Warning: Spoilers forAbsolute Wonder Woman #3!A key character inWonder Womanlore is finally sinking her teeth into the publisher’s new alternate universe, asCheetahis officially teased to debut inAbsolute Wonder Woman’s explosive first arc. There have been a few different iterations of CheetahthroughoutDC Comicshistory, and the inventive series is set to introduce yet another take on Diana’s fierce feline foe for the revamped hero from Hell.
A preview forAbsolute Wonder Woman#3 by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman seesDiana prepare to battle the massive Tetracide, a powerful monster that even the Princess of the Underworld fears. As the supernatural face-off is televised, a peculiar character named Barbara watches in awe from the Gateway City Natural History Museum.
Though Barbara’s last name isn’t outright stated in the preview,she is definitely the Absolute Universe’s Barbara Ann Minerva- perhaps the most popular character to take up the Cheetah mantle. Since she appears in human form, the series will seemingly feature an updated origin for the villain.
With Barbara’s Introduction, One of Wonder Woman’s Most Iconic Villains Debuts in the Absolute Universe
Absolute Wonder Woman#3 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey
The first glimpse at the character inAbsolute Wonder Woman#3’s preview looks pretty similar to the beginnings of Barbara’s main continuity counterpart, butthere are still endless possibilities for Cheetah as she’s reimagined for the Absolute Universe. While the first Cheetah debuted in 1943’sWonder Woman#6 by William Marston and Harry G. Peter, Barbara Minerva was created in 1987 by Len Wein and George Pérez and still holds the mantle today. As arguably Diana’s quintessential sparring partner, it was only a matter of time until Barbara’s Absolute Universe debut.
Absolute Wonder Woman’s version of Barbara seems to follow her traditional origin with just one page of evidence so far.
In her traditional origin,Dr. Barbara Ann Minerva starts out as a highly-intelligent yet meek archaeologistwho uses ancient magic to undergo a ferocious transformation that makes her the iconic villain Cheetah. With her introduction at the Gateway City Natural History Museum - and also seemingly invisible to those around her -Absolute Wonder Woman’s version of Barbara seems to follow her traditional origin with just one page of evidence so far. However, asanother classic villain has become Wonder Woman’s momin this universe, among other inventive lore changes, a few exciting twists on the Cheetah should be expected.
Our Take On the Debut of Barbara Ann Minerva In DC’s Darkseid-Fueled Alternate Universe
Thompson and Sherman’s Brand-New Version of Cheetah Could Be the Most Vicious Yet
AsAbsolute Wonder Womancontinuously raises the stakes for its titular Amazon,the creative team could conjure up the fiercest Cheetah ever. With the new universe being made from the energy of Darkseid, its depiction of the savage villain could be untamed in ways never seen before. Thompson’s currentBirds of Preyseries,one of Screen Rant’s best comics of 2024, highlights the writer’s ability to capture DC’s heroines and their camaraderie, so it’ll be exciting to see how the dynamic between Diana and Barbara unfolds in her Absolute Universe series.
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Though not much is known about the new Barbara Minerva before she appears inAbsolute Wonder Woman#3, her first reaction to seeing Diana is already notable. When Barbara lights up, quietly says “Wonder Woman”, and runs off, it marks the first time that Diana is actually called by her superhero name in this new universe and could further point to the character’s importance in this version ofDC Comicslore. As theWonder Womanfrom Hellreaches new heights in the Absolute Universe, the reinvigoratedCheetahis finally on the board and could be on the prowl very soon.
Absolute Wonder Woman#3is available December 25th, 2024 from DC Comics.
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.
