Summary
WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Wonder Woman #10!DC has permanently enrichedWonder Woman’slore by introducing a dark consequence to her heroism that echoes a common trope seen inBatmanandJoker’srelationship. Fortunately for Diana Prince, though, it appears the Amazon Warrior won’t be trapped in the endless cycle of violence that ensnares the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime.
DC clearly establishes a cosmic connection between Wonder Woman and Cheetah, similar to the link between Batman and Joker.
Various comics and other media have supported the idea that Joker only exists because of Batman, creating a catch-22 for Gotham’s protector when it comes to ending the clown’s havoc. However, it seems that Joker and Batman aren’t unique in their paradoxical relationship.
DC has recently revealed thatBarbara “Cheetah” Minervaonly exists because of Wonder Woman, mirroring Joker’s relationship with Batman. This revelation occurs in Tom King, Daniel Sampere, and Tomeu Morey’sWonder Woman#10, where The Sovereign specifically states, “…if there is a Wonder Woman, there must also be a Cheetah.”
DC Confirms That “…If There Is a Wonder Woman, There Must Also Be a Cheetah”
For context, the Sovereign’s narration begins with him noting that Barbara wasn’t the first to be cursed with the Cheetah moniker and appearance; there were two predecessors: Priscilla Rich (the first Cheetah in DC comics) and Deborah"Debbi" Domaine, Priscilla’s niece. He then states that it “matters little” who specifically is Cheetah. The key takeaway is that the“… Gods have decided that if there is a Wonder Woman, there must also be a Cheetah.”This clearly establishes a cosmic connection between Wonder Woman and Cheetah, similar to the link between Batman and Joker.
However, unlike Joker and Batman, Diana and Barbara have managed to break their endless cycle of violence, as shown inWonder Woman#10. The two initially fight, but after some much-needed conversation, they are able to not only put their rivalry to rest but also become allies. Moreover, King might be setting up the two characters for something beyond allyship and friendship. The issue is heavily imbued with ‘women who love women’ themes, suggesting thatWonder Woman and Cheetah may soon enter a romantic relationship, creating a legendary enemies-to-lovers story arc for these iconic characters.
Cheetah Only Exists Because of Wonder Woman, Putting a Twist on the Famous Theory That ‘Joker Only Exists Because of Batman’
Unlike Cheetah and Wonder Woman, Joker and Batman have yet to have a comic in mainstream continuity explicitly stating that Joker only exists because of Batman. However, the subtext of various storylines strongly suggests this. This notion is supported by Joker’s origin story inAlan Moore and Brian Bolland’sThe Killing Joke(1988), where Joker, then part of the Red Hood gang, falls into a vat of chemicals while being chased by Batman, which can be interpreted as Batman literally ‘creating’ the Joker.
Further support comes from J.M. DeMatteis’Going Sanestory arc inBatman: Legends of the Dark Knight (Volume 1), where Joker becomes ‘sane’ after believing he has killed Batman, implying that without Batman, there is no Joker. While there are some key differences in the context of these relationships, it’s interesting to see howCheetahandWonder WomanmirrorJokerandBatmanin the sense that one exists because of the other.
Joker Confirmed His Biggest Fan Theory With 1 Sentence
The intricate and intense dynamic between Batman and the Joker has captivated fans, inspiring a multitude of theories, and one was just confirmed.
WONDER WOMAN #10 (2024)
The Joker
The Joker is a psychopathic criminal mastermind with a warped sense of humor. Initially introduced as a remorseless serial killer, the character evolved over time, often oscillating between a prankster and a homicidal maniac. His relationship with Batman is one of the most complex in comic book history, defined by their mutual obsession. Over the decades, the Joker has become an enduring icon of chaos and madness, embodying the antithesis of Batman’s order and justice.
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.
