Amazons (comics)
Encyclopedia
The Amazons of DC Comics
are a fictional all-female society of superhuman
s, based on the Amazons
of Greek mythology
. There have been three major incarnations of these Amazons, one before the Crisis
, and two after. What two of these groups have in common is that they are the race which produced Wonder Woman
. The third group of Amazons call themselves Bana-Mighdallians.
were first created by William Moulton Marston
as part of the origin story of his creation, Wonder Woman. These Amazons were a race of immortal super-women that lived on the magical Paradise Island. Favored by Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, the Amazons thrived in peace for centuries, but remained aloof from the world of Man. The youngest and most powerful of the Amazons, Princess Diana, left her protective nation of sisterhood, renouncing her immortality to fight the forces of evil in Man's World as Wonder Woman
.
, the strongest man in the world, stung by the taunts that he could not conquer the Amazon women, selected his strongest and fiercest warriors and landed on the Amazons' shores.
The Amazons' queen, Hippolyte
, met Hercules to a personal combat, because she knew that with her magic girdle, given to her by Aphrodite
, Goddess of Love, she could not lose.
Hippolyte defeated Hercules, but with deceit and trickery, he managed to secure Hippolyta's magic girdle—and soon the Amazons were taken into slavery. Aphrodite, angry at Hippolyte for having succumbed to the wiles of men, would do nothing to help them.
Finally, the Amazons were no longer able to bear their submission to men, and Hippolyte appealed to the Goddess Aphrodite again. This time not in vain, for she relented, and with her help, Hippolyte secured the magic girdle from Hercules.
With the magic girdle in Hippolyte's possession, it did not take long for the Amazons to overcome their masters—and taking from them their entire fleet, they set sail for another shore, for it was Aphrodite's condition that they leave the world of man and establish a new world of their own. Aphrodite also decreed that they must always wear the heavy bracelets fashioned by their captors, as a reminder that they must always keep aloof from men.
by Athena
, Goddess of Wisdom. Through this device, Hippolyte was able to view events in Man's World from the present and past—and sometimes even forecast the future. With the visions of the future seen from the Magic Sphere, the Amazons were able to far surpass the inventions of man-made civilization. Not only were the Amazons stronger and wiser, but their weapons were more advanced, and their flying machines were faster.
in which all comics in the DC Universe
ceased to exist and re-started with all new origins. When this happened it was explained that the Amazons were created by the goddess Artemis from the souls of women who had died at the hands of men, and were given new and stronger bodies, made from clay transformed into flesh and blood. These Amazons, like the Pre-Crisis versions, escaped Heracles (the Greek name for Hercules) and his men to an isolated and magically protected island, this one called Themyscira
after the lost capitol city of the Amazons' former homeland. In this new land, they were granted eternal youth and beauty. Some Amazons chose to remain behind, however, and, lacking immortality, formed the hidden nation of Bana-Mighdall.
event, the Amazons are at war with the Atlanteans in Western Europe, after Hippolyta was killed by an Amazon disguiused as an Atlantean during a wedding between Diana and Aquaman
, causing Diana to become the Queen. They have taken over Britain
, killing 12 million in the process. Many female superbeings are shown to be in league with them. It is later rvealed the Ocean Master
and Diana's aunt were behind this.
is a quasi-mystical healing device used by the Amazons. In the Pre-Crisis
continuity, it was invented by Diana herself. It has also been used for other purposes, such as empowering Wonder Girl
, and as a weapon.
, the Amazons appeared in several episodes of Justice League
and Justice League Unlimited
. They were most prominently featured in the two-part Justice League episode "Fury", where a rogue Amazon named Aresia
attempted to unleash a plague that would kill all of the men on Earth. The Amazons also appeared in the Justice League episodes "Secret Origins" and "Paradise Lost", as well as the Justice League Unlimited episode "The Balance".
episode "Triumverate of Terror!", where a tournament was held on Paradise Island by Queen Hippolyta. The Joker
infiltrated the island by disguising himself as a woman, and won the tournament by using his trademark Smilex gas to poison all of the Amazons present in the arena.
, as well as Wonder Woman's in-game ending. In the game's storyline, they are shown defending Paradise Island after Shang Tsung
and his Tarkatan warriors invade it.
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
are a fictional all-female society of superhuman
Superhuman
Superhuman can mean an improved human, for example, by genetic modification, cybernetic implants, or as what humans might evolve into, in the near or distant future...
s, based on the Amazons
Amazons
The Amazons are a nation of all-female warriors in Greek mythology and Classical antiquity. Herodotus placed them in a region bordering Scythia in Sarmatia...
of Greek mythology
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece...
