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Wonder Woman Unbound

The Curious History of the World's Most Famous Heroine

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Wonder Woman Unbound

By: Tim Hanley
Narrated by: Colby Elliott
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About this listen

This close look at Wonder Woman's history portrays a complicated heroine who is more than just a female Superman with a golden lasso and bullet-deflecting bracelets. The original Wonder Woman was ahead of her time, advocating female superiority and the benefits of matriarchy in the 1940s. At the same time, her creator filled the comics with titillating bondage imagery, and Wonder Woman was tied up as often as she saved the world.

In the 1950s, Wonder Woman begrudgingly continued her superheroic mission, wishing she could settle down with her boyfriend instead, all while continually hinting at hidden lesbian leanings. While other female characters stepped forward as women's lib took off in the late 1960s, Wonder Woman fell backward, losing her superpowers and flitting from man to man. Ms. magazine and Lynda Carter restored Wonder Woman's feminist strength in the 1970s, turning her into a powerful symbol as her checkered past was quickly forgotten. Exploring this lost history adds new dimensions to the world's most beloved female character, and Wonder Woman Unbound delves into her comic book and its spin-offs as well as the myriad motivations of her creators to showcase the peculiar journey that led to Wonder Woman's iconic status.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2014 Tim Hanley (P)2016 Last Word Audio, LLC
Art Fantasy Gender Studies Literary History & Criticism Social Sciences Fiction
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Critic reviews

"A lively and important examination of a key feminist icon." ( Booklist)
"There’s plenty here for Wonder Woman fans; Hanley writes with clarity and enthusiasm, and he’s got a fine eye for the goofy absurdities of comic-book narratives...." (Salon.com)
"Elliott's conversational style enlivens the many footnotes, popular objections to comic books, and anecdotes about the Senate hearings of the 1940s and '50s regarding whether or not comic books cause juvenile delinquency...Most enjoyable are Elliott's lively cartoon quotes and engaging female voices." (AudioFile)

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Great Hera, good book.

Very good for a first work, giving a comprehensive overview of the history of Wonder Woman.
The decision to include the parallel histories of other female comic book characters is an inspired touch, albeit one that veers into the territory of making the work seem unfocused on occasion.
Also, doesn't quite have the good humour and sparkle that make some similar works (namely The Caped Crusade and Superman: The Unauthorized Biography, both by Glen Weldon) truly shine.
Still, a very interesting read (listen).
Would be interested in a Second Edition taking into account Wonder Woman's greater prominence in the wake of her 2017 film.

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