Summary
WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for Wonder Woman #12!In anAbsolute Powertie-in issue,Wonder WomanandRobinshare a deeply emotional moment in which Diana Prince makes a startling revelation, admitting thatBatmanis essentially a god. This revelation also contradicts the origin story of Wonder Woman, which was established earlier in the series this year, leaving fans with one pressing question: What is going on?
It’s also possible that King is combining the two origins, making Wonder Woman both the daughter of a god and created from clay.
Tom King, Tony S. Daniel, and Leonardo Paciarotti’sWonder Woman#12 ties into DC’s crossover crisis event,Absolute Power, which sees Amanda Waller and her power-stealing Amazo robots targeting Earth’s metahuman population. This issue begins theteam-up between Wonder Woman and Damian Wayne’s Robin, as they join forces to uncover the location of Waller’s secret prison, where she unjustly detains both heroes and villains.
Beyond unveiling the prison’s location, the issue features a deeply emotional moment whereWonder Woman reveals that she views herself and Robin as children of gods, suggesting that she considers Batman, a god.
“I Too Am the Child of a God”:According to Wonder Woman, She and Robin Are Both Children of Gods
Diana Prince Officially Gives Bruce Wayne the Title of a God (But Is It Accurate?)
InWonder Woman#12, the youngest Robin grows increasingly frustrated as their efforts to extract the location ofWaller’s prison from Captain Boomerangprove unsuccessful. Amidst his mounting frustration, Damian confesses that he feels inadequate compared to his father, Batman. When Diana tries to offer comfort, Damian tells her she doesn’t understand. In response, the Amazon Princess points out,“Don’t I? You should remember, young one… I too am the child of a god.”This moment makes it clear that not only is Wonder Woman claiming divine heritage for both herself and Robin, but she is also implying that Batman holds a god-like status.
This moment has clearly divided fans. Many appreciate the heartwarming scene where Wonder Woman and Robin share a hug, providing Damian with the maternal love and comfort he has long been denied. Others, however, feel that the implication of Batman being a god is excessive, given thatWonder Woman herself is a being thousands of years oldwith direct contact with gods and other divine entities. From a metaphorical perspective, though, this statement is both strong and insightful.It effectively captures the weight Damian feels in trying to live up to Batman’s legacy, akin to a mere mortal striving to match the legacy of a god.
Did DC Just Retcon Wonder Woman’s Origin Mid-Series by Calling Her a Child of a God?
In addition to the controversy over Wonder Woman granting Batman god-status, this comment may have also confused some fans as it appears to retcon Diana’s previously established origin story.InWonder Woman#6, Diana, during a fight with Darkseid’s daughter, declares that she was made from clay,establishing her origin as the classic tale ofher mother crafting her from clayand breathing life into her. However, in issue #12, Diana claims that she is“the child of a god,”presenting a completely different origin story, implying she is the daughter of Zeus. This shift in her origin mid-series creates considerable confusion.
Yet, it’s also possible that King is combining the two origins,making Diana both the daughter of a god and created from clay. Some fans might find this approach a bit messy. However, it would make sense if King is subtly referencingDiana’s origin fromWonder Woman: Dead Earth. In that story, it’s revealed that Hippolyta mixed a portion of each Greek god’s blood with the clay she used to form Diana. This origin explains how Diana could simultaneously be made of clay and the child of a god. However, this remains speculative, and fans eagerly await further clarification from King regardingWonder Woman’sorigins.
WONDER WOMAN #12 (2024)
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is the superhero identity of Diana, Princess of the Amazons. Created on the island of Themyscira, Wonder Woman is a super-powered demi-goddess with extreme physical strength who utilizes magical gifts (like her famous Lasso of Truth) to defeat her foes. As mighty as her fellow heroes Superman and the Justice League, Wonder Woman is unmatched in her compassion and virtue.
