Marsha P Johnson, Janelle Monae and Beyoncé to become real-life superheroes in new Wonder Woman
Marsha P Johnson, Janelle Monae and Beyoncé (Kevin Winter/Getty)
A new Wonder Woman book will celebrate real Wonder Women of History including Marsha P Johnson, Janelle Monae and Beyoncé.
The new graphic novel, edited by writer Laurie Halse Anderson features essays on incredible, groundbreaking women who have made their mark on history.
Wonder Women of History features a chapter on trans activist Johnson, who was one of the leading figures in the Stonewall riots, written by Jadzia Axelrod with animations by Michaela Washington.
Mikki Kendall has penned an essay on Beyoncé, with A. D’Amico providing animations, while Monae’s chapter was written by Vita Ayala and drawn by O’Neill Jones.
Wonder Woman also features Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Tig Notaro.
The incredible book also features essays on other notable queer women, such as Tig Notaro and Edith Windsor, the lead plaintiff in the 2013 Supreme Court case that led to same-sex marriage becoming the law of the land.
Wonder Women of History will also include essays on notable queer allies, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Elizabeth Warren.
Speaking to Nerdist, Anderson said: “Wonder Woman has been an iconic figure for girls and women around the world for generations. She gave me the example of a woman who combined justice, compassion, athleticism, and power that I needed.
“When the good people at DC brought up the idea of an anthology of real-life Wonder Women to me, I was on board instantly.
“Our kids are hungry for examples of women and girls who have fought against oppressive systems to make the world a better place,” she added.
I hope it challenges them to keep fighting for a better world.
“The incredible writers and artists in this anthology have created a masterpiece filled with those examples.
“Our book will inspire and strengthen ever reader who picks it up.”
Marieke Nijkamp, who wrote an essay on disability rights activist Judith Heumann for the book, said she hopes the book challenges readers to ask questions about the world around them.
“I hope it challenges them to continue to demand access and inclusiveness for all, and I hope it challenges them to keep fighting for a better world,” Nijkamp said.
