The First Female Writer of Wonder Woman: A Tribute to Joye Hummel Murchison Kelly
At the age of 94, Joye Hummel Murchison Kelly’s pivotal role as the first female writer for the iconic Wonder Woman comics was celebrated at the 2018 Comic-Con International held in San Diego. Embracing the pseudonym ‘Charles Moulton’, she crafted numerous tales of the legendary female superhero throughout the 1940s. Nevertheless, the awareness and recognition came decades late since her invaluable contributions were almost lost in the annals of time and forgotten– until the unveiling of ‘The Secret History of Wonder Woman’ by Jill Lepore in 2014.
Casting Light on a Forgotten Legacy
The extensive exploration into the backstory of Wonder Woman carried out by Lepore in her book brought to light Kelly’s influence on the character’s development. Kelly’s role in shaping the iconic character was acknowledged, and it became evident that her work established her as a pioneering female voice in a predominantly male-dominated industry.
After making significant contributions to the comic book world in the post-World War II era, Kelly bid adieu to the comic book industry, opting to focus on her family and subsequently making a shift in her career to be a stockbroker.
Celebrating a Culture Icon
Her return to the public eye coincided with the ‘Wonder Woman’ movie gaining momentum and transforming into a cultural tour de force. This led to her being recognised at the prestigious Comic-Con event where she was honoured with the Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing. The accolade not only marked a celebratory moment for Kelly’s distinguished work, but also acknowledged her influence on the development of one of the most recognised superheroines in the comic world.
The event was a significant milestone as it offered a platform for Kelly to interact with her fans and receive a warm and overwhelming reception from the audience. Moreover, the acknowledgment of her work at such a grand scale further cemented the enduring legacy of her contributions to the comic book industry and highlighted the indomitable spirit of the first woman to write stories for the emblematic Wonder Woman.
The End of an Era
Joye Hummel Murchison Kelly passed away in April at the age of 97. However, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of female comic book writers. Her life and career stand testament to her courage and creativity, highlighting a remarkable journey from being a part of the comic book industry to eventually receiving recognition for her inestimable contributions to one of the most iconic and inspiring comic book characters in history.
