Wonder Woman is one of the most enduring and popular female superheroes in DC Comics and the DC Extended Universe. Created by American writer and psychologist, William Moulton Marston and artist Harry G. Peter, Wonder Woman first appeared in All Star Comics #8 in 1941. Since then, she's appeared in DC Comics almost continuously, save for a short break in 1986.
It's no secret that Marvel Comics and DC were rivals, with tumultuous publishing histories that date back to the Golden Age. At one point, Jack Kirby defected from Marvel to join DC, which caused a few problems for the comic book giant. Due to rivalry or pure inspirations, there are several Marvel heroes who are undeniably similar to Wonder Woman.
Updated on October 8, 2022 by Cole Kennedy: Is Wonder Woman Marvel? No, but she is the most iconic female superhero of all time and deserves a spot on the Mount Rushmore of legendary DC heroes. Wonder Woman is an incredibly influential character. With every new comic era, writers and artists strengthened her character and backstory, cementing her as one of the all-time comic book greats. Of course Marvel and other publishers took note and tried to emulate Wonder Woman's characteristics in hopes of mimicking her success.
6 Princess Zarda A.K.A. The Power Princess Is A Carbon Copy Of Wonder Woman
First Appearance: Defenders #112 (1982) By J.M. DeMatteis, Don Perlin, Mike Gustovich & George Roussos
Zarda, The Power Princess's first iteration was in Squadron Supreme (similar to the Justice League), and the similarities to Wonder Woman are numerous. Firstly, Zarda lived on a small utopian island, derivatively called "Utopia Island." Untouched by outsiders and considered a Homo Sapien experiment conducted by the Kree, the inhabitants knew nothing of the real world.
However, when the atom bomb was created and the leaders decided the Earth was no longer safe, they built a starship and set off for pastures new. Zarda stayed behind as an emissary and joined the Squadron Supreme. Instead of saving and falling in love with a pilot, she saved and fell in love with a sailor – and instead of using cufflinks and a lasso, she used a shield that redirected energy and sliced through metal when thrown like a discus. Like Wonder Woman, she possessed super agility, strength, durability, and flight.
5 America Chavez Is The Teenage Version of Wonder Woman
First Appearance: Vengeance #1 (2011) By Joe Casey, Nick Dragotta & Brad Simpson
America Chavez is another superhero who grew up in an idyllic location with strong parental influences. Raised in an alternate reality called the "Utopian Parallel," she lived a life without complications until a series of black holes threatened to destroy her home. Her mothers sacrificed themselves to save it and seal the holes, and in doing so, scattered their particles across the multiverse.
After this event, Chavez ran away from her home and responsibilities to act as a covert hero just like Wonder Woman. At first, she does this across multiple realities. However, she eventually ends up on Earth and finds her place with the A-Force and then the Ultimates. Chavez's powers include super-strength, durability, and flight. She can also open star-shaped holes in reality and exceed the speed of light.
4 Miss America Was One Of The First Female Superheroes
First Appearance: Marvel Mystery Comics #49 (1943) By Otto Binder & Alfred Gabriele
Madeline Joyce debuted in the Golden Age of comics and shared several similarities with Wonder Woman. Firstly, she was created to appeal to a female audience, making her and Wonder Woman two of the only female superheroes in the 1940s.
Secondly, she was super strong, fast, and could fly. Alongside her lover, The Whizzer, Madeline fought against the Nazis in World War II. Wonder Woman also fought alongside her lover, Steve Trevor, in World War II, making both Madeline and Diana war heroes. Whereas Wonder Woman maintained relevance through subsequent comic eras, the Golden Age Miss America fell into obscurity.
3 Thundra Is The Alternative Version Of Wonder Woman
First Appearance: Fantastic Four #129 (1972) By Roy Thomas, John Buscema & Joe Sinnott
Thundra is an Amazonian-type warrior from an alternate timeline that subjugated men for making 95% of their female population infertile. Created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, Tundra first appeared in Fantastic Four #129.
The similarities don't stop at "matriarchal patronage." Thundra is a Femizon from Femizonia (instead of an Amazon from Themyscira) with incredible superhuman strength, resistance to injury, speed, agility, and stamina. Instead of a Lasso of Truth, Thundra prefers using a three-foot chain to subjugate her enemies. Thundra takes on a tougher, more aggressive image, often resembling the vicious Female Furies found on Apokolips rather than the hopeful nature that Diana often presents.
2 Jane Foster's Thor Shares Various Traits With Wonder Woman
First Appearance (As Thor): Thor: God Of Thunder #25 (2014) By Jason Aaron, Esad Ribic, RM Guera & Simon Bisley
Whether human, Thor, or Valkyrie, Jane Foster has always shown heroic qualities. She represented Midgard in The Congress of Worlds on Asgard the same way Wonder Woman represented the Amazon Council, and she has always acted selflessly and kindly despite the consequences. While Jane underwent treatment for breast cancer, Thor lost his claim to Mjolnir, which stayed on the moon until Jane gave into its telepathic pleas for attention. After picking the hammer up, she became the new Thor.
By the end of "The War of the Realms," Jane is transformed into a Valkyrie through the spirit of Brunnhilde. She wears a vambrace similar to Wonder Woman's Bracelets of Submission, which allows her to change her weapon at will. As a Valkyrie, Jane's powers of superhuman strength, speed, vision, and flight all match Wonder Woman's abilities.
1 Okoye Is A Powerful Warrior From An Isolated Part Of The World
First Appearance: Black Panther Vol. 3 #1 (1998) By Christopher Priest, Mark Texeira & Brian Haberlin
Okoye leads the Dora Milaje, which consists of an elite female group of warriors similar to the Amazonians. Wakanda isn't exactly the same as Themyscira, but they're both in remote locations and relatively unknown to the outside world, which makes them comparatively similar.
Okoye is a master martial artist and tactician. Imbued with the Chi Dragon Empowerment, she's a fearless warrior who's fiercely loyal to T'Challa, a.k.a. Black Panther. As the director of the Agents of Wakanda, Okoye is steadfast and strong. Okoye deserves a spot on more Marvel super teams. Wonder Woman brings her skills as a warrior and leader to the Justice League, and Okoye could bring those same qualities to groups like the Avengers or Defenders.