Can Wonder Woman Fly?

This might seem like an odd question to some. The short answer is that before 1985, no and she had to use a invisible plane to get around. After 1986, her character, among other DC characters, went through a transformational change to help establish continuity and ground rules. At this point she was given the ability to fly and began to be arguably comparable to Superman and his abilities. But how do we know Wonder Woman can fly? In the 2017 movie, for example, it appears that she cannot fly at all. So we need to dig a little deeper for the explanation.

In 1985, the DC universe went through a transformation with the story arc Crisis on Infinite Earths. It was a terrible story and hard to follow, but it had to be done. With all of the different dimensions and stuff with different variations, things had to be simplified. And one of those simplifications was to give her the ability to fly rather than have to rely on an airplane. You see, before the transformation in the story arc Wonder Woman would get around in an invisible plane with peculiar properties. But since things had changed and she was given the gift of flight, the invisible plane was something that began to be neglected.

For years, the Invisible Jet was Wonder Woman’s primary mode of transportation, a symbol of her unique blend of mythology and modernity. The Jet, true to its name, could turn completely invisible, allowing Wonder Woman to soar across the skies unnoticed by foes and allies alike. This feature made it an invaluable asset to her superhero duties, providing her with a stealth advantage.

The origins of the Jet have shifted through different narratives, reflecting its evolving role in her story. Initially, it appeared without much explanation, a mysterious piece of technology that simply existed. However, as the tales grew, so did the Jet’s backstory. In one version, the Greek Goddess Athena transforms a Pegasus into the Jet, blending myth with utility. In another, more personal twist, the Jet is linked to Steve Trevor, her historic love interest, crashing on Themyscira, intertwining with the very beginning of Wonder Woman’s journey.

Despite these rich and varied origins, the Jet’s prominence waned as Diana gained the ability to fly on her own. Yet, its legacy remains integral to her lore, a testament to her roots and the ongoing evolution of her story.

Origin of Wonder Woman’s Flying Ability

But how can Wonder Woman fly in the first place? The answer is in the first issue of Wonder Woman from 1987 (Affiliate Link). The Greek deities together created her out of clay and each one gave her a special attribute. Hermes, in particular, gave her the gift of flight. We can see her fly for the first time (since gaining her new abilities) in Wonder Woman issue 2. Hermes himself is present during the event.

Wonder Woman’s ability to soar through the skies often traces back to a crucial gift from her half-brother, Hermes. Known as the Sandals of Hermes, these artifacts are infused with mystical powers, allowing their wearer to achieve extraordinary feats of flight.

The Role of Hermes

Hermes, sometimes called Mercury in Greek mythology, is a complex figure. His motivations often revolve around his personal goals, which can lead to actions that benefit or betray others, even his half-sister, Diana, known to us as Wonder Woman. However, when Hermes chooses to aid her, he bestows these enchanted sandals upon her.

Flight Capabilities

The Sandals of Hermes come equipped with magical wings. These wings are not mere adornments; they propel Wonder Woman at mind-boggling speeds. With this advantage, she not only takes to the skies but does so at velocities comparable to the likes of The Flash and Superman. The sandals transform her into a dynamic force, capable of swiftly responding to threats and traversing vast distances in the blink of an eye.

In essence, the Sandals of Hermes are more than footwear—they are a gateway to the skies, empowering Wonder Woman with the gift of flight.

Wonder Woman’s Flight in Film

In the movie “Wonder Woman 1984”, Steve Trevor (played by Chris Pine) is instrumental in helping Diana acquire her flying powers. Diana and Steve fly a fighter jet to follow Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) as he heads towards Cairo, Egypt, where their paths finally meet. During their journey, Diana contemplates the lessons that Steve shared about flying: “It’s so easy, really. It’s wind and air and knowing how to ride it, how to catch it.” Abandoning the wish that she no longer had superpowers and out of her natural pace, Diana shot out with her Lasso of Truth. She used the lasso to catch a passing airliner, launching herself thousands of feet into the sky.

The pivotal moment comes after Maxwell Lord causes chaos across the globe by granting every person’s wish. This leaves Diana with a tough decision. Her wish to bring Steve back prevents her from using her full powers. Realizing she must renounce this wish to stop Lord, Diana makes the heart-wrenching choice to let go of Steve, allowing her to regain her strength.

