WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for WONDER WOMAN #14!
Tom King has officially broken me with his latest release featuring Wonder Woman. If you haven’t read it yet, I recommend you stop now and dive into the story, as this article will be full of spoilers detailing how a specific image of Diana Prince left me in tears.
By portraying her as utterly broken and grieving, the narrative challenges the very essence of what Wonder Woman embodies.
Tom King, Daniel Sampere, Tomeu Morey and Clayton Cowles Wonder Woman #14 took me by surprise in the first few pages with the shocking death of Steve Trevor, who was shot in the chest by Sovereign. This moment left me in awe as there was little to no buildup; one moment Steve is alive and happy and the next moment he is gone.
Although Steve’s death broke my heart, it was Wonder Woman’s grief and her reaction to his loss that finally left me in tears. The scene of her crying on the floor of a cave wrapped in Steve Trevor’s American flag was the moment that broke the barrier of my tears.
Wonder Woman’s Heartbreaking Pain for Steve Trevor Reveals the Depth of Her Love
The sight of Wonder Woman clinging to Steve Trevor’s flag is totally heartwarming
For those unfamiliar with the significance of Diana clinging to the American, this particular flag was part of the Flag Presentation Ceremony at Steve’s funeral, a moving tradition where an American flag is given to the family or closest relative of a service member. deceased. As Diana was unable to attend the funeral due to being wanted by the United States government, she ends up taking the flag from one of Steve’s distant relatives. At that moment, her embrace of the flag symbolizes one of the last tangible pieces of Steve she has.
Although I have always considered death to be tragic in stories, what really moves me is witnessing the pain of those left behind. Seeing Diana – often a pillar of strength – broken as she curls up and cries on the cave floor shattered any semblance of control I had over my emotions. This stark image is shocking, especially since fans are used to seeing Wonder Woman as a figure who rarely allows herself to cry. Yet as sad as this moment is, I loved it because it embodies a profound truth: There is no stronger demonstration of love than that which endures after death.
Wonder Woman #14 Strips Diana of her indomitable spirit (and I loved it)
“No thanks.”: Wonder Woman’s Iconic Catchphrase Gets a Poignant Twist
Based on the timestamps provided in the comics, we learn that Diana stayed in the cave with Steve’s American flag for at least eight days. On the eighth day, we witness her berating herself for her pain, demanding that she get up and get on with her life. Your words to yourself“Damn it, he’s gone and you’re not. Get the fuck off the floor”– echo your internal struggle. However, despite her frustration and desire to be strong, she responds with her iconic catchphrase, now tinged with heartbreak: “No thanks.”
This moment amplifies the devastation I felt reading this issue, as King deftly transforms Diana’s catchphrase—once a powerful symbol of her strength and resilience—into a moving expression of defeat and hopelessness. By portraying her as utterly broken and grieving, the narrative challenges the very essence of what Wonder Woman embodies. Known for her unwavering refusal to surrender under any circumstances – just look at Tower of Babel– this moment represents his last act of surrender. It’s both moving and humanizing, making Diana even more relatable and lovable for readers.
King is preparing to give Wonder Woman an incredible comeback
Wonder Woman enters a never-before-explored era of character development
With Wonder Woman #14, Tom King took Diana to what could be the lowest point in her life. As moving as it is, it sets the stage for one of his most epic returns. The ‘birth’ of her and Steve’s daughter, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Marston Prince indicates that motherhood will play a significant role in Diana’s character’s journey. However, it would be naive to think that a baby can completely cure your pain. It will be amazing to witness the new heights Wonder Woman will achieve as she embarks on this unexplored era in her character’s story.
Wonder Woman #14 is now available from DC Comics!
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WONDER WOMAN #14 (2024) |
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