Contains Graphic Imagery of Human Spine Removal and Other Gore
As much as I loved Zack Snyder’sBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justiceand its clever twist onThe Death ofSupermanstoryline, a hard-hitting quote fromWonder Womanhas me craving a more permanent end for the Man of Steel. This quote is from what I consider one of DC’s best Black Label series, providing ample source material for a grim-dark movie haunted by the specter of Superman.
Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer’sWonder Woman: Dead Earth#3 continues Diana Prince’s journey as she awakens from a centuries-long slumber to find her friends gone, Earth reduced to a wasteland, and her memories incomplete. Determined to uncover what happened to the world and why Superman didn’t save it, she travels to theFortress of Solitudein search of the Man of Steel. However, instead of finding her long-time friend, Diana encounters a Superman-esque android and is faced with a horrifying truth—Clark is dead, and she was the one who killed him.
Wonder Woman Drops Hard-Hitting Quote That Deserves Its Own R-Rated Movie
As Diana’s memories return, she recalls the fight with Clark that erupted after humans launchednuclear warheads targeting the Amazons. Diana blamed Clark for defending the humans, leading to a confrontation in which she ultimately triumphed. Now, removed from the emotions that drove her to kill Superman, she is horrified and devastated by what she has done. After a moment of self-pity, she resolves to fight the mutants now plaguing Earth and salvage what remains of the world. When one of Diana’s companions wishes Superman were still around, Wonder Woman responds,“There will be no man to help us on our quest. Just his bones. And a beautiful memory.”
This quote is profoundly hard-hitting, and its emotional impact intensifies asWonder Woman removes Superman’s spineand skull to combine with the Lasso of Truth, creating the ultimate weapon. This moment stands out as one of the most grim-dark yet badass scenes I’ve ever read in comics, making me instantly eager to see it unfold on the silver screen. The quote itself carries deep emotion and tells its own story, reflecting Wonder Woman’s resolve to take necessary actions while subtly acknowledging her love for her friend.It serves as an apology, a declaration, and a promise to do better, all in one.
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Wonder Woman’s origin has just gotten a badass update that gives the Amazon Princess her most powerful version of immortality and invulnerability.
DC Needs To Expand Its Animated Movie Line-Up to Include Black Label Series
I usually hate stories centered around major character deaths, butJohnson’s storytelling inWonder Woman: Dead Earthhas made me yearn for a film haunted by the Man of Steel’s specter, without the typical resurrection twist. Obviously, permanently killing Superman in the DCU’s mainstream movie universe would spark outrage among fans, and rightly so. That’s why I suggest setting this potential movie outside the main universe, similar to howMatt Reeves’The Batmanexists in its own distinct realm. By doing so, DC could offer fans a gritty, unprecedented storyline without facing the backlash of permanently killing off Superman.
Even if DC isn’t ready to commit to an entirely new movie universe,adaptingWonder Woman: Dead Earthinto anElseworldsanimated film remains a viable option, similar to how DC approachedBatman: Gotham by Gaslight. DC’s lineup is overflowing with incredibleElseworldsand Black Label stories rich with movie potential. However, the publisher has yet to fully capitalize on these groundbreaking storylines for film adaptations.Wonder Woman: Dead Earthcould serve as an excellent starting point for DC, given its action-packed narrative that is sure to attract a sizable audience and justify the investment in its adaptation.
Daniel Warren Johnson’s Dark Wonder Woman Story Was Born to Become a Movie
One of the most striking elements of Johnson’sWonder Woman: Dead Earthis its graphic, haunting visuals. Iconic scenes, such as Superman’s skeleton sitting alone on his throne, the sea of bodies surrounding the Fortress of Solitude, and Wonder Woman tearing the Man of Steel’s spine from his body, are just a few examples of the unforgettable imagery that would translate into powerful cinematic moments. These visuals not only reimagine Superman and his lore in unprecedented ways but would also promise to captivate audiences, drawing them to theaters for a dark and grippingWonder Woman/Supermanfilm.
Wonder Woman: Dead Earth #3is available now 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.
