As the holidays arrive and the year comes to a close, we thought we’d take a look back at 2013 and commemorate some of the moments that really stood out in the world of DC Entertainment in a two-week DCComics.com series we’re calling “Ten Moments that Mattered.” Some of these moments were happy. Some were sad. They played out in the pages of our comics, on the big and small screen and in the halls of our office. However, all of them made a profound difference in the world of DC Comics and in the hearts and minds of our fans. 2013 was a big year for us, but even in a big year, not all moments are created equal. Here are ten that mattered…

Anyone who doesn’t think Wonder Woman would work on film need look no further than Antje Traue’s performance as Faora-Ul in Man of Steel.

While Faora’s ruthlessness and murderous nature have little in common with the better known Amazonian princess, she nonetheless shares many of Diana’s traits—strength, skill in combat, speed, respect for fellow warriors and most of all, the ability to go toe-to-toe with anyone who crosses her, regardless of their gender or superhuman abilities. It’s not a showy role by any stretch. It’s not over the top or humorous. Yet, Faora stays with you well after the credits role.

Much of this is due to Traue. As a relative unknown actress embodying a role that wasn’t promoted prior to the film’s release, audiences had no expectations regarding Faora one way or the other. Considering how much fan speculation there was about the rest of Man of Steel, Traue was in the perfect place to pleasantly surprise all of us with her Krytonian Sub-Commander.

However, Faora stands out for another reason as well—we haven’t seen a female character like this on screen before. Yes, we’ve seen female super heroes and villains, and many of them have been skilled fighters. Many of them have been strong, powerful characters. But none of them—at least in the age of modern special effects—have been the sort of physically strong, punch-you-through-a-brick-wall female characters that Traue embodies so perfectly in Man of Steel.

Much has been said about the possible reasons for this, but thanks to Faora and Traue, no one can claim that the idea of a woman being as strong as Superman wouldn’t work onscreen. Not anymore.

Faora may be a villain. But for fans who dream of seeing their favorite female heroes onscreen, she’s done a lot of good.

Be sure to check DCComics.com again tomorrow for another moment that mattered in 2013.