(Image Source: DC / Clayton Crain)
One change to a classic DC villain’s background in Absolute Wonder Woman improves it immeasurably. The new Absolute Universe setting is built upon the idea of minor tweaks majorly changing the core of DC Comics‘ characters. In this case, however, the twist does little beyond better justifying the villain’s turning upon the Amazon princess Diana.
The change comes about in Absolute Wonder Woman #20. Written by Kelly Thompson, with art by Hayden Sherman, the issue is the final chapter of the “Season of the Witch” storyline. This arc saw Diana attacked by a brute squad of magic-wielders enslaved by GATES Director Veronica Cale. The attack occurred at a museum gala honoring a display of Amazon artifacts curated by Dr. Barbara Minerva. After a brief battle, both women are consequently taken into custody.
In the mainstream DC Universe, Dr. Barbara Minerva is the most famous woman to take up the mantle of Cheetah. She was originally introduced post-Crisis as a unscrupulous archeologist/adventurer. Dr. Minerva fell victim to a curse trying to claim the power of the god Urzkartaga. She later targeted Wonder Woman, thinking the Lasso of Truth might cure her.
(Image Source: DC / Nicola Scott)
This history was revamped following the 2016 DC Rebirth event. In the new timeline, Dr. Minerva studied ancient cultures, struggling to prove that Amazons were not a myth. She was originally brought in to translate for Diana and help her acclimate to Man’s World, but the two became fast friends. However, thanks to the interference of Veronica Cale, Dr. Minerva was unable to call Diana for help when she was forcibly bound to Urzkartaga while on an expedition. This apparent failure accordingly turned Barbara against her friend, making her into Wonder Woman’s most dangerous and frequent foe.
Absolute Wonder Woman makes Cheetah’s turn to evil less random
The change in DC Rebirth was intended to streamline the origins of both Wonder Woman and Cheetah. In the post-Crisis timeline, it was Professor Julia Kapatelis who acted as Diana’s mentor. Merging Dr. Minerva with Julia Kapatelis was a brilliant way of strengthening the ties between Diana and her greatest enemy. However, this change still couldn’t truly justify Dr. Minerva’s turning against her friend. There were similar issues in the Wonder Woman 1984 movie, which adapted this version of Cheetah for the DCEU.
(Image Source: DC / Hayden Sherman)
Absolute Wonder Woman #20 replicates this storyline, save for one detail. In this case, Diana is unexpectedly rescued by a magical curse. Previously, she had eaten a pomegranate seed from the garden of Hades. This enabled her to return to the Underworld for one month out of the year to visit her adoptive mother. Unfortunately, Diana had no control over when she would be summoned to spend her one month.
Veronica Cale is quick to take advantage of the situation. She approaches Dr. Minerva with the video footage showing Diana’s apparent escape. Between that and Barbara’s fears that Diana did not regard her as well as her other friends, it is enough to convince her that Diana abandoned her. This discussion takes place in a room with the corpse of the former Cheetah, who was killed in the battle.
(Image Source: DC / Hayden Sherman)
The issue ends before it is confirmed that Dr. Minerva will take up the mantle of the Cheetah. However, the execution here sells the idea of Barbara’s betrayal far better than any other story to date. Given that, it seems all but certain that there will soon be an Absolute Cheetah.
Absolute Wonder Woman #20 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
