Important: Spoilers for Wonder Woman #19 Below! A formidable war is on the horizon in the DC Universe, posing an existential risk to everything that fans cherish about Wonder Woman. What seemed like the resolution of her conflict with the Sovereign is merely the calm before an impending storm.
The Sovereign, once America’s covert ruler, has orchestrated a shadowy reign for generations. After crossing paths with Wonder Woman, he was dethroned and his dominion dismantled. Yet, unbeknownst to Diana, the Sovereign reveals that he has been hatching a long-term plan to reclaim his power and exact revenge on the Amazing Amazon.
The Wonder War: The Amazons’ Heaviest Conflict Yet
The Sovereign—Mastermind of Revenge Against Wonder Woman
In the latest issue, Wonder Woman #19, crafted by Tom King, Daniel Sampere, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles, the Sovereign recounts how Wonder Woman outmaneuvered him. However, his narrative does not convince Trinity, Diana’s daughter, who implores him to continue. Pressured by the Lasso of Truth, the Sovereign ominously acknowledges the devastating toll of the Wonder War, revealing that it has claimed the lives of many who matter to Trinity, including Wonder Woman, whose life was extinguished by a dagger embeddings its blade into her heart.
The Sovereign tactfully provokes Trinity, questioning if she ponders why the dagger bore his family’s insignia or how Lyssa, the lurking threat of the Wonder War, acquired it. Despite this, Trinity remains focused on uncovering the end of the tale. He discloses that, on the last day of his freedom, Wonder Woman confronted him at the White House. Before taking him to Themyscira for judgment, she compelled him to etch “liar”into his own chest with a dagger forged from her own fury.
Seeds of the Wonder War Are Already Sprouting
The Genesis of Wonder Woman and the Sovereign’s Battle
The Sovereign, introduced as Henry Charles, is the latest in a lineage of secret rulers who have influenced America for nearly three centuries through the Lasso of Lies. His rise to power was tarnished when he murdered his father to claim the throne originally intended for his sister, Claire. This malevolent figure cloaked himself in a façade, all while despising Wonder Woman for exemplifying the very ideals he abhorred.
His vendetta traces back to a pivotal moment explored in Wonder Woman #800. Following an incident where Emelie killed a group of men, the Sovereign orchestrated the removal of Amazons from America. He incited Congress to form the Amazon Extradition Entity, leading to the forceful expulsion or imprisonment of Amazons. This galvanized Wonder Woman, who ultimately uncovered the Sovereign’s manipulations and began to push back against his tyrannical rule. His wrath escalated as she thwarted his plans, culminating in the brutal murder of her beloved, Steve Trevor.
As Wonder Woman mourned and raised their daughter, Elizabeth, she launched an all-out assault on the Sovereign—stripping him of his wealth and power. Under intense scrutiny, he made a desperate last stand at the White House, where he was defeated by Wonder Woman’s strength.
The Wonder War: A Next-Gen Battle for the Amazons’ Fate
Legacy and Confrontation: Wonder Woman vs. The Sovereign
Wonder Woman #19 offers a wealth of narrative depth, tracing the intertwined fates of the Sovereign and Diana. After being humiliated by Wonder Woman, who stripped him of his power and marked him, the role of destiny unfolds. Notably, while the dagger that Wonder Woman once wielded bore her colors, the one claimed to have ended her life bears the Sovereign’s colors on its hilt.
The Sovereign is set to face imprisonment for years, yet the legacy of hatred and vengeance lingers, possibly in the form of Emelie’s newborn child. The Sovereign ominously refers to the infant as “his own dear Lyssa,”suggesting a sinister connection that may fuel future conflicts.
The upcoming Wonder War appears to be led by Lyssa—Emelie’s child—and seeks revenge against the Amazons, including significant figures like Donna Troy and Cassie Sandsmark. Ultimately, it is Trinity—Wonder Woman’s daughter—who holds the potential to end this war and bring about change, piecing together the origins of this dire conflict.
Can Trinity Halt the Wonder War?
Is the Fate of the Amazons Doomed?
The future remains uncertain, with limitless possibilities on the battlefield ahead. Nevertheless, the Wonder War promises to be harrowing, fierce, and potentially devastating. This conflict harkens back decades to the initial provocations of the Sovereign. The outcome is unpredictable, but if Trinity embodies any fraction of her mother’s strength, hope remains for a brighter resolution.
Wonder Woman #19 is currently available from DC Comics.