Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are an iconic trio of Justice League heroes that have led their universe to victory more times than fans can count, yet their popular joint title as DC Comics’ “Trinity” hasn’t been a part of comic book lore for as long as fans might think!
Individually, the dark guardian of Gotham City, the shining hope of Metropolis, and the legendary protector of Themyscira are all efficient and effective heroes that defend their respective corners of the DC Universe in their own unique ways. Known as the “Big Three,” or more often referred to as DC’s “Trinity,” fans might think that Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman have always been portrayed as the three main pillars of a universe that’s been around for over 80 years, when in fact, the concept of them as a holy comic book trinity is a somewhat new addition to DC lore, only significantly being used in comics during the past two decades!
Batman, Superman & Wonder Woman's Bond Is a Retcon
A fact clarified in a DC Comics official blog, "Celebrating 100 Sessions of ASK...THE QUESTION,” one user wonders, “How did the term “DC Trinity” come about?” Responding with, "For the vast majority of DC history, these three standard-bearing heroes would never cross paths in a group without the rest of the Justice League of America to provide a buffer,” writer Alex Jaffe goes on to explain that the first time these three worked together as a team outside of Justice League shenanigans was in 1985’s Superman Annual #11 — written by Alan Moore — a narrative seed that laid dormant until 1998’s “Trinity ’98” arc in Wonder Woman #140-141 where the trio fought together once again against Diana’s invisible jet of all things. The three received their own series titled Trinity in 2003 where a revamped origin tied Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman together more closely than ever before, and after the events of Infinite Crisis and 52, the concept of the Trinity having a special bond was retconned as something that had always been the case.
The Trinity Have Only Really Existed Since the 2000s
Three of the earliest superheroes to premiere in comics, the idea that Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman only rarely came together for what was essentially a joint work shift is a strange fact that almost feels wrong considering how front and center these heroes have been in the public eye for these past couple decades, showing just how perfect this trifecta turning into a superhero trinity truly was. Now, the idea of this Trinity is so core to DC lore it feels like it's been around since the start, with Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman remaining “united in their respected position as the most essential figures in DC iconography” in some form or another not only in comics, but DCEU/DCU movies, animated films, video games, and more, solidifying them as guiding forces in a superhero community that needs them more often than not.
Having no special connection outside the Justice League’s latest mission might seem like blasphemy compared to today’s depiction of these iconic heroes, but once the Trinity change was made, it immediately felt like the right choice. Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are perfect as DC Comics’ Trinity, and regardless of when that fact became official, they always have been.
Source: dc.com