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Wonder Women: On Peasants, Princesses, Warriors, and Generals

Published Sat, 10 Jun 2017 14:00:16 -0500

By Tyler Button

With the knockout success seen by Wonder Woman during its opening weekend, a statement has been made that the general public is craving stories with awesome female protagonists that lead the action and carry the narrative as opposed to merely being an accessory to glory. Wonder Woman's reception reflects an excessive thirst in a desert of films created by Hollywood, and thankfully it was wonderfully executed. But the desires for these stories exist beyond film, and the heroines also need to also exist outside of the fantastical world of fiction. There are many examples of strong females in history that have accomplished the near impossible. And people deserve to hear their stories.

The last couple of years have seen some great steps for women in film. We've seen ladies busting ghosts, our rescued Princess Leia became a General, and Diana Prince teamed up with Patty Jenkins to save the seemingly unsaveable DC cinematic universe. All of these female characters are vital in that their popularity will help shape views of women's dynamic roles in the world. Women are no longer the helpers and the rescued; they are doers, leaders, and rescuers in themselves. They are not in the story only as a sex symbol; they are here to save the world.

As the founder and lead writer for Tapestry Comics, a comic publishing house dedicated to the dynamic telling of history's greatest events, I want to anchor those very same sentiments in the real world using true, non-fictional stories. By focusing on real events in history, the lessons within the book can be seen as more than just an aspiration, but as empirically achievable. As a parent and former teacher, I want to help shape the worldview of my children and students alike. I want to teach them about Boudica, who led her Celtic horde against the Roman army killing tens of thousands almost forcing the empire to flee Britain altogether. I want to teach them about Hatshepsut, who helped build up the New Kingdom of the Egyptian empire. And I want them to know about Joan of Arc, the peasant girl who became the leader of the armies of France and ultimately the patron saint of her country.

Joan's story is a phenomenal one that gets little attention. And when it is portrayed in books or on screen, it often gets thrown into the realm of the fantastical. But the true events surrounding her life, trial, and eventual execution are just as exciting and unbelievable as any fictional tale. Joan was an illiterate peasant from the small town of Domremey, France. Despite her seriously insignificant social standing, she was able to talk her way into an audience with the man who would become King. Despite being a woman, she took command of the entirely male army of France. As only a teenager, this warrior led her army to multiple victories and ultimately saved her country. Along the way Joan faced adversity at every turn; naysayers ridiculed her, loved ones called her insane, and no man wanted to be led by a woman. But she overcame insurmountable tribulations and led her country to victory. However, she eventually paid the ultimate price for her extraordinary life.

Joan's story resonates with many women today making the lessons from her life timeless. But her story isn't that of some benign symbol that hid overlooking the violence that destroyed so many. She was not an accessory or a sexy sidekick. Joan was dynamic and heroic, charging at heavily armed fortresses armed only with her banner against arrows, bolts, and cannon. She faced an army whose only goal was to "Kill the harlot." Her tale contains scenes very reminiscent of Wonder Woman charging across No Man's Land, except they were done by true flesh and bone.

We need Wonder Woman; we need Leia; and we need Joan. We need the fantastic superheroes and leaders embodying the strength and bravery to which we want to aspire. We need the girl who existed in real life and achieved the downright miraculous to shows us that anything is truly possible in this world. I want my daughter to know the girls who changed history. I want my sons to see that women can successfully redirect the fiercest of tides and build the biggest of empires. The heroines of page and screen are important and larger than life, but it's those that lived, breathed, and bled whose amazing feats are more palpable to our senses and need to be renowned and remembered. I want everyone to see Joan for who she was. I want to tell you a story that will simultaneously teach you history, break your heart, and quench your thirst for something different. And it's going to be awesome.

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Tyler Button is the author and co-creator of A Flower in a Field of Lions: The Trials of Joan of Arc, which is running on Kickstarter from now until July 1st. To learn more or pledge to the project, visit: joanofarccomic.com

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