. There have been three major incarnations of these Amazons, one before the Crisis
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
, and two after. What two of these groups have in common is that they are the race which produced Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
. The third group of Amazons call themselves Bana-Mighdallians.
Origin
The Amazons of Paradise IslandThemyscira
Themyscira is a fictional island nation in the DC Comics universe that is the place of origin of Wonder Woman and her sister Amazons. Known as Paradise Island since Wonder Woman and the island's first appearance in All Star Comics #8 , it was renamed "Themyscira" with the character's February...
were first created by William Moulton Marston
William Moulton Marston
Dr. William Moulton Marston , also known by the pen name Charles Moulton, was an American psychologist, feminist theorist, inventor and comic book writer who created the character Wonder Woman...
as part of the origin story of his creation, Wonder Woman. These Amazons were a race of immortal super-women that lived on the magical Paradise Island. Favored by Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, the Amazons thrived in peace for centuries, but remained aloof from the world of Man. The youngest and most powerful of the Amazons, Princess Diana, left her protective nation of sisterhood, renouncing her immortality to fight the forces of evil in Man's World as Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
.
Pre-Crisis
In the days of Ancient Greece, many centuries ago, the Amazons were the foremost nation in the world. In Amazonia, women ruled and all was well. Then one day, HerculesHercules
Hercules is the Roman name for Greek demigod Heracles, son of Zeus , and the mortal Alcmene...
, the strongest man in the world, stung by the taunts that he could not conquer the Amazon women, selected his strongest and fiercest warriors and landed on the Amazons' shores.
The Amazons' queen, Hippolyte
Queen Hippolyta (comics)
Queen Hippolyta is a fictional character and DC Comics superhero, based on Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons in Greek mythology. She is also the mother of Wonder Woman and Donna Troy.-Golden and Silver Age versions:...
, met Hercules to a personal combat, because she knew that with her magic girdle, given to her by Aphrodite
Aphrodite
Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation.Her Roman equivalent is the goddess .Historically, her cult in Greece was imported from, or influenced by, the cult of Astarte in Phoenicia....
, Goddess of Love, she could not lose.
Hippolyte defeated Hercules, but with deceit and trickery, he managed to secure Hippolyta's magic girdle—and soon the Amazons were taken into slavery. Aphrodite, angry at Hippolyte for having succumbed to the wiles of men, would do nothing to help them.
Finally, the Amazons were no longer able to bear their submission to men, and Hippolyte appealed to the Goddess Aphrodite again. This time not in vain, for she relented, and with her help, Hippolyte secured the magic girdle from Hercules.
With the magic girdle in Hippolyte's possession, it did not take long for the Amazons to overcome their masters—and taking from them their entire fleet, they set sail for another shore, for it was Aphrodite's condition that they leave the world of man and establish a new world of their own. Aphrodite also decreed that they must always wear the heavy bracelets fashioned by their captors, as a reminder that they must always keep aloof from men.
Paradise Island
And so, after sailing the seas many days and many nights, the Amazons found Paradise Island and settled there to build a new world. With its fertile soil, its marvelous vegetation, and varied natural resources, there was no want, no illness, no hatreds, and no wars. And as long as the Amazons remained on Paradise Island and Hippolyte retained the magic girdle, they retained the power of eternal life—so long as they did not permit themselves to again be beguiled by men.The Magic Sphere
Just after the Amazons conquered the Herculeans and set sail for their island, they were given the Magic SphereCrystal ball
A crystal ball is a crystal or glass ball believed by some people to aid in the performance of clairvoyance. It is sometimes known as a shew stone...
by Athena
Athena
In Greek mythology, Athena, Athenê, or Athene , also referred to as Pallas Athena/Athene , is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, warfare, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, justice, and skill. Minerva, Athena's Roman incarnation, embodies similar attributes. Athena is...
, Goddess of Wisdom. Through this device, Hippolyte was able to view events in Man's World from the present and past—and sometimes even forecast the future. With the visions of the future seen from the Magic Sphere, the Amazons were able to far surpass the inventions of man-made civilization. Not only were the Amazons stronger and wiser, but their weapons were more advanced, and their flying machines were faster.
