[EXCLUSIVE] Warriors and a Tween Wonder's Stephanie Williams on Her Eisner Nom, New Wonder Woman, and More!

One of the things I was most excited about when it came to starting both versions of my newsletter is always to highlight the great work of my incredible friends.

When you're being paid as a journalist that comes with disclosure and conflict of interest and integrity. Of course I want to bring all of that here too, which is why I'm disclosing that I fucking adore Stephanie Williams. We came up together as bloggers writing about the comics we love and now we get to write em.

So with that in mind here's a little Q&A I put together for my readers.

Stephanie recently became the first Black woman to be nominated in the lauded Best Writer category at the Eisners and we'll be having a deeper chat about that soon. But right now, we're celebrating the announcement of her new DC GO series Warriors and a Tween Wonder, continuing the delightful Warriors and a Wee Wonder, an adventurous and charming slice of life about Diana's earliest years.

First off, you just got nominated for an Eisner, becoming the first Black woman to ever be nominated in the Best Writer category. How are you feeling? 

Honestly, I feel amazing. I had to remind myself that the most radical thing a Black woman can do is not downplay her achievements. I wanted to be humble, but that wouldn’t be fair to me or those who supported me. Though I wasn’t seeking it, I’m honored by this recognition. I can’t claim it doesn’t matter—because it does. I know comics history, especially the Eisners, and being the first Black woman, Black person nominated since Dwayne McDuffie in 1995 is bittersweet. There are many talented Black comic writers, so I hope it won’t be another 31 years before this happens again.

 Your work on Warriors and a Wee Wonder has really let you expand and have fun in a new superhero space, when you were pitching Tween Wonder what were the biggest new things you wanted to a chance to do? 

Warriors and a Wee Wonder was a labor of love. My love for the Amazons is clear, so anytime I can write them, I dive in. Tween Wonder was the same. I wanted to explore the "big sister, little sister" bond between Diana and Nubia, with Circe joining to spark more character moments and for her to grow, too! Before, we focused on life above the island. Now, with Tween Wonder, we explore life below. Doom’s Doorway is vital to Paradise Island, and I want readers to understand its link to the Amazons. 

You're about to jump back on to the main Wonder Woman book for a couple of issues with Clayton Henry, how does it feel to get to tell these stories all over and around the DC Universe?  

It feels great! No chance is too big or small, and this one is huge. It’s the main stage, and I love adding to the Wonder Woman legacy. The story Clayton and I are telling is special to Diana and to us. I never thought I’d retell how one of comics’ greatest heroes became iconic, and I don’t take that lightly. 

What are you most excited for readers to experience when they check out Warriors and a Tween Wonder when it hits? 

I want readers to buckle up for a wild, exhilarating ride of chaos, surprises, and all the feels waiting for them. This is going to be the most unforgettable game show straight from hell, and I hope every twist leaves their hearts racing and wanting more WONDER WOMAN.

You can read more about all the rad new DC GO announcements at The Beat.