Warning: Spoilers ahead for Wonder Woman #19! A core virtue of Wonder Woman has resulted in one of the most heart-wrenching sequences in her narrative to date. While fans anticipated a tragic conclusion to her conflict with the Sovereign, the actual outcome left few prepared for its emotional impact.
The Sovereign unleashed chaos upon Diana, turning the Amazons against her and leading to the death of Steve Trevor. In retaliation, Wonder Woman revealed the truth about the Sovereign, dismantling his power base. This set the stage for a climactic showdown, where Wonder Woman opts for a principle she fiercely values, but at a significant personal cost.
Wonder Woman Chooses Love Over Violence – A Fatal Decision
Confronting the Sovereign: Wonder Woman’s Fateful Choice
In Wonder Woman #19, crafted by Tom King with the artistry of Daniel Sampere, colors by Tomeu Morey, and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the Sovereign finds himself nearing his narrative’s end. He attempts to expedite his story’s conclusion, but Trinity compels him to confess all by binding him with the Lasso of Truth. As a result, he unwittingly relives the pivotal moment when Wonder Woman declared war against him at the White House, defeating every force he placed in her path. Upon entering the White House, the Sovereign immediately surrenders.
Despite this surrender, Wonder Woman is resolute and refuses to entertain his excuses. Drawing upon her mother’s legacy, she invokes a dagger wrought from her own fury and instructs the Sovereign to strip away his jacket and shirt. Once he complies, she hands him the dagger, challenging him to inscribe one honest truth upon his chest to atone for the lies he has perpetrated against the nation. The Sovereign etches the word ‘liar’ into his skin, yet he reveals to Trinity that Wonder Woman has chosen to spare him, prioritizing love over vengeance.
However, this choice bears tragic consequences. Trinity’s conversation with the Sovereign hints at the emergence of a ‘Wonder War’ led by Lyssa, an Amazon closely linked to Wonder Woman’s nemesis. This war has already seen the demise of nearly every Amazon, including beloved allies like Donna, Cassie, and Yara. In a grim twist, Lyssa also ends Wonder Woman’s life, using a knife reminiscent of the one Wonder Woman compelled the Sovereign to employ, but with an emblematic red, white, and blue handle.
Did Wonder Woman Make the Right Choice by Choosing Love Over Violence?
Could Death Have Altered the Course of the Amazons?
Wonder Woman is often characterized by her unwavering belief in love as a guiding force. In her darkest moments, it is love that helps her recalibrate her purpose. This principle hinges on her decision not to execute the Sovereign, despite his transgressions against her. Regrettably, this mercy paved the road to a future that culminates in Wonder Woman’s own demise.
The specifics surrounding the tragic final moments of Wonder Woman remain undisclosed. However, the dagger wielded by Lyssa indicates that she may have drawn from the Sovereign’s legacy to fuel her vengeance. Had Wonder Woman chosen to uphold her convictions and eliminated the Sovereign, one could argue that the ensuing chaos and her ultimate death could have been avoided. But is a Wonder Woman who compromises her core values truly Wonder Woman?
Fans appreciate Wonder Woman for her resilience and strength, which encompasses not only her physical might but also her emotional integrity. Many argue that Diana had ample justification to end the Sovereign’s life considering the suffering he inflicted upon her and the wider world. Yet, what distinguishes Diana is her ability to uphold her principles in the face of overwhelming adversity. While it surely wasn’t easy to choose love in the face of such devastation, it epitomizes her identity. Yes, this choice ultimately cost her life, but it reaffirms that, if any hero is willing to sacrifice everything for love, it is undoubtedly Wonder Woman.
Wonder Woman’s Death: A Testament to Her Principles
How Many Heroes Die for Their Beliefs?
Wonder Woman is acutely aware that allowing someone as perilous as the Sovereign to live is inherently risky. However, this current arc reaffirms her commitment to her principles, even in the face of fatal repercussions. While heroes often declare what they stand for, it’s rare to witness them truly give their lives for their beliefs. Thus, one can never doubt Wonder Woman’s sincerity when she proclaims her allegiance to love.
Wonder Woman #19 is now available from DC Comics.