Once she does, Diana discovers her true potential. She propels herself using the Lasso of Truth, swinging through the clouds with newfound freedom. Earlier in the film, there’s also a clever nod to the iconic Invisible Jet. When Diana and Steve steal a jet, she turns it translucent, evading unwanted attention and showcasing her growing mastery over her abilities.

This journey of reclaiming her power and learning to fly symbolizes Diana’s growth, both as a superhero and as an individual.

In “Wonder Woman 1984,” the iconic Invisible Jet makes an intriguing appearance, leaning on a modern twist rather than a straightforward depiction. The film cleverly references this legendary vehicle during a pivotal scene where Diana and Steve Trevor are involved in a high-stakes escape.

As they commandeer a jet, Diana reveals a lesser-known ability. To evade detection, she channels her powers to render the jet invisible. This transformation effectively disguises the aircraft, paying homage to the classic Invisible Jet from the comics. By making the jet translucent, the scene nods to the traditional lore while integrating it seamlessly into the storyline.

This moment not only serves as a nostalgic reference for long-time fans but also demonstrates Diana’s evolving powers and ingenuity. It’s a subtle yet satisfying acknowledgment of Wonder Woman’s iconic transport without it being overtly labeled as the “Invisible Jet.”

How Does Wonder Woman Fly?

Let us explore the phenomenon of Diana flying based on how kites navigate through space. Kite flying has been around for centuries, and people have always been fascinated by how a simple kite can soar so high up in the sky. One of the main factors that determine the flight of a kite is its aerodynamics.

There is a delicate and exquisite interaction between lift, drag, weight, and thrust, allowing kites to ascend into the sky. The forces are integrated with each other and will ensure that the kite stays in the air. The basic principles hold true whether it is an Airbus of colossal proportions or a lightweight kite.

The kite flies because there is an unequal air pressure on its upper and lower sides that results in lift. When the wind blows at the sail, it does not go straight but it goes around. In the meantime, there is more air moving downwards than upwards as long as the angle between the kite and the wind is correct. It works as a lift that can overcome gravity and cause the ascent of the kite.

In contrast, drag is produced when the air rubs against the kite in its flow. The turbulent wind blows around a kite and reduces lift while enhancing drag. However, the force of the kite line prevents it from moving backwards due to drag.

The act of flying a kite can be divided into different stages, as seen with rockets and airplanes. Wind speed also plays an important role in this process. On days with windy conditions, it is as simple as giving the line a pull and up goes the kite; on calm days, you might have to take a few steps backward so that the wind can do its job to get the kite airborne.

A bridle is equipment designed for the rider to exercise some control over the horse.

By attaching the bridle to the kite, it helps determine the best flight angles into the wind. If you change where the flying line connects on the tow point, then this will influence how the kite will be affected by different wind directions. When moved closer to its nose, low wind speeds are ideal and with its tail, higher speeds.

The wind window is important when flying kites that can be steered, such as dual-line or quad-line kites. While moving across the window, the angle at which your kite meets the wind will change, affecting your power and control. The movements of your kite within this ever-changing realm are directed by visual and physical cues.

Bear in mind that proper control of a kite’s flight is achieved through maintaining an equilibrium between the above-mentioned forces—an elegant coordination with nature similar to that displayed by Wonder Woman in her manipulation of air streams. On your next kite-flying session, pay attention to its aerodynamic grace, which is also based on the same fundamental laws that enable Diana Prince to soar through the sky.

In the New 52 continuity, Wonder Woman’s ability to fly receives a unique twist compared to previous versions. Unlike other storylines where her flight might rely on specific gear, such as her iconic boots or sandals, this reinterpretation introduces a more mystical approach. The Messenger God, Hermes, is the source of her flight power. However, this Hermes is portrayed with a more enigmatic and ambiguous character.

In this version, rather than providing her with enchanted footwear or physical accessories, Hermes transfers the ability through a simple yet magical act: he pricks Diana’s skin using one of his mystical feathers. This ritualistic gesture grants her the power to soar freely, granting her freedom to fly whenever and wherever she desires. This modification not only reduces her dependence on external tools but also deepens the mystical connection between Wonder Woman and the divine powers that aid her journey.