Post-Crisis
In the mid-1980s a storyline took place called Crisis on Infinite EarthsCrisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
in which all comics in the DC Universe
DC Universe
The DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
ceased to exist and re-started with all new origins. When this happened it was explained that the Amazons were created by the goddess Artemis from the souls of women who had died at the hands of men, and were given new and stronger bodies, made from clay transformed into flesh and blood. These Amazons, like the Pre-Crisis versions, escaped Heracles (the Greek name for Hercules) and his men to an isolated and magically protected island, this one called Themyscira
Themyscira
Themyscira is a fictional island nation in the DC Comics universe that is the place of origin of Wonder Woman and her sister Amazons. Known as Paradise Island since Wonder Woman and the island's first appearance in All Star Comics #8 , it was renamed "Themyscira" with the character's February...
after the lost capitol city of the Amazons' former homeland. In this new land, they were granted eternal youth and beauty. Some Amazons chose to remain behind, however, and, lacking immortality, formed the hidden nation of Bana-Mighdall.
Infinite Crisis
Due to the perceived failure of Wonder Woman's mission in man's world, Paradise Island and the Amazons are removed from the earth realm by the Athenian Gods.Flashpoint
In the reality-changing FlashpointFlashpoint (comics)
Flashpoint is an American comic book crossover story arc published by DC Comics. Consisting of an eponymous core limited series and a number of tie-in titles, the storyline premiered in May 2011...
event, the Amazons are at war with the Atlanteans in Western Europe, after Hippolyta was killed by an Amazon disguiused as an Atlantean during a wedding between Diana and Aquaman
Aquaman
Aquaman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 . Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo title...
, causing Diana to become the Queen. They have taken over Britain
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, killing 12 million in the process. Many female superbeings are shown to be in league with them. It is later rvealed the Ocean Master
Ocean Master
The Ocean Master is a fictional supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Aquaman #29 , and was created by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy.-Pre-Crisis:...
and Diana's aunt were behind this.
Purple Ray
The Purple RayPurple Ray
The Purple Ray is a fictional healing device featured in the Wonder Woman comics.-Pre-Crisis:Prior to the comic book storyline Crisis on Infinite Earths, Diana invented the Purple Ray in order to heal Steve Trevor from injuries he sustained when his plane was shot down and he was left adrift in the...
is a quasi-mystical healing device used by the Amazons. In the Pre-Crisis
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
continuity, it was invented by Diana herself. It has also been used for other purposes, such as empowering Wonder Girl
Donna Troy
Donna Troy is a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics. She first appeared in The Brave and the Bold vol. 1 #60 , and was created by Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani...
, and as a weapon.
Pre-Crisis
- Antiope (plotter of coup d'état, Wonder Woman #328) Queen Hippolyta's sister
- Artemis, the first Wonder Woman (Wonder Woman #301)
- Atalanta, queen of the lost Amazon River tribe
- Athleta
- Princess DianaWonder WomanWonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
- Princess DonnaDonna TroyDonna Troy is a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics. She first appeared in The Brave and the Bold vol. 1 #60 , and was created by Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani...
- Fatsis (Wonder Woman #1)
- MalaMala (Amazon)Mala is the name of two fictional characters who first appeared in the DC Comics' universe as two members of Wonder Woman's fellow Amazons.-Golden/Silver age:...
- NubiaNu'BiaNubia is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics. The original Nubia was created by Robert Kanigher and Don Heck, she debuted in Wonder Woman #204, . The modern character named Nu'Bia was created by Doselle Young and Brian Denham, she debuted in Wonder Woman Annual...
- Orana
- PaulaBaroness Paula Von GuntherThe Baroness Paula von Gunther is a fictional character, a DC Comics villain that battled Wonder Woman as her first recurring arch-nemesis and, eventually, her closest ally.Baroness Paula von Gunther originally debuted in Sensation Comics #4....
- Penthesilea, first queen on Earth-One
- Sofia ConstantinasSofia ConstantinasSofia Constantinas was a character who appeared in the pre-Crisis adventures of Wonder Woman as a reformed Greek terrorist who moved to Paradise Island for Amazon training, where she learned the secrets of Wonder Woman's missing memories.-Character history:...
- Queen Hippolyta
Post-Crisis
- Aella, falconer and royal guardswoman
- Artemis of Bana-MighdallArtemis of Bana-MighdallArtemis of Bana-Mighdall is a fictional Amazon superheroine, a comic book character published by DC Comics. She debuted in Wonder Woman Artemis of Bana-Mighdall is a fictional Amazon superheroine, a comic book character published by DC Comics. She debuted in Wonder Woman Artemis of Bana-Mighdall is...
