Wonder Woman’s gold-plated eagle armor, as depicted in DC’s Kingdom Come storyline, stands out as one of Diana’s most iconic and distinctive looks in her comic history. This outfit left such a lasting impression that DC incorporated it into the live-action Wonder Woman 1984 movie. Now, the armor has been reimagined once again, this time in a rendition that is perfectly suited for cosplay.
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #23, by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, continues the five-part Heir to the Kingdom story arc, where the Caped Crusader and the Man of Steel find themselves thrust into the world of Kingdom Come, a fan-favorite Elseworlds. In this installment, the two heroes, alongside the alternate Earth’s Justice League, unite to stop Darkseid from obtaining the other half of the Anti-Life Equation.
Among the heroes rising to face Darkseid is Wonder Woman, donning her iconic golden-eagle armor first introduced in the original Kingdom Come storyline. However, Mora adds subtle tweaks to the costume, enhancing its appeal for cosplay enthusiasts.
Wonder Woman’s golden-eagle armor has garnered widespread recognition, particularly due to its appearance in Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 1984 film. However, the armor’s origins trace back to Mark Waid and Alex Ross’ four-part mini-series, Kingdom Come, published under DC’s Elseworlds imprint in 1996. In the original storyline, the armor is presented as a robust, heavy plate-based ensemble. Additionally, Diana’s attire featured an American flag draped around her neck like a bandanna, accompanied by a war ax and sword. Dan Mora’s rendition in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #23 deviates slightly from this classic design.
Mora’s rendition of the Kingdom Come armor takes on a more leather-based appearance, offering a flexibility that the original metal-based version lacks. This characteristic is especially advantageous for cosplayers, as it allows for easier replication, wear, and mobility over extended periods compared to heavier armor sets. The leather aesthetic also aligns well with Diana’s fighting style, providing the flexibility and range necessary for combat. Another notable change is the return to Diana’s typical skirt cut, lending the armor a more authentic “Wonder Woman feel.” Additionally, the muted colors of this armor contribute to a more realistic warrior appearance.
As previously mentioned, a notable change in Mora’s version compared to the original is the replacement of Diana’s American Flag neck bandana with a blue cloth adorned with white stars. This alteration subtly eliminates the American association from Wonder Woman’s Kingdom Come attire. This adjustment echoes Superman’s recent slogan change. For over 80 years, the Man of Steel’s motto was “Truth, Justice, and the American Way.” However, in October 2021, DC announced that Superman’s new slogan would be “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow.” It appears that DC is transitioning characters like Wonder Woman and Superman away from their American affiliation.
Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #23 is available now from DC Comics!