Fascinating first Wonder Woman sketch shows her origin story
An original first sketch of Wonder Woman that was slapped out in hurry, but gives a peek at the very early genesis of the character.
A remarkable piece of superhero history is available to view online. The very first sketches of Wonder Woman, the Amazonian warrior princess who battles on the side of good, came from the estate of comic book illustrator H.G. Peter. The artwork dates to 1941. Wonder Woman made her first appearance in a comic book in December of that year.
William Moulston Marston, a psychologist and writer, invented Wonder Woman, but it was Peter who created the first visual plan for the enduring character. The sketch is listed on ComicLink, a marketplace for vintage comics and rare comic art.
The drawings alone are impressive to behold, showing the very genesis of Wonder Woman's iconic look. What's even more intriguing are the notes written about the images.
Peter writes:
Dear Dr. Marston, I slapped these two out in a hurry. The eagle is tough to handle - when in perspective or in profile, he doesn't show up clearly -- the shoes look like a stenographer's. I think the idea might be incorporated as a sort of Roman contraption. Peter
Marston writes this response:
Dear Pete - I think the gal with hand up is very cute. I like her skirt, legs, hair. Bracelets okay + boots. These probably will work out. See other suggestions enclosed. No on these + stripes - red + white. With eagle's wings above or below breasts as per enclosed? Leave it to you. Don't we have to put a red stripe around her waist as belt? I thought Gaines wanted it - don't remember. Circlet will have to go higher - more like crown - see suggestions enclosed. See you Wednesday morning - WMM
All of the distinctive features of Wonder Woman's outfit are present in the original drawings. There's the red corset-style top; blue bottoms with white stars; crown-like tiara; and wide cuffs at her wrists. Some changes did take place with her outfit. By the time the All Star Comics No. 8 comic book came out in late 1941, she no longer sported a bare midriff.
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Wonder Woman is now set for a modern film revival as actress Gal Gadot steps into the role for an appearance in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," due out in 2016. She has also signed on for a series of standalone Wonder Woman films. Gadot's strappy-looking costume is a far cry from Marston and Peter's original vision, but it's still a testament to the strength and popularity of the character all these decades later.
Correction, Thursday at 8 p.m. PT: ComicLink updated the sale listing to note that this sketch was sold in 2006 for $75,000. The article has been updated to reflect that the drawing is not available for sale.
(Via Neatorama)