Orana (comics)

Orana
Orana's debut appearance in Wonder Woman #250 (December 1978). Art by Rich Buckler.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceWonder Woman #250 (December 1978)
Created byJack C. Harris
In-story information
Alter egoOrana
Team affiliationsAmazon
Notable aliasesWonder Woman; The New Wonder Woman
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength and durability
  • Skilled hand-to-hand combatant
  • Gliding
  • Wields the Lasso of Truth and Amazonian bracelets

Orana is a fictional character who appears in comics produced by DC Comics. Orana is a red-haired Amazon who challenges and defeats Princess Diana for the title of Wonder Woman in WW issue #250 (December 1978). Orana adopts the self-imposed title as the "New Wonder Woman" and departs Paradise Island for New York City.[1] She is killed in action shortly into her reign and allows Diana to reclaim the role as Wonder Woman.

Orana's appearance, mannerisms and storyline served as the inspiration for a future red-haired Wonder Woman, Artemis.[citation needed]

Fictional character biography

Original prototype character

In Wonder Woman #98 (May 1958), which is a retelling of Wonder Woman's origin, a red-haired Amazon named Orana asks Queen Hippolyta if the queen will be fair during the judging of the tournament to determine who will become Wonder Woman. This Orana, however, displays none of the tendencies of the character that appears in Wonder Woman #250–254.

Primary character

"Tournament" – Wonder Woman #250 (1978)

Orana is an Amazon who took the title of Wonder Woman after defeating Diana in a four-day tournament. In defiance of Paradise Island's laws, Diana vows to follow Orana to the outside world, even if it means angering the gods.

"The Name Is Wonder Woman" – Wonder Woman #251 (1979)

Orana, now calling herself the "new Wonder Woman", departs for New York City, aspiring to become an even greater heroine than Diana. However, her temper and inexperience in the ways of the outside world derail her efforts. While battling the terrorist Warhead, Orana is shot and killed by him and subsequently buried on Paradise Island.

Powers and abilities

Similar to other Amazons, Orana possesses superhuman physical abilities and eternal youth as long as she remains on Paradise Island. She is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant and wields the Lasso of Truth and Amazonian bracelets.

In other media

Orana appears in Wonder Woman (2017), portrayed by Mayling Ng.[2]

References

  1. ^ Jimenez, Phil; Wells, John (2010). The Essential Wonder Woman Encyclopedia. Del Rey. pp. 312–313. ISBN 978-0345501073.
  2. ^ "Mayling Ng Confirms Her Role as Orana in Wonder Woman – DC Comics Movies - DCComicsMovie.com". 8 May 2016.