For at least the last several decades, nothing of significance in the DC Universe has happened without some influence from Wonder Woman — or at least, that’s what the powers-that-be at DC want the public to believe. As a member of the DC Trinity alongside Batman and Superman, Wonder Woman is undeniably a foundational pillar of the DC Universe, playing a crucial role in how it operates and achieves justice.

Wonder Woman's stature among DC heroes is unparalleled, stemming from her pivotal role in battling evil throughout the DC Universe's history, her impressive power level, and the significant influence, leadership, and respect she commands within the superhero community. Consequently, her voice is actively sought and rarely ignored, even when others may not entirely agree with her perspective.

Her inclusion in DC's Trinity underscores her indispensable presence in the DCU, implying that the universe would not be anything near the same without her. The problem is that while DC may have positioned Wonder Woman for a more prominent role as a leader of the superhero community, the publisher has woefully failed to create meaningful opportunities for her to demonstrate why she is the perfect choice for this position.

Despite Being a Member of DC's Big Three, Wonder Woman Remains on the Bench

Why Do Batman and Superman Get More Attention?

The idea of a trinity — three of the DC Universe’s most irresistible, immovable, and unstoppable forces forming a core unit—makes perfect sense for several reasons. In the comics, they embody the foundational hero archetypes that must be present for evil to be truly vanquished and justice to reign supreme. In that sense, no trio better represents the core ideals of superheroism than Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Given their massive appeal, positioning them as the foundation of the DCU makes them an obvious choice for marketing to the DC fanbase.

Wonder Woman has not been afforded as significant or action-packed a role as her male counterparts.

Since the Trinity became a staple of DC's narrative, especially following the 2008 release of Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza’s Trinity comic series, DC has shown little hesitation in focusing on and promoting the Batman and Superman pillars of the trio. Since the turn of the century, Batman alone has headlined or played a significant role in countless comic book series, both ongoing and limited. Additionally, he has starred in five live-action films and at least fifteen television or animated series.

Similarly, during the same time period, Superman has starred in numerous ongoing comics and miniseries, three live-action films, and ten TV or animated series. Conversely, Wonder Woman has appeared in more than six comic book series, but in many of those, she shared the byline. She's also starred in two live-action films, and less than five animated films. While Wonder Woman has not been entirely sidelined, it is clear that she has not been given the same level of prominence in the broader DC Universe as Batman and Superman. She has not been afforded as significant or action-packed a role as her male counterparts.

Wonder Women's Lack of Opportunities Belies Her History as One of DC's Greatest Heroes

First Appearance: "Introducing Wonder Woman" by William Marston and Harry G. Peter from 1941's All-Star Comics #8

While a lack of opportunities might be understandable for like Blue Beetle, Wonder Woman stands apart as both literally and figuratively a giant in the pantheon of DC superheroes. First and foremost, she’s been a hero since the days of Ancient Greece, fighting evil long before Batman and Superman were but mere babes in their cradles. Second, whether the threat is local, global, or beyond, Wonder Woman has no trouble confronting evil and injustice wherever it lurks. She's universal.

Despite often playing second fiddle to Superman and Batman, as of 2025 Wonder Woman is starring in two of the most critically-acclaimed ongoing titles published by DC Comics: Wonder Woman by Tom King and Daniel Sampere and Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman.

Wonder Woman has faced some of the most significant threats to the peace and harmony of the DC Universe, and she has succeeded many times when others have failed. For instance, in 2014's Superman / Wonder Woman #9 by Charles Soule and Tony S. Daniel, Wonder Woman holds her own against Doomsday, one of the DC Universe's most powerful villains. Similarly, in 2018's Wonder Woman #45 by James Robinson and Emanuela Lupacchino, Diana stands toe-to-toe with Darkseid and doesn't flinch. Perhaps most tellingly, Wonder Woman has confronted Ares, the God of War, several times and emerged as the last woman standing.

Wonder Women Deserves Better Treatment from DC Comics

More Starring Roles, More Cameos, More Hype!

These successes only prove that Wonder Woman is a central figure in the DC Universe whose talents are being wasted by keeping her “on the sidelines” without roles that highlight her impressive abilities, experience, and influence. DC has recognized her as one of the Trinity, which means she is a pillar of the superhero community - which is not wrong or a mistaken identification. Accordingly, DC should allow her to demonstrate her legendary status with starring - not secondary - roles that showcase her as a hero, just as they do with Batman and Superman.

Of course, there are numerous ways DC can elevate Wonder Woman's status — and any increase in her "screen time" within the DC Universe would be greatly appreciated. However, one approach that many fans believe would be a great start is giving Wonder Woman her own standalone animated series, which she has, surprisingly, never had since her debut in the 1940s. Such a move would undoubtedly signal that DC is serious about solidifying Wonder Woman as a true member of the Trinity.

The ongoing Wonder Woman series is available now from DC Comics.