- Clio, scribe
- Cassandra Sandsmark
- Epione, chief healer
- Euboea, champion swimmer and friend of Diana
- Grace Choi
- Hellene
- Io - Amazon weapons-mistress
- Ipthime, sculptor and architect
- Mala, childhood friend of Diana
- Melia
- Menalippe, oracle
- Mercy GravesMercy GravesMercedes "Mercy" Graves is a fictional supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. She debuted on Superman: The Animated Series as the bodyguard/personal assistant of Superman's archenemy, Lex Luthor...
- Mnenosyne, historian
- Nu'BiaNu'BiaNubia is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics. The original Nubia was created by Robert Kanigher and Don Heck, she debuted in Wonder Woman #204, . The modern character named Nu'Bia was created by Doselle Young and Brian Denham, she debuted in Wonder Woman Annual...
- Orithia
- Pallas, blacksmith
- Penelope, archivist
- PhilippusPhilippusPhilippus is a fictional character owned by DC Comics. She made her first appearance in February 1987 as an Amazon character in the Wonder Woman comic book...
, army general and later chancellor - Polycasta
- Pythia, spiritual mentor to Julia KapatelisJulia KapatelisJulia Deneiros Kapatelis is a DC Comics fictional character created by writer/artist George Pérez for the Wonder Woman comic book series.-Childhood:...
- Tender Mercy, supervillain and partner of Doctor ImpossibleDoctor ImpossibleFor the Doctor Impossible created by Austin Grossman, see Soon I Will Be Invincible.Doctor Impossible is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain that first appeared in Justice League of America, vol. 2 #1...
- Timandra, historian
- Venelia
- Princess DianaWonder WomanWonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
- Princess DonnaDonna TroyDonna Troy is a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics. She first appeared in The Brave and the Bold vol. 1 #60 , and was created by Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani...
- Queen Hippolyta
DC Animated Universe
In the DC Animated UniverseDC animated universe
The DC Animated Universe is a fan term that refers to a series of popular animated television series and related spin-offs produced by Warner Bros. Animation which share the same continuity. Most of these series are adapted from DC Comics properties...
, the Amazons appeared in several episodes of Justice League
Justice League (TV series)
Justice League is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics...
and Justice League Unlimited
Justice League Unlimited
Justice League Unlimited is an American animated television series that was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on Cartoon Network. Featuring a wide array of superheroes from the DC Comics universe, and specifically based on the Justice League superhero team, it is a direct sequel to the...
. They were most prominently featured in the two-part Justice League episode "Fury", where a rogue Amazon named Aresia
Fury (DC Comics)
Fury is the codename shared by three DC Comics superheroes, two of whom are mother and daughter, both of whom directly connected with the Furies of mythology, and the third who is an altogether different character.-Pre-Crisis:...
attempted to unleash a plague that would kill all of the men on Earth. The Amazons also appeared in the Justice League episodes "Secret Origins" and "Paradise Lost", as well as the Justice League Unlimited episode "The Balance".
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
The Amazons briefly appeared in the Batman: The Brave and the BoldBatman: The Brave and the Bold
Batman: The Brave and the Bold is an American animated television series based in part on the DC Comics series The Brave and the Bold which features two or more super heroes coming together to solve a crime or foil a super villain...
episode "Triumverate of Terror!", where a tournament was held on Paradise Island by Queen Hippolyta. The Joker
Joker (comics)
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
infiltrated the island by disguising himself as a woman, and won the tournament by using his trademark Smilex gas to poison all of the Amazons present in the arena.
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
The Amazons appear in several cutscenes in Mortal Kombat vs. DC UniverseMortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is a crossover fighting game from Midway Games and Warner Bros. Games. The eighth game in the Mortal Kombat series, MK vs. DC was released on November 16, . MK vs. DC contains characters from both the Mortal Kombat franchise and the DC Universe...
, as well as Wonder Woman's in-game ending. In the game's storyline, they are shown defending Paradise Island after Shang Tsung
Shang Tsung
Shang Tsung is a boss and player character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. A powerful and deadly sorcerer and a primary antagonist in the Mortal Kombat series, Shang Tsung is a shapeshifter who absorbs the souls of those he slays in order to maintain his youth and power...
and his Tarkatan warriors invade it.
External links
- Amazons - DC Database - a Wikia wiki
- Carol A. Strickland's Amazon Indices - A list of post-Crisis Amazons (work in progress)
- Lorendiac's Lists: Long-Lost Amazon Tribes