Wonder Woman issue 39 (2015) continues the story of Diana dealing with the issues of being the “God of War” and the Queen of the Amazonians. More importantly, the deeper issue here in this book is the struggle between Wonder Woman being a member of the Justice League—and living up to the values that the Justice League lives up to; primarily the “not killing” part, versus the rage that comes with being the God of war. In a critical scene, Wonder Woman goes down the road of killing the monster in the story when Superman stops her. The monster is then saved by Cyborg. Batman then accuses Diana of allowing the mantle of the “God of War” change her. Through some other intervention, it is found that it hasn’t changed her—but the struggle is real.
While many people do not comprehend the important difference of whether the Justice League should kill or not kill—it is an important distinction that the Justice League holds. First, it shows that there are high ethics and values that we all must live by. This is a great example for everyone to follow—in or out of the comic book world. Second, it shows that just because you are more powerful doesn’t mean you can live above those values.
The most recent Wonder Woman arc is very good. I’ve had trouble reading Wonder Woman over the last couple of years because I have found the stories complicated and dry. But, the “War Torn” arc has truly regained my respect for the character as well as the ability of the writers to use her character to tell a good story.