Wonder Woman Art Proves Yet Again That She's DC's Darkest Hero
Warning! Spoilers for Wonder Woman: Evolution #7
Although Batman might be labeled as DC Comics’ darkest hero, a new cover proves that Wonder Woman deserves the title. Unlike the Dark Knight, Diana is willing to kill when necessary.
Throughout her characterization, Wonder Woman has been one of the kindest DC superheroes, alongside Superman. Diana has gone out of her way to interact with young fans, recognizing the importance of inspiring the next generation. However, she also has a dark side to her war on crime. The variant cover released for Wonder Woman: Evolution #7 reminds fans that Diana isn’t always a child-friendly superhero.
While Wonder Woman’s code of ethics is comparable to Batman or Superman, there is one crucial factor that separates her in the DC Trinity: Diana is willing to kill for justice. On artist Gary Frank’s cover, he portrays Wonder Woman after she has slain Medusa. The beheaded body lays on the ground behind her, as Diana holds the monstrous figure’s head, grasping the snakes protruding from her scalp. Wonder Woman: Evolution has showcased Diana’s brutal fighting style, representing her upbringing as a warrior. As she proves herself to the gods while on trial, she demonstrates the full extent of her abilities. With humanity at stake, she isn’t pulling any punches. However, in the midst of her fight, it’s revealed that she might be the gravest threat to mankind. Wonder Woman: Evolution #7 releases on Tuesday, May 17.
As an Amazon warrior, Diana’s outlook on war is understandable. Although Superman has made it a rule based on his Smallville upbringing to never take a life, Wonder Woman was taught differently on Themyscira. Similar to Superman, Batman understands that if he takes a life, he won’t be any better than the criminals he fights. However, Diana is detached to the monsters and criminals who she slays with her sword. Since she views her crusade as a war between right and wrong, she has no problem bringing a definitive end to someone like Medusa.
When Wonder Woman killed Maxwell Lord, it similarly reminded readers that she’s willing to go beyond the boundary that other DC superheroes set for themselves. Since she considers it a consequential act of judgment, she doesn’t feel the remorse that her fellow human Justice League members would feel. Diana’s moral clarity makes her distinct from regular antiheroes, as she doesn’t act out of vengeance. Instead, Wonder Woman is fighting with all of mankind in mind.