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Comments: |
The "Sacrifice" storyline, which is a fundamental crossroads in the relationship of the "Trinity" - Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman - was told in four parts across "Superman" #219, "Action Comics" #829 and ""Adventures of Superman" #642.
This shocking event obviously caused much furore and debate amongst fans and
non fans alike. Some felt Diana's actions had been totally wrong and that killing
a human in cold blood, however evil, was never justifiable. Others argued that
this was the only way to stop an out of control Superman rampaging
everywhere and potentially killing thousands or even millions or innocent people.
In my personal view, she was right to do what she did. What so many
people fail to understand is that Diana is not a super hero like the other members
of the DC Universe. She is first and foremost an Amazon warrior and
secondly an Ambassador for her nation, trying to bring the ideals of peace and
justice to Patriarch's world. The fact that others are opposed to her mission
and try to stop her, causing her to defend herself and protect the lives of
the innocents around her, are a side effect of this mission. Superman and Batman's
ideals are different because they come from totally different cultures and backgrounds.
They would never kill. Even when there was no other choice. But Diana comes
from a race of warriors who know the ways of war and although they live by a
code of peace and love, also know that violence sometimes begets violence.
Only Wonder Woman has the courage of her convictions to do what is right when
the time comes. As she states herself in "Infinite Crisis" #1 - "I
am who the world needs me to be". Which makes Diana such an interesting
and complex character and, at least in my eyes, more of a true modern hero for
our times than her male counterparts could even hope to be.
But with all things there are always consequences. Obviously, if Diana's actions become known to the outside world what might happen then? What indeed...
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Plot Summary: |
This issue follows directly on from events in "Adventures of Superman"
#642, where a mind controlled Superman has attacked and almost killed Batman
in the JLA Watchtower, but for the intervention of Diana. When the Man of Steel
escapes the JLA and flies down to Max Lord's lair in Switzerland, Diana follows
him, telling the others that her gifts of "Truth" may protect her
from Max Lord's very powerful psychic mind controlling abilities.
When she arrives at the Chateau she is grabbed by a waiting Superman and forced
to her knees. Lord tries to control her but apparently fails and she gets to
her feet.
He then makes Superman attack Wonder Woman by making him see a vision of Doomsday
killing Lois Lane. Thinking Diana is his foe, he grabs her by the throat and
flies her towards the sun, intent on throwing her in. As she struggles to use
a piece of Kryptonite that Batman has given her, Superman burns her cheek with
his heat vision. She finally manages to break free but before she can use the
Kryptonite, Superman punches her with such force that she is sent crashing back
down to Earth.
As she struggles to her feet, trying to reason with him, he blasts her with
freezing air entombing her in ice. As he lifts a rock to finish her though,
he finds she has already gone and has secretly crept up behind him. She smashes
her bracelets against his ears, causing him to bellow in pain as his super sensitive
hearing is shattered by the noise. Wonder Woman then tries to wrap her lasso
around him but he grabs her wrist and they grapple. He finally snaps her wrist
causing her to scream in pain. She retaliates by kicking and sending him flying,
realising that the only way to stop this battle is to go to the source.
She flies back to Max Lord's lair and wrapping her lasso around him, orders
him to stop. As Superman arrives to attack her again she throws her tiara and
slices through Kal El's throat. Max Lord releases his hold over Superman but
gloats that he can control the Man of Steel any time he chooses and that she
cannot hold him in her lasso forever. As soon as he is free he will
make Superman kill Lois Lane or anybody he chooses. She compels him to reveal
how to stop this from happening and he tells her she will have to kill him.
Without hesitation she snaps his neck as a horrified Superman looks on!
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