Wonder Woman Unbound

The Curious History of the World's Most Famous Heroine

By: Tim Hanley

Narrated by: Colby Elliott

Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2014 Tim Hanley (P)2016 Last Word Audio, LLC

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)

Missed Opportunity

Where to start?

There's some interesting stuff here - even for the casual fan. The history, the involvement of women in the writing, the ups and downs of this character are fascinating - a real study in the plight and position of women in our society since the 1930s.

But, oh, the narrator. Nice enough voice, but Mr. Elliott reads much to fast, and his delivery - well he just reads! Mostly, though, for me, this was a missed opportunity - the narrator should definitely have been a woman! Duh! There are many, many excellent female performers out there who could have given this work a much-needed extra oomph!

And footnotes? There's a PDF with this, for crying out loud! Why make listening that much more a chore by breaking up the narrative for footnotes!

Could have been a really good audio.

a master's thesis about Wonder Woman

I must have bought this on sale. I was looking for a book about the famously unusual creator of the original Wonder Woman. This isn't it.
I'm not particularly a comic book reader, and I now know a great deal more about Wonder Woman and the history of feminism -- or lack thereof -- in female superheroes than I actually wanted to know.

Good

Good book to read and inspiring one . Must needed book ... ..... .. ..

Disappointed not a female narrator

The narrative was well written, but either Audible or the publisher dropped the ball by not having this book narrated by a woman.

Interesting

I didn’t know much about the history of Wonder Woman as I only have vague memories of the TV series and the comics passed me by.

This book did a good job of filling in the blanks.

Very informative and interesting!

Tim Hanley does a great job making the history of Wonder Woman in relation to her writers a very interesting read. I’d love to see a second book with the analysis of the new Wonder Woman film that came out in 2017.

Enriched my view of Wonder Woman

I actually thought I knew something of Wonder Woman before reading this book, but this book was quite the eye opener and was presented in a clear timeline manner. Wonder Woman as a character is actually richer for me now, knowing this background. The narration was clear and well done. l don't regret taking the time to listen.

slightly outdated

the narrator did a fine job I just think it would've been better if a woman had read it. An interesting history unfortunately slightly outdated, as there have been Wonder Woman appearances and full movies dedicated to the character. She was the best character in Batman V Superman. The history lesson of Wonder Woman through the ages contained in this book is still informative although it feels somewhat rushed through in the Modern era.

Good to bind you over 'til your next blockbuster

What made the experience of listening to Wonder Woman Unbound the most enjoyable?

The author clearly has a deeply abiding love for this subject, and that's always worth a fair amount of goodwill. It's not a great book, but it's honest and it's more than a little interesting, regarding the origins and various iterations of Wonder Woman through time.
Not to mention the creator and his not so subtle representation of his particular special interests.

But I think for me, as nothing like a fan of comic books, the most enjoyable thing was wondering how comic book fans would react. On the one hand, the fantastical adventures and overtly feminist theme would be appealing to some. I kind of liked that aspect of it. But on the other, the typical male comic book fan would see the utter ridiculousness of the stories and situations, rail at the absurdity.... and only then be forced to look at themselves and see how silly the whole idea of comic books is.

Would you recommend Wonder Woman Unbound to your friends? Why or why not?

Comic book fans should be very interested in this book. I think I know a couple. I got it on a Daily Deal, so I can't complain. I doubt I would have used a full credit, though.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

He was true to the intent of the author, and conveyed it well. All that is asked.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had no idea of the depth and breadth of the comic book industry. And I had a begrudging respect, I'll admit a bit snobbishly, for how it was revered by the author, as would any collection of classic literature. I admire the unabashed love for the genre, and Wonder Woman in particular.

excellent book!

for anyone who loves Wonder Woman, This is a must-read! If you listen to it via Audible the narrator is phenomenal.