WARNING: Potential Spoilers for WONDER WOMAN #23 (2025)!
DC has recently made some drastic changes to itsJustice League, expanding its membership to include all Earth heroes. Yet despite this shift, most fans still agree that Superman and Batman remain in leadership roles, alongside characters like Mister Terrific, who has recently stepped up. However, one hero just proved they’re the League’s true pinnacle leader by telling all three males exactly where they can shove their authority.
InWonder Woman#23 by Tom King, Daniel Sampere, and Tomeu Morey, the present-day storyline picks up withDiana seemingly asking the Justice League for permission to enter the Island of Mice and Menin pursuit of a target.
At first, it comes off as a respectful request, but it quickly becomes obvious that she was never actually seeking their approval. Diana had already made up her mind, and the conversation was purely a formality.She goes on to openly dismiss Superman and Batman’s authority,making it clear that when it comes to the DC Trinity, Wonder Woman is the one truly in charge.
Diana Walks Out on the Justice League’s Verdict, Proving No One Tells Her What to Do
Comic Page Comes from Tom King’sWonder Woman#23 (2025) - Art by Daniel Sampere
Whilewhat Wonder Woman says to Batman is shocking, it’s first important to note that she doesn’t just dismiss Clark and Bruce. Before confronting the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight, Diana first meets with Mister Terrific, who informs her that the Justice League’s Governing Council has voted against supporting her request to travel to the Island of Mice and Men.
As Mister Terrific explains, the island and its people had long severed ties with the United States, requesting complete isolation from the mainland. For Diana to enter as an uninvited and unwelcome guest would be a violation of U.N. law and a betrayal of the Justice League’s sacred word. As soon as Terrific finishes speaking,Diana silently rises and turns to leave without saying a word.
This action is a clear rejection of bothTerrific and the Justice League’sdecision. It shows that she fully intends to go to the island regardless of their lack of support. Terrific’s weak attempt to stop her, saying only“Diana… don’t,”highlights just how far above the rest she stands,especially when even the League’s unofficial leader cannot offer more than a quiet plea.
Diana Dethrones Batman and Superman with One Bold, Defiant Move
Diana’s disregard for the League is striking, but her next move makes an even stronger statement.Her dismissal of Superman and Batman, who are usually seen as her equals, is even more significant.Superman tries to appeal to her reason and sense of responsibility, warning that there must be limits, even for them, or else those limits mean nothing at all.
Batman takes a more direct approach. He warns Diana that if she defies the order to stay out of the Island of Mice and Men’s affairs, there will be consequences. Most would hesitate in the face of such a warning, but Wonder Woman doesn’t blink. In a bold and unexpected move, she pats Batman on the cheek and replies,“Aphrodite was right. You are cute.”
After brushing off Bruce’s threat and mocking him in the process, Diana turns her back on both heroes and walks away. With this single moment,Tom King shifts the balance of the Trinity, placing Wonder Woman on a pedestal higher than Clark or Bruce. Normally presented as equals, they now appear beneath her. It will be interesting to see how fans respond to King’s portrayal ofWonder Womanas theJustice League’sunofficial true leader in the sense that the rules don’t apply to her.
