WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for WONDER WOMAN #19!
DC Comics enthusiasts experienced a whirlwind of emotions this week following the release of Tom King’s latest issue of Wonder Woman. The arrival of issue #19 not only sets the stage for a dramatic new conflict within the DC Universe but also hints at the tragic fate of several A-list heroes, including Diana Prince herself. With these shocking developments, fans are left pondering the ramifications of these revelations. What does this mean for the future of their beloved characters?
Collaboratively crafted by Tom King, Daniel Sampere, and Tomeu Morey, Wonder Woman #19 arguably delivers one of the most astonishing narratives to date—a considerable feat, given that King previously shocked readers by killing off Steve Trevor in issue #14. The latest installment alternates between the current timeline and a future set 18 years ahead, presenting a dramatic contrast.
In the present day, Diana secures a vital victory over the Sovereign, while the future narrative follows her daughter, Lizzie, as she confronts the imprisoned Sovereign amid the unfolding “Wonder War.”The most shocking plot points emerge from the future timeline, showcasing the deaths of Wonder Woman and the three Wonder Girls: Donna Troy, Cassie Sandsmark, and Yara Flor.
Unveiling Wonder Woman’s Fate
Cover B: Jenny Frison Variant for Wonder Woman #15 (2017)
Wonder Woman’s demise is revealed in a breathtaking full-page illustration, depicting her severely injured and lifeless on the sands of Themyscira, a dagger cruelly lodged in her chest. Surrounding her are the bodies of fallen Amazons, including Cassie, Yara, and Donna. Intriguingly, the events leading to this devastation remain concealed, only revealing the aftermath. Insights from Lizzie’s dialogue with the Sovereign indicate that she is the last of her kind, underscoring a catastrophic loss for the Amazons.
Dubbed the “Wonder War,” this overarching conflict is said to be ongoing, a perplexing situation given that Diana and the Amazons appear to have perished. It is revealed that Lyssa, a half-Amazon and the daughter of Emilie—introduced earlier in the series—is the main antagonist of this conflict. In the present timeline, Emilie is depicted in labor with Lyssa, ominously stating that her child is cursed. Although King remains vague about the curse’s specifics, it is evident that it plays a pivotal role in shaping Lyssa into an adversary of the Amazons, possibly including the role of Wonder Woman’s killer.
Adding another layer to the mystery, the Sovereign hints at orchestrating the Wonder War, motivated by a vendetta against the Amazons, stemming from an incident two decades prior where Diana forced him to carve the word “liar” into his own flesh. The connection between the Sovereign, Lyssa, and Emilie becomes murkier, inviting speculation about their intertwined destinies. Notably, the dagger in Wonder Woman’s chest bears a striking similarity to the one she compelled the Sovereign to use for his punishment. Thus, while this issue unveils significant details about her death, it simultaneously raises further questions about the nature of these revelations.
The End of an Era for Diana Prince?
Cover C: Dan Mora Variant for Trinity: Daughter of Wonder Woman #1 (2025)
Despite Wonder Woman’s death being a future occurrence roughly 18 years away, its looming implications are already palpable. It’s clear that King is setting the stage for significant changes regarding the character. The most pronounced consequence of Diana’s eventual death is likely the conclusion of her tenure as Wonder Woman, paving the path for her daughter, Lizzie, to assume the mantle. Given that fans are already aware of Lizzie’s heroic endeavors and her possession of all three Lassos, including her mother’s iconic Lasso of Truth, this transition feels increasingly probable.
While other characters, like Artemis, have temporarily filled the role of Wonder Woman in the past, Diana remained alive during those times. The impending permanence of Lizzie taking over the mantle seems increasingly likely, especially in light of the potential extinction of the Amazons. Should King choose to follow through with this transformation, it would represent a bold creative pivot, ushering in a new dawn for the Wonder Woman narrative.
Broader Implications of Wonder Woman’s Death on the DC Universe
Main Cover by Daniel Sampere and Tomeu Morey for Wonder Woman #19 (2025)
The significance of Wonder Woman’s death transcends her individual storyline, casting shadows over the entire DC Universe. Most notably, it signifies the demise of the iconic Trinity—her partnership with Superman and Batman. Over the decades, Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman have been central to DC’s storytelling fabric, and witnessing the disintegration of this legendary bond will undoubtedly resonate deeply with fans. This shift also indicates a willingness from DC to transition toward a new generation of heroes.
Will Wonder Woman’s Shocking Demise Materialize?
Main Cover by Daniel Sampere and Tomeu Morey for Wonder Woman #17 (2025)
As the DC Universe gears up for these transformative events, fans might still hold onto hope regarding these drastic changes. Time flow within the DCU operates at a notably slower pace compared to real life—consider characters like Tim Drake, who has been perpetually 17 for decades. Consequently, the death portrayed for Diana in Wonder Woman #19 is unlikely to be seen in the immediate storyline. Fans need not fear that Wonder Woman will be removed from the DC narratives anytime soon, especially given the unique temporal dynamics of the DC Universe.
WONDER WOMAN #19 is now available from DC Comics!