Top 5 Must-Read Wonder Woman Comics for Every Fan

Initially introduced in comic books back in 1941, Wonder Woman has graced countless stories over the past 80 years. Picking out the top Wonder Woman comics can sometimes be tricky, but here’s a compact list to kickstart your reading journey.

Best Wonder Woman comics as of 2025

In numerous solo comics, collaborations, limited series, and group adventures, Wonder Woman experienced both memorable and less notable instances (though we often choose to forget her dating Superman). However, some excellent moments were omitted from this roundup for conciseness. Notably, Rucka and Scott’s “Year One” offers a captivating portrayal of Wonder Woman’s origin story, making it a worthy addition to our list of highlights. Let’s delve into it.

Wonder Woman: Dead Earth

If you’re new to the world of Wonder Woman and haven’t delved into the earliest issues of All-Star Comics or only know her through the movie, this story is an excellent point to join in. It’s not an origin tale, but rather a self-contained narrative that some consider as one of the best apart from “The True Amazon.” For longtime fans, it might spark some debate because Diana may seem slightly unlike her usual character if she’s not fully portrayed as a warmonger. However, whenever a character deviates from their typical personality, there’s often a compelling reason behind it — even if some find it displeasing.

Dead Earth” is a DC Black Label book authored by Daniel Warren Johnson, illustrated by Mike Spicer, and inked by Rus Wooton. In this story, Diana emerges from a prolonged slumber to discover a horrific scenario – Earth reduced to a barren wasteland following a catastrophic nuclear event. Her mission now is twofold: uncover the cause of this devastation and strive to preserve whatever remains of humanity. The narrative promises intense action, as perils lurk in every nook and cranny.

Johnson’s artistry truly shines, carrying a clear manga style throughout. Kudos to Spicer for adding a pop of color that illuminates the entire book. The unique phrasing might grab your attention, but you’ll understand once you take a look. Despite the action and surprises, the core theme of this story revolves around the profound concept of forgiveness.

Wonder Woman: Gods of Gotham

As a passionate enthusiast of mythology and all things superhero, let me share my thoughts on Wonder Woman: Gods of Gotham, an enthralling four-issue series penned by Phil Jimenez in 2001 that delves into the intriguing question: What if gods intertwined with supervillains? This electrifying tale unfolded across Volume 2, Issues 164-167. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology and the dark alleys of Gotham City, then consider this storyline a dream come true! I must admit my excitement might be a tad high, but with gods joining forces with the Bat Family, what’s not to love? Buckle up, fellow admirers, as we delve into a captivating tale that merges gods and Gotham City!

In Gods of Gotham, infamous criminals like Scarecrow, Joker, and Poison Ivy are influenced by powerful Greek deities, such as Hades, Ares, and Artemis, in Hecate’s plot to ignite a full-scale conflict within the city. Recognizing he needs assistance beyond his capabilities, Batman summons Wonder Woman for aid mere moments before the heroes of Gotham City begin experiencing similar possessions. The ensuing events make for an exhilarating journey.

War of the Gods

In 1992, George Pérez published a four-part comic series titled “Wonder Woman vs Circe” that spans across the DC Universe, primarily focusing on Wonder Woman’s battle against Circe, who seeks to fulfill Hecate’s vengeance by restructuring Earth’s reality. However, this isn’t just about these two characters; Pérez introduces a diverse cast of pantheon heroes from different mythologies such as Greek, Roman, Norse, and Egyptian. Additionally, DC superheroes like Superman and Batman make appearances in an epic confrontation that positions Earth at the center. With Wonder Woman standing at the heart of it all, battling to safeguard both mortals and immortals, this series is filled with non-stop action, rich lore, and is a delightful read.

In simpler terms, critics find the series overwhelming due to its complex interwoven plots, making it challenging for new readers to follow. However, the central role of Diana as a crossover hero is significant and long-awaited, hence justifying its inclusion among the top Wonder Woman comic books.

Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia

In contrast to anything else in her collection, The Hiketeia – penned by Greg Rucka with striking, atmospheric illustrations by J.G. Jones (published in 2002) – offers a rare glimpse into an ancient Greek ritual called supplication. In this ritual, someone would humbly kneel before a more powerful figure, grasping their feet or knees as a sign of reverence and establishing a sacred bond. This ritual carries significant weight and consequences if broken. To fully appreciate the nature of this bond is crucial for understanding its implications. Moreover, it sets up an intriguing confrontation between Batman and Wonder Woman.

In the story The Hiketeia, a young woman named Danielle performs a sacred ritual at the feet of Diana. This action binds them, and Diana vows unconditionally to safeguard Danielle. However, matters become intricate when Danielle becomes a fugitive for slaying men associated with a deeply emotional trauma. As anticipated, Batman feels compelled to pursue justice regarding her case. Consequently, an intense encounter between these two formidable figures unfolds, adding another layer of excitement to the tale.

Gods and Mortals

If you’re pondering, “How should I begin reading about Wonder Woman?” – start right here! Although it predates the storyline of The Hiketeia, Gods and Mortals by George Pérez (written a few years earlier) marked the beginning of Wonder Woman’s modern era. This transition was instrumental in distancing her from the Silver Age artistic style. Co-authored by Greg Potter and Len Wein, this seven-issue series (starting with Wonder Woman Vol. 2, #1) delves deep into Diana of Themyscira’s origin story, ensuring that we don’t miss out on her backstory here.

In this adaptation, female warriors of the Amazon are sculpted from earth, infused with the spirits of women who met an unfair end at the hands of their male counterparts, offering them a fresh opportunity for existence. This time, they possess strength, meaning, and even eternal life. Our protagonist, Diana, is birthed when Queen Hippolyta molds a child from clay, and divine beings breathe life into her as the Amazons’ protector. The main conflict arises when Ares, the god of war, aims to trigger global devastation once more, prompting Diana to intervene.

How we chose the best Wonder Woman comics

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I must confess that whittling down my favorite Wonder Woman comic books to merely five is almost an insult to the richness and depth of these stories. I’m aware that this might not be the definitive list you were hoping for, but the truth is, there are so many incredible tales penned by various writers that it’s impossible for me to single out just one as the best.

I aimed to compile a collection featuring comic books that received significant fan approval, shaped Diana’s character growth significantly, marked the start of a new phase for her, or provided an entry point for new readers within the story arc. Furthermore, I prioritized the exceptional quality of artwork throughout.

2025-07-15 05:30