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

by Valerie Estelle Frankel

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism

342 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2015

About the author

Valerie Estelle Frankel is the author of 88 books on pop culture, including Doctor Who - The What, Where, and How; The Villain's Journey, History, Pop Culture, and Hidden Meanings in Hamilton; and How Game of Thrones Will End. Many of her books focus on women’s roles in fiction, from her heroine’s journey guides From Girl to Goddess and Superheroines and the Epic Journey to books like Star Wars Meets the Eras of Feminism and Fourth Wave Feminism in Science Fiction and Fantasy. She's editing a series on Jewish Science Fiction for Rowman & Littlefield. Once a lecturer at San Jose State University, she now teaches at Mission College and is a frequent speaker at conferences. Come explore her research at www.vefrankel.com.

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating chronological history and cultural significance review of Wonder Woman. Very thought-provoking. Another fine piece by this author.