressive as Marvel’s. However, while Wonder Woman’s presence couldn’t save the critically deridedBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justiceor 2017’sJustice League,her own solo film was met with a positive response. The feedback for its sequel was more lukewarm, but Wonder Woman’s films remain a rare success in the DC Extended Universe’s hit-and-miss catalog.
In terms of video games, Wonder Woman has already made an appearance in a few. From variousJustice Leaguegames to a cosmetic outfit inFortnite, Wonder Woman’s video game career has pretty much always been as part of an ensemble or a background character. Now, Wonder Woman is finally getting her due in the same way Superman and Batman have enjoyed through their own solo outings. As the only apparent member of the Justice League not to lose their facultiesinSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, being forced to team upwith the main cast of anti-heroes as a result, Wonder Woman has a newfound sense of importance.
How Wonder Woman Could Capitalize On Her Increased Prominence
Not only will Wonder Woman have a place in Rocksteady Studios' upcoming title, she’ll also be fronting a single-player game for the first time. Considering the character has been around for over 80 years, this feels like a long-time coming, especially considering the overabundance of male superhero games on the market. Not much is known aboutMonolith’sWonder Woman, but the developer has promised an original story using the fan-favorite Nemesis system from the studio’sMiddle-earthtitles.Wonder Womanhas lots of potential, especially in the hands of a developer that found a fresh take on theLord of the Ringsfranchise, so fans are impatient to see how Monolith imagines its own Wonder Woman story.
After the recent string of movies and her appearance in a few anticipated games, Wonder Woman is undoubtedly a hot property right now. With a growing number of releases shaking off her shackles, a female-fronted superhero game is more timely than ever. DC has a great character, and it could definitely be doing more to utilize her. Characters like Batman and Superman have had their time in the spotlight, and while their popularity remains, it feels rightto give Wonder Woman a shotas well.
